Teriyaki Tofu Recipe

Introduction

Teriyaki tofu is a flavorful, plant-based dish that combines crispy tofu with a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 14-ounce block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon high-heat oil (such as avocado or canola oil)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (for marinating)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (for sauce)
• 1/3 cup water (for sauce)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the cubed tofu in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crisp on all sides.
3. Step 3: While the tofu cooks, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Pour the thickened sauce over the tofu and toss gently to coat. Heat together for 2 more minutes, allowing the tofu to soak up the glaze.
6. Step 6: Transfer the tofu to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm with rice or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, press the tofu for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
• Try adding minced fresh garlic or ginger to the sauce for a more intense flavor.
• Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover teriyaki tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The tofu may lose some crispness but will retain great flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft or silken tofu instead of extra-firm?

Extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe because it holds its shape and crisps well. Soft or silken tofu is too delicate and may fall apart during cooking.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

This recipe is vegan. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Teriyaki Tofu Recipe

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4.6 from 71 reviews

This Teriyaki Tofu recipe features crispy, golden cubes of extra-firm tofu coated in a flavorful, homemade teriyaki sauce. The tofu is marinated, pan-fried until crisp, and then glazed with a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious plant-based meal served over rice or vegetables.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

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Tofu Preparation

• 1 14-ounce block extra-firm tofu (pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoon high-heat oil (such as avocado or canola oil)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (for marinating)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (for sauce)
• 1/3 cup water (for sauce)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions (chopped)

Instructions

1. Season tofu: Place the cubed extra-firm tofu in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of high-heat oil, 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Toss gently to evenly coat the tofu cubes with the marinade and seasonings.
2. Cook tofu: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until each side is golden brown and crispy.
3. Simmer sauce: While the tofu cooks, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Thicken sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water). Continue stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
5. Glaze tofu: Reduce the heat on the skillet to low. Add the thickened teriyaki sauce to the skillet and gently toss the tofu cubes to coat them thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors and heat through.
6. Garnish and serve: Transfer the glazed tofu to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm over steamed rice or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Pressing the tofu thoroughly before cooking helps achieve a crispier texture.
• Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the tofu from sticking and breaking apart.
• Adjust brown sugar quantity to control sweetness level of the sauce.
• This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried vegetables.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

Keywords: teriyaki tofu, crispy tofu, vegan teriyaki, plant-based main dish, easy tofu recipe, skillet tofu, homemade teriyaki sauce