My Easy Teriyaki Tofu Recipe comes together quickly and is packed with flavor. The tofu is crisped in a pan, and the homemade teriyaki sauce takes only about 5 minutes to prepare. This high-protein teriyaki tofu can be enjoyed with rice or noodles, accompanied by a generous side of cooked vegetables. The sauce is also versatile and can be used with any protein.
Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Tofu Recipe
- Packed with flavor – The homemade teriyaki sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients, which you may already have on hand. Each of these ingredients packs a huge flavor punch, and when mixed all together, the taste is perfectly sweet and salty.
- Easy to make – I used to be intimidated by the thought of making stir fry sauces from scratch, but once I realized how easy it was, I started making them all the time. This teriyaki flavor is one I make often and use in lots of recipes, and it is perfect for these crispy tofu triangles.
- Versatile – I love this teriyaki tofu recipe because it can be served a few different ways. I enjoy it best with rice or noodles and a generous side of vegetables. It can also be eaten as an afternoon snack and added to wraps or salads.
Why We Love Tofu
- Protein – Tofu is a complete protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids the body needs to build muscle and repair tissues. Half a cup of tofu contains 10 grams of protein, making it a great plant-based ingredient to incorporate into your diet.
- Bone Health – Tofu contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which help ensure the growth and maintenance of healthy bones. Tofu is also rich in isoflavones, which are compounds found in plants that can help decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
Easy Teriyaki Tofu Recipe Ingredients
- Tofu – I prefer to use super-firm tofu for this recipe because it has a nice texture and crisps up quickly in a pan. I buy mine at Trader Joe’s, but these days you can find it at most bigger grocery stores. It is usually pre-pressed and sometimes comes with added protein. Extra-firm or firm tofu can also be used; make sure to press as much liquid as possible out of it before using for best results.
- Teriyaki Sauce – I use a homemade teriyaki sauce for this recipe, and it’s really easy to make. The ingredients needed are: tamari, pure maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, and water or vegetable broth. Bottled teriyaki sauce can, of course, be substituted if you prefer.
How To Make Easy Teriyaki Tofu
- Add all the teriyaki sauce ingredients to a jar or bowl and mix until well combined. I like to use a large mason jar with a lid that I can shake to ensure it is well mixed. Set the sauce aside until you are ready to use it.
- Cut the tofu into triangles or any other desired shape. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add neutral-flavored oil; it should be enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu in a single layer. Let the tofu cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until it is golden brown and starting to get crispy.
- Remove the tofu from the pan and wipe out any excess oil. I like to let my tofu sit on a plate lined with paper towels so that I can remove some of the excess oil.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce mixture. Allow sauce to come to a slow bubble and cook until it has thickened and can coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the tofu back in and mix until tofu is completely coated with the sauce, and cook for just another minute or two.
- I like to serve my teriyaki tofu over rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. You can also spoon extra teriyaki sauce over the tofu, or over some vegetables. Enjoy!
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- This recipe is vegan.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tamari or soy sauce.
- Can you use bottled teriyaki sauce? Yes, feel free to use a pre-made bottle of teriyaki sauce if that is easier.
- Can this tofu recipe be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the tofu with the teriyaki sauce. It works best to store it in an airtight ziplock bag and press as much air out of it as possible.
- How long do leftovers last? If stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should last about 4-5 days. The tofu may have a slightly harder texture once it has completely cooled, but it should soften up when reheated.
- How should this teriyaki tofu recipe be enjoyed? I like to pair it with rice or noodles and some cooked vegetables. You can also eat it by itself as a snack.
- Can the tofu be substituted? Yes, you can easily replace the tofu with almost any other protein you prefer.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP!
Looking For More Easy Tofu Recipes?
Easy Marinated Tofu
Garlic Herb Butter Tofu Steaks
Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
Vegan Buffalo Tofu Wings
Easy Pan Fried Tofu
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Easy Teriyaki Tofu Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4
Diet: Vegan
Description
My Easy Teriyaki Tofu Recipe comes together quickly and is packed with flavor. The tofu gets crisped up in a pan and the homemade teriyaki sauce only takes about 5 minutes to throw together. This high protein teriyaki tofu can be enjoyed with rice or noodles and a generous side of cooked vegetables. The sauce is also versatile and can be used with any protein.
- 1 (14 oz) container extra firm tofu, patted dry and pressed for at least 15 minutes (if needed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons neutral flavored oil
- Thinly sliced green onion, for garnish
- Rice for serving, if desired
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 2/3 cup water
- 2/3 cup tamari, I like to use low sodium
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon mirin, or sweet soy sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh garlic
- 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Add all the teriyaki sauce ingredients to a jar, or bowl and mix until well combined. I like to use a large mason jar with a lid that I can shake, to make sure it is mixed well. Set sauce aside until ready to use.
- Cut the tofu into triangles, or whatever shape you like. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the neutral flavored oil, you want it to be able to cover the bottom of the pan. Once oil is hot, add in the tofu in a single layer. Let tofu cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and starting to get crispy.
- Remove the tofu from the pan and wipe out any excess oil. I like to let my tofu sit on a plate lined with a paper towel, so I can get some of the excess oil off.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce mixture. Allow sauce to come to a slow bubble and cook until it has thickened and can coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the tofu back in and mix until tofu is completely coated with the sauce, cook for just another minute or two.
- I like to serve my teriyaki tofu over rice with a garnish of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onion. You can also spoon extra teriyaki sauce over the tofu, or over some vegetables. Enjoy!
Notes
The teriyaki sauce recipe makes a big batch, so it is great if you like extra sauce or want to put some on vegetables also.
You can easily halve the teriyaki sauce recipe if you want just enough for the tofu.
*Nutritional information is for the entire pan of teriyaki sauce (split 4 ways). Most people probably won’t eat that entire amount though. Let me know if you have any questions!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner, Vegan
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired