Crispy Baked Tofu Teriyaki

Crispy Teriyaki Tofu is quick, easy to make, healthy and perfect for a delicious vegetarian/vegan meal! Serve it up with some rice and your favourite veggies!

If you know someone who is convinced that tofu is bland and flavourless, this is the recipe to convert them. Knowing how to prep your tofu can transform it into delicious crispy bites that will convert any tofu hater.

This Crispy Teriyaki Tofu is an Asian-inspired recipe that is healthy, vegan and packed full of flavour! If you need even more teriyaki flavour in your life you can serve these up with some teriyaki noodles on the side.

Teriyaki Tofu Recipe Ingredients

• Tofu: You’ll want to use firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe to get crispy cubes of tofu.
• Oil: Avocado oil or vegetable oil both work. This coats the tofu to help the cornstarch stick to it and will also help it crisp up in the oven.
• Cornstarch: This is the “secret” ingredient to getting crispy tofu!
• Tamari: You can substitute soy sauce if you prefer
• Coconut Sugar: This is used to get that sweetness in the teriyaki sauce. You can substitute with brown sugar, honey or maple syrup.
• Rice Vinegar: This helps balance the flavour in the sauce and gives it that sweet and sour tanginess.
• Garlic: Make sure to use fresh garlic! This is an important ingredient in teriyaki sauce.
• Ginger: I love the flavour of ginger with teriyaki! Fresh ginger will elevate the taste of the dish.

What type of tofu is best for stir fry?

If you want a tofu stir fry that is crispy, firm or extra-firm tofu are best. Firmer tofus have less water in them, allowing them to crisp up more easily than softer tofus.

Do you have to press tofu for stir fry?

Pressing tofu for stir fry allows you to get more water out of the tofu which will help it crisp up more. For this baked tofu, I don’t find it’s necessary to press the tofu before, but if you’d like to you can by placing the tofu in a tofu press, or in a kitchen towel under a heavy book for 15 minutes before cooking.

How to make Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Homemade teriyaki sauce is so easy to make and tastes WAY better than any store-bought teriyaki sauce. (Plus it’s much healthier when it’s homemade.)

To make homemade Teriyaki sauce just mix tamari, coconut sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch and water together in a mixing bowl. That’s it!

How to make Tofu Teriyaki

Cut the tofu into cubes then coat it with some cornstarch. Bake the tofu in the oven at 425 degrees F for 30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

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While the tofu is baking, prep the sauce by mixing all the sauce ingredients together in a saucepan on medium heat. Toss the tofu in the sauce .(in the saucepan or in a bowl)

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Serve the tofu immediately on it’s own, over rice, with noodles or however you like.

How to make Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

If you prefer stir fry teriyaki tofu over baked teriyaki tofu, follow the steps to prep the tofu, then heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Fry the tofu on each side (about 2 minutes per side) until golden brown.

If you’d like to add in any veggies, remove the tofu from the pan and saute your favourite veggies. Then add the tofu back in the pan and pour the teriyaki sauce over the tofu and vegetables and mix together.

How to make this Teriyaki Tofu recipe in an Air Fryer

To cook the tofu in an air fryer, heat the air fryer to 375 degrees and add the tofu to the air fryer in a single layer. (don’t overcrowd the tofu!) Cook for 10-15 minutes. Once the tofu is done, toss with the Teriyaki sauce.

Tips for perfect Baked Teriyaki Tofu

• Make sure to use firm or extra-firm tofu! While soft tofu is great in things like soups, it won’t crisp up like firm tofu does.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the tofu from sticking to your pan.
• Do not prep this dish too far ahead of time. Once the tofu is tossed in the sauce it should be served immediately to maintain its crispiness.

Teriyaki Tofu FAQs

What is Teriyaki sauce made of?

Teriyaki sauce is made out of three main flavours: salty, sweet and tangy. This is usually achieved with soy sauce, sugar and vinegar. The sauce can be made in a variety of different ways.

How do I make the tofu crispy?

Always use firm or extra-firm tofu to start. Next, squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible before proceeding. You can always use a tofu press for this, but I personally don’t use one. Coating the tofu in some cornstarch before baking or pan-frying, will also help the exterior of the tofu become crispier.

What can I serve with Teriyaki Tofu?

There are so many ways to serve up this recipe! Serve it over some rice,(regular or fried rice) serve it with some noodles, or serve with with your favourite vegetables.

Storing and Reheating Crispy Teriyaki Tofu

Does it keep?

This recipe keeps in the fridge for 1-2 but it’s definitely best enjoyed fresh. The tofu will lose it’s crispiness if it’s not eaten right away.

How do I reheat it?

You can reheat this in a pan on the stove or in the microwave. My personal preference is in a pan with a touch of oil. This will help the tofu cubes get a little bit crispy again once you reheat them.

More tofu recipes to try

• Kung Pao Tofu
• Thai Coconut Curry Tofu
• Orange Tofu
• Peanut Butter Tofu

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