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Teriyaki Tofu Recipe

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3.9 from 44 reviews

This Teriyaki Tofu recipe offers a flavorful and protein-packed vegan dish featuring extra firm tofu pan-fried to a golden crisp and coated in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce. Garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, it makes for a perfect main course served over rice or vegetables, delivering rich Asian-inspired flavors in just 35 minutes.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Tofu

  • 20 oz extra firm tofu (preferably high protein)
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp avocado oil (or light olive oil)
  • 3 Tbsp cornstarch, divided
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

For the Teriyaki Sauce

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp mirin
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
  • 2 tsp minced fresh garlic

Instructions

  1. Drain the Tofu: Cut the tofu into 1-inch chunks and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with two layers of paper towels. Let the tofu drain for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water and 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch until smooth. Add the soy sauce, mirin, maple syrup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced ginger, and garlic. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
  3. Press the Tofu Further: Place another layer of paper towels over the tofu and gently press to absorb more moisture. Remove the paper towels from underneath, leaving the tofu spread out closely on the baking sheet.
  4. Coat the Tofu with Cornstarch: Sprinkle 1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch evenly over one side of the tofu pieces, turn them over, and dust the other side with the remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch. Toss gently to coat all pieces thoroughly.
  5. Cook the Tofu: Heat the avocado oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the tofu pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Be cautious as the oil may splatter during cooking.
  6. Drain the Tofu: Transfer the cooked tofu to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
  7. Thicken the Sauce: Allow the skillet to cool for about 15 seconds off the heat, then return to medium-low. Whisk the soy sauce mixture once more, pour it into the pan, and cook for about 30 seconds while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
  8. Coat Tofu with Sauce: Add the tofu back to the skillet and cook for an additional 20 seconds, stirring gently so the tofu is fully coated with the thickened sauce.
  9. Serve: Immediately plate the teriyaki tofu and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu well before cooking ensures a crispier texture.
  • You can substitute maple syrup with honey if not strictly vegan.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry during the sauce cooking step.
  • Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Be careful when frying tofu as oil may splatter.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegan