30-Minute Teriyaki Tofu

Teriyaki Tofu is made with crispy tofu tossed in a wholesome, sticky teriyaki sauce. Serve over rice with veggies for the ultimate plant-based meal. Gluten-free, grain-free option.

Course Main, Main Course

Cuisine American, Chinese

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Method Oven, Stovetop

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings people

Calories 203kcal

Author Caitlin Shoemaker

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

1 14 ounce block extra firm tofu pressed
1 tablespoon avocado oil or another high-heat cooking oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
3 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
3 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice cooking wine)
3 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch or potato starch
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 clove garlic crushed (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
1-2 tablespoons ginger finely grated*
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
3-4 green onions sliced into 1” pieces
Serving suggestions: cooked rice steamed vegetables, etc

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prep: Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Tear the tofu into bite-sized chunks for a more meat-like shape and texture, or cut into small cubes.
Tofu: Add the tofu to a medium bowl and add in the oil and soy sauce. Toss with a spatula until evenly coated, then sprinkle the cornstarch on top and toss again. Transfer to a baking sheet and spread out the tofu pieces so they aren’t touching. Bake on the top rack of the oven for 30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through.
Sauce: Whisk the water, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Teriyaki Sauce: Warm the sesame oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant. Stir the sauce again to make sure the cornstarch is dissolved, then pour it into the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your liking. If the sauce gets too thick you can thin it out with additional water.
Final Touches: Turn the heat to low, then stir in the baked tofu, sesame seeds, and green onion. Taste the sauce and add more soy sauce to taste, if necessary. Divide the tofu between serving bowls and serve warm, with vegetables and rice or as desired. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free
Ginger: For a mild, more traditional teriyaki flavor, use only 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. If you prefer a stronger and spicy ginger flavor like me, I recommend using up to 2 tablespoons!
Mirin Substitute: replace the mirin with 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 2 tablespoons of water. Rice vinegar is significantly less sweet, so if using, add an additional tablespoon of brown sugar to counterbalance this if needed.

Nutrition