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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Mains

    Teriyaki Tofu

    Modified: Aug 28, 2024 ยท Published: Nov 16, 2023 by Christie Lai ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 22 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Video

    Delicious crispy tofu tossed in a sticky sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This quick and easy teriyaki tofu is ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients. A great main dish that is restaurant quality and great for the family!

    Teriyaki Tofu
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients & Substitutes
    • Expert Tips
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Pairing Suggestions
    • FAQ
    • Other recipes you may like
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
    • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Reviews

    Teriyaki Tofu features tofu coated in starch and fried until golden brown and stir fried in a sweet, savory homemade teriyaki sauce.

    My homemade teriyaki sauce consists of soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, ginger, and honey. It's delicious, sweet, and garlicky with a hint of ginger!

    Teriyaki Tofu

    This Japanese dish is served at many Japanese restaurants with steamed rice and vegetables as a complete meal or main dish or sometimes in bento boxes.

    It's easy to make at home in little time for a busy weeknight dinner. A great recipe for all the tofu lovers and it's meatless, making it inclusive for most people to enjoy!

    Ingredients & Substitutes

    Please scroll down to below recipe card for exact measurements. 

    ingredients to make teriyaki tofu
    • Extra-Firm Tofu: this is the best firmness for this tofu recipe. Or substitute with firm tofu but be gentle with it. Avoid using medium tofu or soft tofu.
    • Cornstarch: to thicken the sauce and to make the tofu cubes crispy. Or substitute with potato starch or tapioca starch.
    • Garlic Powder: for seasoning the tofu. Avoid using minced garlic as a substitute.
    • Onion powder: for seasoning the tofu.
    • Neutral oil: like avocado oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil or canola oil. Avoid olive oil, coconut oil or any heavy scented oils.
    • Toasted Sesame seeds: optional garnish
    • Green onions: optional garnish

    Teriyaki Sauce

    • Sake: normal or cooking sake both work so use what's available. Or substitute with dry sherry wine or rice vinegar.
    • Mirin: a popular sweet rice cooking wine used in Japanese cuisine. Itโ€™s sweeter than cooking sake and has a very low alcoholic taste. You can find this at most Asian or Japanese grocers. For a non-alcoholic version: substitute with non-alcoholic mirin or 4 tablespoon cold water + 3 drops of rice vinegar + โ…› teaspoon white sugar.
    • Regular soy sauce: or substitute with low sodium soy sauce or light soy sauce.ย If youโ€™re gluten-free, substitute with tamari sauce, coconut aminos or a gluten-free soy sauce of your choice.ย 
    • Honey: or substitute with maple syrup, white granulated sugar, or cane sugar.
    • Cornstarch: to thicken the sauce. Or substitute with potato starch.
    • Garlic
    • Ginger: or substitute with ยผ teaspoon ginger powder.

    Note: Most Asian grocers will carry these ingredients. You may find some at your select grocery store or online, like on Amazon.  

    Expert Tips

    • Fully dissolve the honey in the teriyaki sauce with a whisk, so it's evenly distributed.
    • Pat dry the tofu block to remove as much excess moisture as possible for the most crispiest tofu.
    • Evenly coat the tofu in cornstarch by dredging each piece into the starch. Do not just dump the cornstarch over all the tofu cubes and mix or it won't evenly coat.
    • Patiently fry the tofu until golden brown, this will take about 20 minutes on medium heat.
    • Simmer the sauce until thickened before adding in the fried tofu or the tofu can become soggy.

    Instructions

    Below are step-by-step instructions on how to makeย teriyaki tofu:

    In a small bowl, combine teriyaki sauce ingredients as listed and mix well until the honey fully dissolves.
    1. In a small bowl, combine teriyaki sauce ingredients as listed and mix well until the honey fully dissolves.
    Strain the tofu block of the liquids in the packaging. Pat dry the tofu with clean paper towel to remove as much excess moisture. Slice the block of tofu into small equal sized cubes (about 1-inch cubes).
    1. Strain the tofu block of the liquids in the packaging. Pat dry the tofu with clean paper towel to remove as much excess moisture. Slice the block of tofu into small equal sized cubes (about 1-inch cubes).
    Spread cornstarch on a large plate or baking sheet. Evenly coat tofu cubes in cornstarch in batches using clean hands (do not simply dump the cornstarch over all the tofu and mix or they won't coat properly). Transfer coated tofu into a large bowl.
    1. Spread cornstarch on a large plate or baking sheet. Evenly coat tofu cubes in cornstarch in batches using clean hands (do not simply dump the cornstarch over all the tofu and mix or they won't coat properly). Transfer coated tofu into a large bowl.
    Season coated tofu with garlic powder and onion powder by gently mixing with hands.
    1. Season coated tofu with garlic powder and onion powder by gently mixing with hands.
    Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan on medium heat. Pan fry tofu in a single layer for 20 minutes in total until golden brown, flipping over halfway. Do not constantly move the tofu or it won't become crispy. Remove and set aside.
    1. Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan on medium heat. Pan fry tofu in a single layer for 20 minutes in total until golden brown, flipping over halfway. Do not constantly move the tofu or it won't become crispy. Remove and set aside.
    Reduce to medium-low heat. Pour in sauce and simmer to thicken. Once thick add in the fried tofu and gently toss to combine.
    1. Reduce to medium-low heat. Pour in sauce and simmer to thicken. Once thick add in the fried tofu and gently toss to combine.
    Remove and transfer tofu with sauce onto a large serving plate. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and enjoy!
    1. Remove and transfer tofu with sauce onto a large serving plate. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and enjoy!

