Teriyaki Tofu
Crispy pan-fried tofu cubes tossed in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. This quick and easy vegan meal is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tofu (10 minutes)
- b.Ensure your tofu is well-pressed. Cut the block into 1-inch cubes.
- c.In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss gently with your hands or a spatula until each piece is evenly coated.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Teriyaki Sauce (3 minutes)
- b.In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, 1/4 cup of water, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar is dissolved.
- c.Set the sauce aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Pan-Fry the Tofu (8-10 minutes)
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering.
- c.Carefully place the coated tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if needed).
- d.Fry for 8-10 minutes, turning the cubes every 2-3 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy tofu to a plate lined with a paper towel.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-Fry Broccoli (4 minutes)
- b.Carefully wipe any excess oil from the skillet, leaving about a teaspoon.
- c.Add the broccoli florets to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. You can add a tablespoon of water and cover for a minute to steam it faster if you prefer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Thicken Sauce (3 minutes)
- b.Return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the broccoli.
- c.In a small cup, whisk the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the remaining 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry.
- d.Give the teriyaki sauce a quick re-whisk, then pour it into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- e.Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the tofu and broccoli.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve (1 minute)
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat.
- c.Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- d.Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pressing the tofu is the most important step for achieving a crispy texture. A tofu press is ideal, but wrapping the block in towels and placing a heavy cookbook on top for 30 minutes works great.
- 2For extra flavor, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the tofu. This causes it to steam instead of crisping up. Fry in two batches if your skillet isn't large enough.
- 4The teriyaki sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- 5Ensure your cornstarch slurry is completely smooth before adding it to the hot pan to avoid lumps in your sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Teriyaki
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Add them to the pan along with the broccoli.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish entirely gluten-free.
Protein SwapProtein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with tempeh or seitan. Cut them into cubes or strips and follow the same cooking process.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Plant-Based Protein Power
Tofu is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs. It's an excellent choice for building muscle, repairing tissue, and supporting overall health, especially on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Rich in Isoflavones
Soy products like tofu are rich in isoflavones, which are plant compounds that may have various health benefits, including supporting heart health and promoting bone density.
Nutrient-Dense Veggies
Broccoli adds a significant boost of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fiber to this dish. These nutrients are vital for immune function, blood clotting, and digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this Teriyaki Tofu contains approximately 355 calories, not including any rice or noodles it's served with.