Crispy Tofu Teriyaki

This Vegan crispy tofu teriyaki is the most delicious way to eat tofu. Crispy tofu is the perfect vessel for the sweet teriyaki sauce. Each bite is packed with a sweet umami flavor, followed by the crunch on the outside and the soft texture in the center of the fried tofu. 

Crispy Tofu Teriyaki

A homemade teriyaki sauce coats every piece with a rich blend of sweet and savory flavors, making each bite packed with delicious umami goodness. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anyone looking for a plant-based meal that is both hearty and full of flavor.

Ingredients Needed to Make Crispy Tofu Teriyaki~

Crispy Tofu~

• Tofu 
• Corn Starch (Potato Starch works well too)
• Salt 
• Pepper
• Sesame Seeds (Optional Garnish)
• Scallions (Optional Garnish) 

Teriyaki Sauce~

• Soy Sauce 
• Sake (Sake Substitutes)
• Mirin (Mirin Substitutes) 
• Brown Sugar  

Notes for Success~

• Pressing the liquid out of the tofu block is a very important step to get a crispy exterior on your tofu cubes.
• You can use any type of starch you have on hand, like potato or rice.
• Here are substitution ideas for mirin and sake.
• The teriyaki sauce will start out very thin, and it will thicken the longer it cooks. Once your teriyaki sauce begins to bubble, you know it is close to being ready.
• You can store your crispy tofu teriyaki in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Note: To reheat, you will need to air fry or oven bake to get a crispy texture. Microwaving will cause a chewy texture.

Here are some more tasty weeknight recipes~

• Vegetarian Pad Thai
• Miso Brown Butter Fried Rice
• Vegetarian Bulgogi

If you make my Easy Chicken Dumpling Lasagna recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or TikTok! I love seeing the recipes you make!

Print Recipe

5 from 5 votes

Crispy Tofu Teriyaki

This Vegan Crispy Tofu Teriyaki is a flavorful and satisfying meal that makes tofu the star of the plate. The tofu is cooked until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender in the center, creating the perfect contrast in texture. A homemade teriyaki sauce coats every piece with a rich blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, dinner

Cuisine: American, Japanese

Servings: 4

Author: Jennifer Struss

Ingredients

Crispy Tofu

• 16 oz Block of firm tofu
• ⅓ cup Corn Starch
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• ¼ cup Cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
• 2 tbsp Sliced Green Onion (garnish)
• 1 tsp Sesame seeds (garnish)

Teriyaki sauce

• ½ cup Soy Sauce
• ½ cup Sake
• ¼ cup Mirin
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar

Instructions

• Press out the tofu block by wrapping the block in a few paper towels or a clean dish towel and leaving a heavy pot or pan on top for 15 minutes.
• Prepare the sauce by adding soy sauce, sake, mirin, and brown sugar into a saucepan and stir to combine. Cook the ingredients on medium high heat, until bubbles form. Then turn the heat down to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. The sauce will slowly thicken and begin to bubble. Once the sauce is at the desired consistency take it off the heat and set aside.
• Heat a dutch oven or heavy bottom pan like a cast iron to medium heat and add the cooking Oil. Cut your tofu block into 1inch-by-1inch cubes. Prepare your corn starch in a shallow bowl or plate by mixing in the salt and pepper.
• Dip each cube of tofu into the corn starch, making sure each side is evenly coated. Working in batches carefully place the tofu into the hot oil. Cook each side for about 2 minutes allowing each side of the tofu block to get crispy.
• Let the tofu drain on a plate with paper towels. Once all the tofu is cooked and drained, stack the cubes in a bowl, then top with the teriyaki sauce and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. (The teriyaki sauce will thicken as it cools, heat the sauce back up if needed)

Notes

Pressing the liquid out of the tofu block is a very important step to get a crispy exterior on your tofu cubes. You can use any type of starch you have on hand like potato or rice. Here are substitution ideas for mirin and sake. The teriyaki sauce will start out very thin and it will thicken the longer it cooks. Once your teriyaki sauce begins to bubble, that is when you know it is close to being ready.