Name: Teriyaki Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 20 oz extra firm tofu (preferably high protein); 2 1/2 Tbsp avocado oil (or light olive oil); 3 Tbsp cornstarch, divided; 1/4 cup water; 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch; 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce; 2 Tbsp mirin; 1 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup (or honey); 1 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar; 1 Tbsp rice vinegar; 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger; 2 tsp minced fresh garlic; Sliced green onions; Toasted sesame seeds

I absolutely love sharing this Teriyaki Tofu Recipe because it brings such vibrant flavor and delightful texture to the table in a way that’s both simple and satisfying. I find that the crispy golden tofu combined with the glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce creates an irresistible dish that works beautifully for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Every time I make this, the balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes surprises me and delights everyone lucky enough to dig in.

Why You'll Love This Teriyaki Tofu Recipe

For me, the magic of this Teriyaki Tofu Recipe lies in its rich, layered flavor profile. There’s something so comforting about the way the soy sauce, maple syrup, and fresh garlic meld into a perfectly sticky glaze that clings to each crispy chunk of tofu. Adding fresh ginger and a touch of mirin amps it up with brightness and complexity, which keeps things exciting bite after bite. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

I also appreciate how approachable this recipe is. If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking tofu, this one will change your mind. The technique of pressing out moisture and dusting the tofu with cornstarch before pan-frying ensures you get that wonderful golden crust that everyone loves. Plus, the sauce comes together in just a few minutes, which means you can have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes without any rush or stress.

Whether I’m making this for a casual weeknight meal or serving it at a small dinner party, it always impresses. It stands out because it’s flavorful but not overwhelming, easy yet impressive, and versatile enough to pair with everything from steamed rice to stir-fried veggies. Once you try this Teriyaki Tofu Recipe, I guarantee it’ll become a go-to that you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a large metal tray covered with a white cloth on top of a white marbled surface. On the tray, there are many small, evenly spaced cubes of tofu. Each tofu cube is light cream color with a smooth but slightly textured surface. The cubes are arranged in a grid pattern filling the tray, with no overlapping. The overall look is simple and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Teriyaki Tofu Recipe comes from the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building that perfect balance of flavors and texture, keeping the dish fresh and vibrant without overwhelm.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Extra firm tofu: I prefer high protein tofu, which holds up well and crisps nicely.
Avocado oil: It has a high smoke point and a clean flavor perfect for frying.
Cornstarch: Essential to creating the crispy, golden crust on the tofu.
Low sodium soy sauce: Provides deep umami richness without being too salty.
Mirin: Adds a mild sweetness and delicate acidity to the sauce.
Maple syrup and brown sugar: A duo of natural sweeteners that give the sauce a wonderful sticky gloss.
Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a subtle tang.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a hint adds amazing aroma and depth.
Fresh ginger and garlic: Minced to infuse bold, fresh flavor into the sauce.
Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds: Perfect for garnish, adding crunch and a mild sharpness.

Directions

Step 1: Cut the extra firm tofu into 1-inch chunks. To get the best texture, line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with two layers of paper towels, then spread the tofu chunks evenly on top. Let them drain for 15 minutes while you prepare your teriyaki sauce – this step is crucial to help the tofu crisp up nicely later.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup water and 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch until smooth. Then add in ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup, 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger, and 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic. Whisk everything thoroughly until well blended and smooth.

Step 3: Place another layer of paper towels over the tofu and gently press down to remove any extra moisture. Carefully pull the paper towels from underneath so the tofu stays on the bare baking sheet, arranging the pieces close together but not touching.

Step 4: Lightly dust 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch evenly over the tofu. Flip each piece to coat the opposite side with the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch, then gently toss to ensure every chunk has that protective coating which will crisp up beautifully.

Step 5: Heat 2 ½ tablespoons avocado oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu chunks and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crisp – about 10 minutes. Watch carefully as the oil may splatter a bit during cooking.

Step 6: Transfer the cooked tofu to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep the tofu beautifully crispy.

Step 7: Allow the skillet to cool slightly off the heat for about 15 seconds, then return it to medium-low. Whisk the prepared soy sauce mixture once more and pour it into the pan. Cook while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 30 seconds.

Step 8: Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet with the thickened sauce and toss gently, cooking for an additional 20 seconds until each piece is thoroughly coated with that wonderful, sticky teriyaki glaze.

Step 9: Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add a fresh crunch and a pop of color that makes the dish truly inviting.

