Tofu Teriyaki is a delicious and protein-packed dish with crispy tofu coated in a glossy, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick meal, whether served over rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables. The balance of umami, sweetness, and a hint of smokiness makes it an irresistible choice for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Key Ingredients

For the Tofu:

250g firm or extra-firm tofu – Pressed to remove excess moisture for better texture.
2 tbsp cornstarch – Helps create a crispy crust on the tofu.
2 tbsp oil (sesame or neutral oil) – Used for pan-frying.
1 tbsp soy sauce – Adds a salty depth to the tofu before it absorbs the sauce.

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce – The base of the sauce, providing a rich umami flavor.
2 tbsp mirin – A Japanese sweet rice wine that balances the saltiness.
1 tbsp sake (or water if unavailable) – Enhances depth and aroma.
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option) – Adds a natural sweetness.
1 tsp minced garlic – Brings a slight sharpness.
½ tsp grated ginger – Adds warmth and a subtle spice.
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water – Helps thicken the sauce.

For Garnishing and Serving:

1 tsp toasted sesame seeds – For crunch and a nutty aroma.
1 spring onion (chopped) – Adds freshness and mild sharpness.
Steamed rice or noodles – The perfect base for serving.

How to Make Tofu Teriyaki

Step 1: Preparing the Tofu

Press the tofu – Place the block of tofu between paper towels and press with a heavy object for at least 15 minutesto remove excess water. This helps the tofu absorb the sauce better and improves texture.
Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangular slabs.
Toss the tofu with 1 tbsp soy sauce and let it sit for 5 minutes to soak in the flavor.
Coat the tofu pieces evenly with 2 tbsp cornstarch to create a crispy exterior when frying.

Step 2: Cooking the Tofu

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and pan-fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Once crispy, remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Making the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake (or water), honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Dissolve 1 tsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce mixture.
Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens into a glossy glaze.

Step 4: Coating the Tofu

Add the crispy tofu back into the pan and toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the teriyaki sauce.
Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

Extra Crispy Tofu: Double-fry the tofu by pan-frying once, letting it cool, then frying again for extra crunch.
Baked Option: Instead of frying, bake the tofu at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Sweeter Sauce: Increase the honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp gochujang or chili flakes for a spicier version.

Tips for Success

Use Firm Tofu: Soft tofu will break apart, so stick to firm or extra-firm tofu.
Don’t Skip Pressing: Removing moisture ensures better crispiness.
Even Cooking: Fry tofu in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.

Customizable Variants

Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry: Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a complete stir-fry.
Grilled Teriyaki Tofu: Marinate tofu slabs in the sauce, then grill for a smoky flavor.
Teriyaki Tofu Bowl: Serve with avocado, pickled radish, and cucumber for a balanced meal.

Pro Tips for Meal Prep

Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Batch Cooking: Cook extra tofu and store in an airtight container for easy meals.

••Reheating Tip: Reheat on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Tofu Teriyaki

Tofu Teriyaki is a delicious and protein-packed dish with crispy tofu coated in a glossy, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick meal, with the balance of umami, sweetness, and a hint of smokiness makes it an irresistible choice for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Prep Time10

Active Time10

Cuisine: korean

Yield: 2

Materials

Ingredients:
For the Tofu:
* 250g firm or extra-firm tofu – Pressed to remove excess moisture for better texture.
* 2 tbsp cornstarch – Helps create a crispy crust on the tofu.
* 2 tbsp oil sesame or neutral oil – Used for pan-frying.
* 1 tbsp soy sauce – Adds a salty depth to the tofu before it absorbs the sauce.
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
* 3 tbsp soy sauce – The base of the sauce providing a rich umami flavor.
* 2 tbsp mirin – A Japanese sweet rice wine that balances the saltiness.
* 1 tbsp sake or water if unavailable – Enhances depth and aroma.
* 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup for a vegan option – Adds a natural sweetness.
* 1 tsp minced garlic – Brings a slight sharpness.
* ½ tsp grated ginger – Adds warmth and a subtle spice.
* 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water – Helps thicken the sauce.
For Garnishing and Serving:
* 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds – For crunch and a nutty aroma.
* 1 spring onion chopped – Adds freshness and mild sharpness.
* Steamed rice or noodles – The perfect base for serving.

Instructions

Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Tofu
Press the tofu – Place the block of tofu between paper towels and press with a heavy object for at least 15 minutesto remove excess water. This helps the tofu absorb the sauce better and improves texture.
Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangular slabs.
Toss the tofu with 1 tbsp soy sauce and let it sit for 5 minutes to soak in the flavor.
Coat the tofu pieces evenly with 2 tbsp cornstarch to create a crispy exterior when frying.
Step 2: Cooking the Tofu
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and pan-fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Once crispy, remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Making the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake (or water), honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Dissolve 1 tsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce mixture.
Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 4: Coating the Tofu
Add the crispy tofu back into the pan and toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the teriyaki sauce.
Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.