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Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Recipe with Sticky Sauce Made Easy

crispy teriyaki tofu - featured image

A quick and easy plant-based recipe featuring crispy tofu coated in a sticky, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed for at least 15 minutes
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu: Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain the water. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then place a heavy object (like a skillet or cutting board) on top to press out moisture. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Cut the tofu: Once pressed, slice the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Try to make the pieces uniform for even cooking.
  3. Coat the tofu: In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with soy sauce until coated. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the tofu and gently toss again, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  4. Cook the tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat this mixture in the skillet over low heat. Meanwhile, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet while stirring. Continue cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a sticky consistency.
  7. Combine: Add the crispy tofu back to the skillet and gently toss to coat each piece in the sticky teriyaki sauce. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
  8. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the tofu to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional).

Notes

[‘Press your tofu well to remove excess moisture for better crispiness.’, ‘Use cornstarch for a golden crust; potato starch or arrowroot powder can be used as substitutes.’, ‘Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even crisping.’, ‘Preheat your pan before adding tofu for a nice sear.’, ‘Adjust the sauce to your taste by adding more sweetness or tanginess.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Crispy tofu, Teriyaki sauce, Plant-based, Vegan, Quick dinner, Asian-inspired, Easy recipe, Tofu recipe