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Teriyaki Tofu Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Teriyaki Tofu recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors with a rich, thick sauce coating crispy golden tofu pieces. Ideal for a quick vegetarian meal, the tofu is pan-fried for a deliciously crispy exterior, then tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy, maple syrup, and fresh ginger and garlic. Garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish is a flavorful, protein-packed option suitable for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Tofu and Coating

  • 20 oz extra firm tofu (preferably high protein)
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp avocado oil (or light olive oil)
  • 3 Tbsp cornstarch, divided

Sauce

  • 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

Garnish

  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare Tofu: Cut the tofu into 1-inch chunks. Line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with two layers of paper towels. Spread the tofu on the paper towels and let it drain for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture while preparing the sauce.
  2. Make Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together water with 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch until smooth. Add soy sauce, mirin, maple syrup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced ginger, and garlic. Whisk thoroughly until blended.
  3. Press Tofu: Lay another layer of paper towels over the tofu and gently press to remove more moisture. Carefully remove the paper towels underneath the tofu, leaving the tofu on the baking sheet arranged close together.
  4. Coat Tofu: Sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch evenly over the tofu, then turn each piece and dust the opposite side with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch. Gently toss the tofu to ensure even coating.
  5. Pan Fry Tofu: Heat 2 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Be cautious of splattering oil during cooking.
  6. Drain Tofu: Transfer the cooked tofu to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Cook Sauce: Allow the pan to cool off the heat briefly (about 15 seconds), then return to medium-low heat. Whisk the soy sauce mixture once more and pour into the pan. Cook and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens, about 30 seconds.
  8. Combine Tofu and Sauce: Add the tofu back to the pan and cook for approximately 20 seconds longer, stirring to coat all tofu pieces evenly with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
  9. Serve: Immediately serve the teriyaki tofu garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • Pressing the tofu well before cooking helps achieve a crispier texture.
  • Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • For a sweeter flavor, substitute maple syrup with honey if not vegan.
  • Be cautious when frying tofu as oil may splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://suerecipe.com/teriyaki-tofu-recipe/