Teriyaki Glazed Tofu

Name: Teriyaki Glazed Tofu
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 14 ounces firm tofu, drained and pressed; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup mirin; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Highlighted under: Green Eating

I love making Teriyaki Glazed Tofu because it’s a deliciously satisfying dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in the most delightful way. This recipe is my go-to when I want to impress guests with an easy yet elegant meal. The tofu gets perfectly crispy on the outside while absorbing all the flavors of the homemade teriyaki sauce. In just a few minutes, you can whip up a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect over rice or noodles. It's a great way to enjoy plant-based meals without sacrificing taste!

Created by

Monicas

Last updated on 2026-02-24T18:39:19.147Z

When I first attempted making teriyaki glazed tofu, I was surprised by how exquisitely the flavors married together. The key is to marinate the tofu long enough for the sauce to seep in, which enhances its overall taste. I learned that a combination of fresh ginger and garlic really elevates the dish. It’s become a staple in my kitchen!

One special tip I can share is to press your tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating. This ensures that the tofu absorbs more of the teriyaki sauce, resulting in a rich, flavorful glaze once cooked. It's an approach I've perfected over the years, and the results are simply wonderful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The balance of sweet and savory flavors that tantalizes your taste buds
Easy to make, yet elegant enough for a dinner party
A fantastic plant-based dish that even meat lovers will enjoy

Key Techniques for Crispy Tofu

Achieving perfectly crispy tofu is all about technique. After pressing the tofu, slicing it into even bite-sized cubes increases the surface area, allowing for a better sear. Make sure to heat your skillet thoroughly before adding the tofu; it should sizzle upon contact. If the tofu sticks, allow it to cook a little longer without moving it, as this will help form a crust.

When cooking the tofu, consider using a non-stick skillet for easier release. For a crispier texture, give the tofu space in the pan; overcrowding will create steam instead of searing. Keep an eye on the tofu, and flip them occasionally until golden brown on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes. The goal is to have each piece develop enticing crispy edges.

Understanding the Marinade Ingredients

Each ingredient in the teriyaki marinade plays a vital role in flavor development. Soy sauce provides the umami base, while mirin adds a sweet, slightly tangy note that is essential for balance. Brown sugar enhances the sweetness while helping to create the glossy finish that teriyaki is known for, so don't skip it! If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, consider substituting with maple syrup or agave nectar, adjusting the amount to taste.

The addition of sesame oil infuses a rich, nutty flavor that ties all the elements together. Use a good quality toasted sesame oil for the best results. Fresh garlic and ginger not only uplift the dish with freshness but also contribute aromatic complexities. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used, but start with half the amount since it is more concentrated.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving your teriyaki glazed tofu can be customized based on your taste preferences. While it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or soba noodles, consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for an extra nutrition boost. This also enhances color and texture, making your dish visually appealing and more satisfying.

For variations, try incorporating different sauces for the base, such as adding a touch of hoisin for sweetness or a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick. You could also experiment with different proteins; tempeh or seitan can serve as fantastic alternatives if you're looking for a different texture. Remember to adjust cooking times based on your protein choice to achieve the desired doneness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Teriyaki Glazed Tofu:

Ingredients

14 ounces firm tofu, drained and pressed
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

You can adjust the marinade according to your taste if you prefer a sweeter or saltier flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Teriyaki Glazed Tofu:

Prepare the Tofu

Slice the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. This allows for more surface area to absorb the marinade.

Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.

Marinate the Tofu

Add the tofu cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Tofu

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the marinated tofu until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.

Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Pour this into the skillet with the remaining marinade and stir until it thickens.

Garnish and Serve

Serve the teriyaki glazed tofu over rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously flavorful Teriyaki Glazed Tofu!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to your dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This teriyaki glazed tofu makes for a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can prepare the marinade and marinate the tofu up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop deeply. Store the marinated tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. Just be sure to give it a good stir before cooking, as the marinade may separate slightly.

If you have leftovers, store the cooked tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to maintain its crispy texture rather than a microwave, which can make it soggy. If you're freezing, I suggest freezing the marinated but uncooked tofu, as this helps maintain the texture once cooked.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your tofu isn’t crispy enough, it may be due to excess moisture. You can press it a little longer or use a tofu press for better results. Additionally, ensure that your skillet is hot enough when you add the tofu, as starting in a cool pan can lead to stewing rather than frying, preventing crispiness.

Another common issue is the sauce being too thin. If this occurs, simply mix a little more cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the skillet while stirring. This will thicken the sauce quickly, giving you a glossy, restaurant-quality finish. Always taste your sauce before serving; you can adjust the balances with a little sugar or soy sauce if necessary.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of tofu?

Yes, you can use softer tofu, but keep in mind it may not have the same texture.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover teriyaki tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for heat.