Servings and Timing

This Teriyaki Tofu Recipe makes 4 satisfying servings, perfect for sharing with family or meal prepping for the week. The prep time is about 15 minutes, mostly spent pressing the tofu and whisking the sauce. Cooking takes around 20 minutes, including frying the tofu and thickening the sauce, so the total time from start to plate is roughly 35 minutes. There’s no resting time needed, so you can enjoy this dish hot and fresh right away.

How to Serve This Teriyaki Tofu Recipe

A white round bowl contains three layers: at the bottom is a bed of white steamed rice with a soft texture, on the left side a layer of golden brown tofu cubes coated in a shiny orange sauce, sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and small chopped green onions, and on the right side bright green steamed broccoli florets with sesame seeds scattered on top. A pair of wooden chopsticks rests on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded dark purple cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Teriyaki Tofu Recipe, I love pairing it with fluffy steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up all that glossy sauce. It also works wonderfully alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers, which add vibrant colors and wonderful crunch. If I’m feeling a bit fancy, I’ll add a side of pickled vegetables or even a sesame cucumber salad for some refreshing contrast.

For garnishing, I always reach for fresh sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds that add not only texture but also a burst of flavor and visual appeal. If you want to amp it up even more, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil can elevate the dish beautifully. Serving the tofu warm is ideal – it keeps the sauce glossy and the tofu perfectly crisp on the outside.

As for beverages, this dish pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled Japanese beer. For a non-alcoholic option, iced green tea or sparkling water with a splash of lime refreshes the palate perfectly. I find this Teriyaki Tofu perfect for casual dinners, small gatherings, and even meal prep lunches that need a punch of flavor. Plating it up with a generous portion of rice and veggies makes it look hearty and inviting every time.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Teriyaki Tofu Recipe is how versatile it is. If you want to switch it up, you can swap out the tofu for tempeh or even seitan, depending on your preference and dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, just be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify that your mirin and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Feel like shaking up the flavors? Try adding some chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also swap maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile. If you want to make it easier, baking the tofu instead of pan-frying is an option, though I find that frying gives that best crispy texture I’m always hunting for.

Another fun idea is to boost the umami by adding a teaspoon of miso paste to the sauce or sprinkling some toasted nori flakes on top at the end. If you want a fresher take, stir in some chopped fresh cilantro or basil just before serving. No matter how you adjust it, this recipe is forgiving and fun to experiment with.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to separate the tofu from any sides to keep everything fresh. The tofu and sauce will keep well for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed sooner to maintain that crisp texture. A glass or BPA-free plastic container works perfectly for this.

Freezing

This Teriyaki Tofu Recipe freezes fairly well if you want to save portions for later. I recommend freezing the tofu and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags to lock in flavor. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure even warming and to preserve texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave. Gently warm the tofu and sauce, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps the tofu stay a bit crisp rather than soggy. If you’re pressed for time, microwaving on medium power in short bursts will do, but keep an eye on it to avoid drying out. Adding a tiny splash of water or soy sauce while reheating can help rejuvenate the sauce’s glossy finish.

FAQs

Can I use soft or medium tofu instead of extra firm?

Extra firm tofu works best here because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely during cooking. Softer tofus tend to break apart and won’t achieve that same crispy texture, so I recommend sticking with extra firm if you want the classic experience.

Is mirin necessary in the sauce?

Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the teriyaki sauce that’s hard to replicate. If you can’t find mirin, you can substitute with a mixture of sake and a little sugar or just add a bit more maple syrup, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. I suggest trying to get authentic mirin if possible.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari sauce and double-check the mirin and any other condiments for gluten ingredients. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, and it’ll taste just as delicious.

How do I make the tofu crispier?

Pressing the tofu thoroughly to remove moisture is essential. Then dusting it evenly with cornstarch before frying creates that golden crust I love. Make sure your oil is hot before adding the tofu and avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the pieces crispy instead of steaming.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, this entire Teriyaki Tofu Recipe is vegan-friendly as long as you use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener instead of honey. All other ingredients, including the tofu and seasonings, naturally fit vegan diets.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Teriyaki Tofu Recipe a try because it’s truly one of those dishes that brings both comfort and excitement to the table. It’s easy enough for a busy night but special enough to impress guests or treat yourself on the weekend. Making this recipe always feels like a little celebration of fresh, bold flavors and crispy tofu perfection, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it just as much as I do.