Quick and Simple Sticky Sweet Teriyaki Tofu
I’ve been ditching takeout for years, relying on just as good (if not better), healthier, and easily adjustable homemade versions of all my favorite dishes. That includes Kung Pao Cauliflower, garlic broccoli stir-fry, vegetable lo mein, and this teriyaki tofu recipe. This crispy tofu teriyaki uses simple, low-budget ingredients and can be made using an oven, air fryer, or stovetop for a quick, simple, hearty meal packed with flavor and plant-based protein. Even tofu skeptics will enjoy it when cooked until crispy outside, tender inside, and paired with flavor-packed homemade teriyaki sauce. Enjoy it with chickpea tofu, for a soy-free version and with even more flavor. It couldn’t be simpler to make, either. Press the tofu, slice it, cook until crispy while preparing the sauce, combine everything (no marinating necessary!), and enjoy with noodles or rice and veggies for a healthy takeout you’ll want weekly! You can even prepare the sauce in advance and freeze the leftovers!
The Ingredients
Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu. For a soy-free version, use firm chickpea tofu (I made a batch, adding 1 tsp agar powder to the recipe for firmer tofu). Cornstarch: Or arrowroot flour or potato starch. This will coat the tofu for a super crispy shell. Seasonings: Boost the tofu flavor with pantry-friendly onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Garnishes: Sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions (green onion) or chives are the perfect garnishes for tofu with teriyaki sauce.
You’ll also need a cooking spray or neutral cooking oil to help make the tofu crispy.
Vegan Teriyaki Sauce
Maple syrup: I love using maple syrup to naturally sweeten the teriyaki tofu marinade. However, use brown sugar if preferred or a combination of the two. Aromatics: This homemade teriyaki sauce relies on fresh garlic and ginger to pack a flavor punch. Soy sauce: If gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead. Reduced-sodium soy sauce will also work. Lemon: I like lemon juice (or lime juice). However, rice vinegar or Mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine) make a more traditional teriyaki sauce. Water: Or, for more flavor, use some orange or pineapple juice. Cornstarch: To help thicken the sauce.
What Else Could I Add To This Tofu Teriyaki Recipe?
Toasted sesame oil: Just a teaspoon will add delicious toasty, nutty, sesame depth to the teriyaki tofu marinade. Spice: To add heat to the sauce, stir in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Stir-fry vegetables: Like broccoli, bok choy, carrots, baby corn, bean sprouts, green beans, cabbage, red bell pepper, onion, etc.
Please read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.
How to Make Teriyaki Tofu?
There are just three elements to this teriyaki tofu recipe: Prepare the tofu, prepare the teriyaki sauce, and combine the two.
First, if you’re using regular tofu, press it for at least 15 minutes. Then cut it into small, bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch) or triangles.
To press the tofu, place the block between two layers of paper towels, then place a cutting board on top and something heavy like a cast-iron skillet or several heavy books.
Next, combine the cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl (or Ziplock bag), add the tofu, and toss to thoroughly coat the tofu.
Transfer the tofu to a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Spray liberally with cooking oil, and bake at 400F/200C for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the tofu is golden-brown and crispy.
Alternatively, air fry the tofu at 400F/200C for 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway. At the same time, prepare any sides like veggies, noodles, rice, etc.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by mincing the garlic and ginger, and combine them with the remaining teriyaki sauce ingredients in a skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
Combine the cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir into a lump-free slurry. Add that to the skillet and increase to medium-high heat, constantly stirring, until the sauce thickens. Then, remove it from the heat. Taste test and adjust any ingredients to your liking. i.e., more maple, soy sauce, etc. Add the tofu to the teriyaki sauce, toss well, and then serve with your side of choice, garnished with sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions or chives. Enjoy!
For Stir-Fried Teriyaki Tofu
First, season and pan-fry the tofu in a little oil until each side is browned and crispy (don’t move it around while searing each side). Meanwhile, prepare the teriyaki sauce. Pour the sauce in with the tofu and stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until the tofu is well coated.
If you’re adding veggies to the stir-fry: Once cooked, remove the crispy tofu from the pan and add the veggies, cooking them for just 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp while preparing the teriyaki sauce.
Storage Instructions
Make ahead: You can prepare the vegan teriyaki sauce 1-2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Likewise, you can make homemade chickpea tofu 2-3 days in advance. Store: Teriyaki baked tofu is best fresh, while the tofu still has a crisp texture. However, if you don’t mind softer tofu, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze: Though the texture of the tofu will change upon thawing, you can freeze the leftovers (the entire teriyaki tofu or just the sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat: Use either a microwave (1-2 minutes), oven (at 350F/175C for 10-15 mins), or the stovetop (over low until heated through) to reheat the tofu teriyaki. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Serving Recommendations
I like to enjoy this like teriyaki tofu stir fry no matter which way I cook the tofu, alongside:
Carbs: Make a complete meal by pairing this teriyaki tofu ‘stir-fry’ with noodles, quinoa, or rice (or low-carb cauliflower rice). Vegetable sides: Pair the baked tofu with broccoli, bok choy, green beans, asparagus, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc.
You can also use leftovers as a filling for tacos and wraps, or enjoy it as part of a salad/ grain bowl.
Recipe Notes
Tweak to taste: Adjust any sauce ingredients to your liking for more sweet, tangy, or salty flavor. Adjust the sauce consistency: If it becomes too thick, stir in some water (or juice). Using leftover sauce: This teriyaki sauce is perfect for making stir-fries with other vegan proteins and veggies, mixing it into noodles, making marinated tofu, etc. Create a sheet-pan meal: You could roast veggies with the tofu, such as bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, etc.
More Asian-Inspired Vegan Recipes
Vegan cabbage rolls Tantanmen ramen with bok choy Vegetable gyoza Vegetable chop suey Baked vegan spring rolls Hibachi Japanese fried rice Korean scallion pancakes (Pajeon)
If you try this sticky teriyaki tofu recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan #elavegan—I love seeing them. Below is a picture from February 2020 when I first published the recipe.
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