This Teriyaki Tofu recipe comes together in less than thirty minutes. It’s so easy and packs a punch in flavor. This is now one of my absolute favorite ways to prepare tofu. Even a tofu hater would enjoy this recipe!
Why you will Love Teriyaki Tofu
Delicious way to prepare tofu: For all those who have said that tofu tastes like rubber, cardboard, sand etc. This recipe is for you. It’s tangy, sweet, and perfectly savory. Just try it, the proof is in the pudding. I talk more about teriyaki sauce in my teriyaki broccoli and teriyaki chickpeas recipes.
Healthy: This tofu teriyaki is prepared with a minimal amount of oil and is a great source of protein for vegans, vegetarians and those who follow an omnivore diet.
Easy: This recipe does not require a lot of prep, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or whenever you’re in a time crunch.
Satisfying: This recipe tastes like take-out and will curb any craving you are having for Asian/ Asian inspired food. Its indulgent while being low fat and gluten free. If you love Asian inspired food, check out my Sweet and Sour tofu recipe.
Key Ingredients needed to make Teriyaki Sauce and Crispy Tofu
Tofu- Extra firm tofu is perfect for this recipe
Chickpea flour- a gluten-free flour option used to coat the tofu for a super crisp exterior.
Arrowroot starch- a thickening agent for the teriyaki sauce.
Vinegar- adds the characteristic tang we love in tofu teriyaki.
Tomato paste- adds a vibrant colour and flavor.
Soy sauce- packs umami flavors
Honey-my sweetener of choice in this recipe
Substitutions and variations
Chickpea flour is a great gluten-free option, but you can substitute it for All-purpose flour or cornstarch for the same crispy effect.
Arrowroot starch is gluten free as well, but you can use all-purpose flour, cornstarch, or potato starch as a thickener for the sauce.
Vinegar adds a characteristic tanginess, but you can use rice wine (mirin) instead.
You can use gluten free soy sauce or liquid aminos instead.
Use Brown sugar as a replacement for honey.
You can air fry or bake this teriyaki tofu for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees F. Flip halfway through the cooking process.
Step by step Instructions to make Teriyaki tofu
Cut tofu into cubes and season in a resealable container/bag.
Pour flour into the bag and shake until all the tofu pieces are evenly coated.
Add oil to the skillet over medium heat.
Fry tofu cubes on each side for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove tofu from heat and place them on a paper towel lined plate.
In the same pan, add ginger, garlic, and tomato paste. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to prevent burning. Pour in the remaining ingredients and bring to a slow simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Toss the crispy fried tofu into the teriyaki sauce and remove from heat.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds/toasted sesame seeds and serve warm.
How to Serve Teriyaki Tofu
You can serve Teriyaki tofu with rice, quinoa, pasta or noodles.
You can serve it as teriyaki tofu bowl with your favorite staple and salad.
Tofu teriyaki stir-fry is an easy option to incorporate more veggies in your diet. You can toss cabbage, Bok-choy, carrots, bell peppers, baby corn and/or mushrooms in with the tofu in teriyaki sauce.
How to store
Refrigerate: You can keep this recipe in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze this recipe for up to two months.
Reheat: If frozen, remove from the refrigerator for at least 8 hours before microwaving. Microwave until just warm enough and serve right away.
How to use this Teriyaki Sauce in other recipes
As a marinade: for a significant flavor increase, put your preferred protein source in this sauce for a few hours or even overnight. Just be careful not to add cornstarch or any other thickener you choose.
Stir-fries: Use this sauce to enhance the flavor of your upcoming stir-fry.
As a glaze: This would be a great option if you wanted a rich, sweet sauce to coat a protein source after baking or frying it.
As a dip: Before using this sauce as a dipping sauce for fries, veggies, or dumplings, let it boil and thicken over low heat.
Tofu Recipes you need to Try
How To Cook Dried Bean Curd (Tofu Skin Curry)
Sweet And Sour Tofu With Pineapple
Tofu Katsu Recipe (Air Fryer + Vegan)
Easy Teriyaki Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil for frying
- 2 Stalks of scallion for garnish
- 2 tablespoons green seasoning or salt free all purpose seasoning
Teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave
- 2-3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ginger freshly minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cut tofu into cubes and season in a resealable container/bag.
- Pour flour into the bag and shake until all the tofu pieces are evenly coated.
- Add oil to the skillet over medium heat.
- Fry tofu cubes on each side for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove tofu from heat and place them on a paper towel lined plate.
- In the same pan, add ginger, garlic, and tomato paste. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to prevent burning. Pour in the remaining ingredients and bring to a slow simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Toss the crispy fried tofu into the teriyaki sauce and remove from heat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds/toasted sesame seeds and serve warm.
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