    Storage

    • Leftovers will last up to 4 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat: microwave for 2-3 minutes until hot or reheat in a pan on medium heat.
    • Freezer friendly? I don't recommend freezing teriyaki tofu because the freezer will change the texture of the tofu.

    Pairing Suggestions

    Tofu teriyaki serves well with:

    • steamed white rice, brown rice or cauliflower rice
    • starters like miso soup, Japanese crab corn salad or salad withย Japanese ginger salad dressing or Korokke
    • seafood dishes like shrimp tempura, panko shrimp or ebi mayo
    • protein dishes like ramen eggs, chicken katsu or tonkatsu, Karaage, Teriyaki Chicken, or Ginger Miso Salmon.
    • rice dishes like Oyakodon, Omurice, Pork Katsu Onigirazu or Katsudon
    • other noodle dishes like Yaki Udon, Creamy Mushroom Udon, or Udon Carbonara

    FAQ

    Can I make teriyaki tofu in advance?

    Teriyaki tofu can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, microwave or in a pan on the stovetop on medium heat.

    Can I also make the tofu in the air fryer?

    The tofu can be air fried by following these instructions:
    1. After coating the tofu in cornstarch, lightly spray your air fryer basket with vegetable oil.
    2. Place coated tofu into the basket in a single layer - do not overlap (you may need to air fry in batches). Lightly spray the tofu with vegetable oil.
    3. Air fry at 400ยฐF for 10 minutes. At the 5-minute mark, flip the tofu over and continue air frying for another 5 minutes.

    Other recipes you may like

    • Crispy Soy Garlic Tofu
    • Sweet & Sticky Tofu
    • Silken Tofu With Onions & Garlic
    • Spicy Gochujang Sesame Tofu

    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    Quick & Easy Teriyaki Tofu

    Christie Lai
    Delicious crispy tofu tossed in a sticky sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This quick and easy teriyaki tofu is ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients. A great main dish that is restaurant quality and great for the family! This is vegan.
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Japanese
    Servings 2
    Calories per serving 522 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 12.35 oz extra firm tofu or firm tofu but be gentle
    • 6 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
    • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
    • 3-4 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral tasting oil
    • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional garnish
    • 1 green onion finely chopped, optional garnish

    Teriyaki Sauce

    • ยผ cup sake or dry sherry wine or rice vinegar
    • ยผ cup mirin
    • 3 tablespoon regular soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 teaspoon ginger grated

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, combine teriyaki sauce ingredients as listed and mix well until the honey fully dissolves.
    • Strain the tofu block of the liquids in the packaging. Pat dry the tofu with clean paper towel to remove as much excess moisture. Slice the block of tofu into small equal sized cubes (about 1-inch cubes).
    • Spread cornstarch on a large plate or baking sheet. Evenly coat tofu cubes in cornstarch in batches using clean hands (do not simply dump the cornstarch over all the tofu and mix or they won't coat properly). Transfer coated tofu into a large bowl.
    • Season coated tofu with garlic powder and onion powder by gently mixing with hands.
    • Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan on medium heat. Pan fry tofu in a single layer for 20 minutes in total until golden brown, flipping over halfway. Do not constantly move the tofu or it won't become crispy. Remove and set aside.
    • Reduce to medium-low heat. Pour in sauce and simmer to thicken. Once thick add in the fried tofu and gently toss to combine.
    • Remove and transfer tofu with sauce onto a large serving plate. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and enjoy!
    Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!

