Hey everyone, James here! I’m so excited to share my latest obsession – crispy teriyaki tofu recipe! As someone who loves cooking and creating delicious plant-based recipes for Food And Meal, I’ve been experimenting more with tofu lately.
Let me tell you, this crispy baked tofu coated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce is an absolute game changer. The texture reminds me so much of chicken, with a crispy outer later and a soft, chewy inside. And the flavor? Utterly addicting! The salty-sweet glaze clings to each crispy morsel and has me going back for more every time.
I love that this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes too. As a busy dad always on the go between work and family life, quick and satisfying meals like this are essential in my home. The kiddos are big fans too! Though getting them to eat their vegetables is sometimes still a challenge, they can never resist my crispy tofu creations.
This has fast become one of my favorite weeknight dinners to whip up. I hope you all love it as much as I do! Let me know if you give it a try. Now enough chatter from me, let’s get cooking!
What is tofu teriyaki ?
Tofu teriyaki is a popular dish that originates from Japanese cuisine, where “teriyaki” refers to a cooking technique in which foods are grilled or broiled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The word “teriyaki” is derived from the Japanese terms “teri,” meaning luster, which refers to the shine given by the sugar content in the sauce, and “yaki,” which means grilled or broiled.
Tofu, on the other hand, is a food product made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into solid white blocks of varying softness; it can be silken, soft, firm, or extra firm. It’s known for its mild flavor and its ability to absorb flavors from other ingredients in a dish, making it an incredibly versatile ingredient in many types of recipes, especially in vegetarian and vegan diets as a protein source.
When combining tofu with the teriyaki method of cooking, the result is crispy teriyaki tofu, which typically involves marinating the tofu in teriyaki sauce so it can absorb those sweet and savory flavors before being cooked. Tofu’s porous nature makes it perfect for soaking up the delicious teriyaki sauce, leading to a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender, flavorful interior when it’s grilled or pan-fried.
Emotionally, teriyaki tofu can evoke a sense of comfort and satisfaction due to its harmonious blend of flavors. The dish’s simplicity belies the depth of taste that can be achieved, making it a beloved meal for both those who appreciate traditional Japanese flavors and those looking to enjoy plant-based dishes. It elicits a feeling of warmth and can be especially appealing for its balance of umami flavor provided by the soy sauce and the sweetness from the mirin and sugar.
From a personal opinion standpoint, tofu teriyaki and rice are often appreciated for its healthful qualities, being rich in protein while low in calories. It also represents a convergence of culinary techniques and dietary consciousness, showcasing how traditional methods can be adapted to suit modern, health-oriented eating practices without sacrificing flavor. As such, it’s not just seen as a mere food item but can be celebrated as an embodiment of culinary adaptation and innovation.
How to make tofu teriyaki ?
The great thing about teriyaki tofu is that it comes together in just 30 minutes. Simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then fry until crispy and golden brown. While the tofu cooks, whisk together the easy teriyaki sauce – just soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Once the tofu is perfectly crisped, pour the sauce over top and let it bubble away until thick and glossy.
The result is fork-tender pan-fried tofu cloaked in the most insanely delicious teriyaki glaze. Bursting with sweet and savory flavors, it makes my tastebuds do a happy dance with every single bite! I like to serve tofu teriyaki bowl over brown rice and roasted broccoli for a quick and healthy dinner, though it would also be fantastic with noodles or stir fried veggies.
Teriyaki Tofu Recipes
Tofu Teriyaki is a great way to prepare a quick meal. You can make it in as little as five minutes and serve it for lunch or dinner. Depending on the size of your serving, tofu can be eaten with a spoon. It’s a great dish for vegetarians and vegans of all ages. The flavors of this recipe will be a treat for all.
Tofu Teriyaki
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu drained and sliced into bite-sized cubes
- Oil for frying
- ¾ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 shallots thinly sliced
- 2 green onions chopped, divided
For slurry
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Dry the tofu by wrapping it in paper towels.
- After drying the tofu, let it marinate in the teriyaki sauce for 10 minutes. Drain, saving the sauce for later.
- Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Fry the tofu slices until they are crispy and golden on all sides. Expect the oil to splatter because of moisture from the marinade.
- Remove the fried tofu from the pan and drain it on paper towels.
- Drain any oil from the pan, leaving only about 1 teaspoon.
- Saute the shallots and half the chopped green onions. Cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add the teriyaki sauce and let it simmer.
- Mix the ingredients for the slurry and add it to the pan, stirring the sauce continuously. Turn off the heat as soon as the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the tofu and garnish with the remaining chopped green onion.
- Serve with steamed rice.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Tofu Teriyaki Skewers on the Grill
Ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tofu and Vegetables:
- Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, marinate the tofu in 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce for about 15 minutes.
- Thread the marinated tofu, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating the ingredients.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C).
- Grill the Skewers:
- Place the tofu skewers on the grill grates. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with the remaining teriyaki sauce, until they develop grill marks and the tofu is slightly charred.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve your Tofu Teriyaki skewers hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Expert Tips about teriyaki tofu recipe
Cooking Notes about teriyaki tofu stir fry
- Tofu Texture: To achieve a firmer texture, press your tofu before marinating. This allows it to soak up more teriyaki flavor and prevents it from falling apart on the grill.
- Marinating Time: Marinate your tofu for at least 15 minutes, but longer is even better. This ensures the tofu absorbs the teriyaki sauce’s delicious flavors.
- Skewering Techniques: When assembling skewers, alternate between tofu and vegetables to ensure even cooking. Leave a small space between each ingredient for consistent grilling.
- Overcrowded Skewers: Avoid overcrowding the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Leave enough space between ingredients for them to cook properly.
- Skipping Soaking: Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Not Using Enough Teriyaki Sauce: Don’t be shy with the teriyaki sauce. Brush it generously on the skewers while grilling for that classic teriyaki flavor.
Serving Suggestions about crispy baked teriyaki tofu
This crispy teriyaki tofu stir fry would pair nicely with simple grains like brown rice or quinoa to soak up the sweet and savory sauce. You could also serve it over a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Some delicious salad options that would complement the flavors include:
- Mesclun greens with sliced cucumbers, carrots, edamame, and a ginger dressing
- Baby spinach, red cabbage, snap peas, and orange segments with a sesame vinaigrette
- Mixed spring greens, shredded red cabbage, mandarin oranges, and sliced almonds with a rice wine vinaigrette
For heartier fare, this crispy tofu would be delicious in tuna wraps or sandwiches too. You could top it with fresh veggies like cucumber, avocado, tomato and onion. It would also work well in a veggie stir fry with broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms and snap peas.
The sweet and salty teriyaki glaze makes this tofu extremely versatile to incorporate into both Asian and non-Asian dishes. Have fun playing around with different flavor combinations!
FAQs about easy teriyaki tofu
- Can I prepare teriyaki tofu in advance? Absolutely! You can marinate the tofu and prepare the tofu teriyaki in advance. Just grill them when you’re ready to serve. Leftover, cooked skewers can be refrigerated and reheated.
- What if I don’t have a grill? If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve a similar result using a grill pan on your stovetop or even in the oven under the broiler.
- Can I use a different type of tofu? You can use firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe. Silken tofu is too delicate for grilling.
- Is homemade teriyaki sauce necessary? While homemade teriyaki sauce is delightful, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience without sacrificing taste.
- How do I reheat leftover Tofu Teriyaki ? To reheat, place leftover teriyaki tofu in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them on a stovetop grill pan.
Conclution
In closing, I hope this crispy teriyaki tofu recipe has inspired you to give this versatile ingredient a try if you haven’t already. Tofu is such an amazing plant-based protein that takes on any flavor you throw at it. Feel free to switch up the sauce or seasoning to customize it to your taste.
I’d love to hear how this recipe works out for you if you decide to make it! Let me know by leaving a comment below or tagging @FoodAndMeal on social media.
Thanks for stopping by and happy cooking!
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.