Teriyaki Tofu

a pan with fried tofu in teriyaki sauce.

This Teriyaki Tofu has a crispy exterior with a creamy inside. It is outrageously delicious and is ready in about 30 minutes. The homemade sticky sauce is better than takeout!

Course Dinner

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword crispy teriyaki tofu, fried tofu teriyaki, teriyaki tofu, tofu teriyaki

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings Servings

Calories 286kcal

Author Maria Doss

Ingredients

1 14-ounce package firm tofu, drained and patted dry
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons cornstarch
⅛ teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves minced
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons soy sauce
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons sugar white
¼ cup mirin
Chopped scallions to garnish (optional)
Toasted white sesame seeds to garnish (optional)

Instructions

Drain excess water from the package and pat dry the block, on all sides using paper towels to remove all excess moisture. Slice the block crosswise into planks.
Cut the planks into triangles. Spread the tofu on a paper towel lined plate and press with more paper towels to remove any remaining moisture.
Stir cornstarch, salt and pepper in a plate. Working with one piece at a time, gently toss to coat all sides with the cornstarch.
Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan. When hot, place tofu in a single layer and cook on medium-high heat, until golden brown on the bottom. Gently turn over and cook until the other side is golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
Tip: The cornstarch clings and coats the tofu pieces, creating a protective sheath that slows the loss of moisture, thus resulting in juicy tofu.
Using paper towels, wipe out most of the oil. Place pan over medium heat, add chopped garlic and cook until it begins to turn golden.
Add soy sauce, sugar and mirin, stir occasionally and reduces to a thick sauce. Take pan off heat, gently toss in tofu. Sprinkle chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with white rice.
Pro tip: If your sauce reduces very thick, then simply warm with a splash of water to loosen it up.

Video

Notes

Use non-stick pan - It is essential, so that the triangles don't stick to the pan.

Use Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu.

Soy sauce – Kikkoman is a well-known Japanese soy brand and excellent for all Asian dishes. Don't use “dark soy sauce” or “sweet soy sauce”.

Mirin - Our favorite to use is "Kikko Manjo Aji Mirin".

Nutrition