    Suggested Equipment & Products

    • Large Non-Stick Pan
    • Mixing bowl
    • Measuring Set
    • Silicone Spatula 3-Piece Set
    • Cutting Board
    • Santoku Knife
    • Baking Sheet
    • Kitchen Scale
    Nutrition
    Calories: 522kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Sodium: 1849mg | Potassium: 381mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 0.5IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 3mg

    More Quick & Easy Main Dish Recipes

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      Beef Mushroom Stir-Fry
    • featured image of gyudon
      Gyudon (Japanese Beef Rice Bowl)
    • Korean Braised Tofu

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Barbara B

      April 09, 2025 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious. The only way I will make tofu from now on. The only difference was that I baked the tofu. The key was coating each piece fully as you instruct and not to crowd the tofu on the baking sheet.

      Reply
      • Christie Lai

        April 09, 2025 at 5:52 pm

        Thanks for making my recipe and glad you enjoyed it using your baking method, Barbara!

        Reply
    2. Tereza

      November 09, 2024 at 6:56 am

      5 stars
      Possibly the best tofu I've ever prepared. I don't have mirin and sake, so I used white wine instead of sake and ommited mirin. It turned out perfectly, so addictive!

      Reply
      • Christie Lai

        November 18, 2024 at 1:49 pm

        Thank you so much for making my recipe and for this kind review! So glad it worked out with those substitutes ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    3. Jd

      May 10, 2024 at 2:13 am

      5 stars
      Teriyaki tofu will be very good for me

      Reply
    4. Stephanie

      November 19, 2023 at 11:37 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious! Made this tonight for the 1st time. Fabulous! This will definitely be on my weekly rotation! Got my hibachi style tofu fix! Yum!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        November 22, 2023 at 4:33 pm

        Thank you so much for making my tofu recipe, Stephanie! So glad to hear it'll be on the weekly rotation ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5. Jeremy

      October 01, 2023 at 7:56 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent. I liked that the sauce is sweet and light but not too sweet. A big hit in my house. I added broccoli to mine.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        October 02, 2023 at 5:42 pm

        Thanks so much for making my recipe, Jeremy! Very happy to hear that it's a big hit in your house. The broccoli addition sounds fantastic!

        Reply
    6. Erika

      June 15, 2023 at 11:24 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you, it was so good! Even my husband who dislikes tofu said "it's delicious!" I increased the sauce ratio and added red bell pepper, blanched broccoli, and sauteed mushrooms. Served with brown rice it was a complete yummy meal ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • christieathome

        June 20, 2023 at 3:40 pm

        Awesome! Thanks for making my recipe, Erika! Glad your husband also enjoyed it!

        Reply
    7. Dan

      May 05, 2023 at 6:21 pm

      5 stars
      Really good. Added sautรฉed asparagus from our garden. I like the simplicity of of the recipes.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        May 09, 2023 at 6:15 pm

        Thanks for making my recipe, Dan! Glad you enjoyed it! Less is more ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    8. Dan

      March 31, 2023 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent

      Reply
      • christieathome

        April 01, 2023 at 2:17 pm

        Thank you kindly, Dan!

        Reply
    9. Jenna

      September 07, 2022 at 10:11 pm

      5 stars
      This came together super quickly and my daughters and I were fighting over the leftovers. We will definitely be making this again.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        September 08, 2022 at 4:07 pm

        Haha! Thank you so much for making my recipe and so glad you and your daughter enjoyed the dish ๐Ÿ™‚ Have a lovely day Jenna!

        Reply
    10. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs

      March 24, 2021 at 12:50 am

      5 stars
      This sticky sauce looks so perfect for tofu! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    11. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      March 23, 2021 at 11:31 pm

      5 stars
      I'm always looking for new ways to cook up tofu. Teriyaki is a favorite flavor of ours and I know I could even convince the kids to eat this one! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    12. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      March 22, 2021 at 11:27 pm

      5 stars
      I just picked up some tofu and this would be a perfect use for it! It looks so crispy and delicious, and that sticky sauce is perfection!

      Reply
    13. Heidi | The Frugal Girls

      March 22, 2021 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      Your homemade Teriyaki sauce is dynamite... and I Iove how quickly this yummy dinner comes together. This is one amazing no-guilt pleasure!

      Reply
    14. thehintofrosemary

      March 22, 2021 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      This is a perfect alternative to chicken teriyaki! I love cooking with tofu in Asian recipes!

      Reply

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    Christie

    Christie is an Recipe Blogger with an expertise on Asian recipes! She makes Asian cooking approachable with step-by-step pictures, ingredient & recipe tips and a helpful cooking video. Her quick and easy recipes have been featured on BuzzFeed Tasty, Food52, The Kitchn, The FeedFeed, Sur La Table, Yummly and more! With a following of over 1M+, her recipes are made repeatedly by her loyal readers.

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