Teriyaki Tofu

This Teriyaki Tofu is perfect for those moments where you’re craving takeout but healthier. Crispy, chewy, tangy and sweet, this Teriyaki Tofu come together in under 30 minutes!

Watch how to make this Teriyaki Tofu over on my YouTube channel! And don’t forget to subscribe while you’re at it 😉

Ingredients & Inspiration

If there’s a sauce that’s synonymous with Japanese takeout, it’s no doubt teriyaki. Sweet, tangy, sticky, garlicky, and so yummy. Traditionally made with ingredients like soy sauce, sugar and mirin, it renders the glossiest finish on whatever you’re cooking in it! While I’ll eat just about teriyaki anything, Teriyaki Tofu is one of my favourites! Served over rice with some green onions and sesame seeds, have mercy. It’s a great plant-based alternative to chicken or pork on a Meatless Monday!

I 100% promise you will not miss the taste or texture of meat in this recipe. By air frying bite-sized pieces until crispy, they mimmick that chewy-on-the-inside and crispy-on-the-outside mouthfeel of deep-fried chicken or pork, with all the delicious saucy goodness of teriyaki sauce. I daresay this will be one of your new favourite ways to enjoy teriyaki!

The best part is most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen right now! Here’s what you need:

How to Make Teriyaki Tofu

Teriyaki Tofu comes together in two easy steps: air fry the tofu and whisk up the teriyaki sauce directly on the stove.

1. Add the tofu to the basket of your air fryer and lightly spray with cooking oil. Air fry at 380°F for 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
2. In a small frying pan, add all of the sauce ingredients and whisk together until combined and the sugar is dissolved. Warm through on medium heat until steaming hot.
3. Once hot, stir together the cornstarch and water to make a cornstarch slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Continue stirring until it thickens and becomes glossy and smooth. Turn off the heat.
4. Toss in the air fried tofu and stir to combine in the sauce until fully coated. Lastly, gently fold most of the green onions, reserve some for topping, and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles and enjoy!

Totally Teriyaki

If you feel like making something other than tofu, you can always use the sauce in a teriyaki stir fry or drizzled over veggies and rice! Let me know what’s your favourite way to enjoy teriyaki in a comment below!

If you enjoyed this recipe you should definitely check out some of my other epic tofu recipes like Sesame Ginger Tofu, Kung Pao Tofu, or Pesto Tofu! Or just check out ALL my tofu recipes.

Lastly, if you made any of these recipes and decide to share them on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @SteamyVegan and use hashtag #SteamyVegan! I seriously love seeing what you’re cooking up! Plus make sure to check me out on YouTube — I have HUNDREDS of recipe videos to give you limitless plant-based inspiration!