No Sweat Vegan

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Free E-Books
  • Meal Planning Printables
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Free E-Books
  • Meal Planning Printables
  • Shop

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Free E-Books
  • Meal Planning Printables
  • Shop

×
Home » Recipes

Teriyaki Tofu (Vegan & Oil-free!)

Published: 28 Apr 2023 · Updated: 29 Jun 2023 by Julianne Lynch · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · Leave a Comment

2328 shares
  • Facebook
  • Email
Jump to Recipe
Teriyaki tofu pin.
Teriyaki tofu pin.

This crispy Teriyaki Tofu has a sticky homemade sauce and comes together in about 40 minutes. It's a flavorful tofu recipe that can be added to bowls, stir frys, tacos, and more! Perfect for beginners and sharing with non-vegan friends!

Two bowls with teriyaki tofu, rice, and broccoli.
Have this delicious Teriyaki Tofu recipe on the table in 40 minutes!

Whenever I've ordered Tofu Teriyaki at a restaurant, I'm always disappointed to get bland squares of spongey tofu with a thin, watery sauce that won't stick. So when developing this recipe I wanted to be sure to get crunchy tofu with a chewy texture, and a flavorful sticky sauce that clings to the tofu. And boy did I ever hit the target on this one!

Cornstarch helps get the tofu chunks nice and crispy. While that's baking in the oven, whisk together the ingredients for this simple, flavorful, and delicious homemade teriyaki sauce. Then toss the cooked tofu chunks in the sauce and that's it!

In just 40 minutes you can have a drool-worthy teriyaki tofu that's better than takeout. Not only is this dish delicious, but it's oil-free and low in calories. Because of the meaty texture of the tofu, it's also a perfect dish for sharing with omnivores or for people who are new to plant-based eating.

Jump to:
  • Can this be gluten-free?
  • Can I make it in the air fryer?
  • Ingredient notes
  • Instructions
  • Variations
  • Equipment
  • How to serve
  • Storage
  • Top tip
  • More vegan Asian-inspired recipes
  • 📖 Recipe

You'll love this teriyaki tofu recipe because it's:

  • Simple & Delicious
  • Quick & Easy
  • Vegan/Vegetarian
  • Easy to make gluten-free
  • Kid-friendly
  • WFPB & Oil-Free
  • Perfect for adding to Tofu Teriyaki Bowls and more!

Bowl with teriyaki tofu, rice, and broccoli.
Crispy chunks of tofu make this recipe stand out from the rest!

Can this be gluten-free?

Yes! Since most soy sauce has gluten, you'll want to choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Also, be sure to check that your cornstarch doesn't contain any fillers.

Can I make it in the air fryer?

You can definitely make the tofu in the air fryer! Just prepare as directed and cook the tofu in the air fryer for 10 to 15 minutes at 400F/200C. For full air fryer instructions, check out Air Fryer Teriyaki Tofu on my sister site Air Fryer Veg.


Ingredients to make teriyaki tofu on a cutting board.
Here's what you need to make Teriyaki Tofu!

Ingredient notes

  • super firm tofu: This comes vacuum sealed and doesn't need to be pressed. If you can't find it, substitute with extra-firm tofu that has been pressed for 20 to 30 minutes (this freeze/thaw method will help give an even more meaty texture).
  • cornstarch: This will not only help make the tofu crispy and crunchy, but it will also help thicken the teriyaki sauce.
  • water
  • soy sauce: For earthy saltiness.
  • maple syrup: For sweetness.
  • mirin or rice vinegar: Mirin adds a little depth to the sweetness of the sauce, but I've also made this with rice vinegar and it still tastes great!
  • fresh ginger: I love fresh ginger, but I've tested this recipe with powdered ginger and it works out fine.
  • garlic: As with the ginger, fresh garlic has more flavor, but granulated garlic will do in a pinch.
  • Plus a little more cornstarch and water to make a cornstarch slurry

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Here are step-by-step instructions with photos.

Hand breaking off a chunk from a block of tofu.
  • Preheat the oven to 425F (220C).
  • Break the tofu into craggy, uneven chunks and add them to a mixing bowl.
Bowl with tofu chunks mixed with cornstarch.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the top. Gently mix to combine. Repeat this step 2 more times until you have used 3 tablespoons of cornstarch.

Baking sheet with uncooked tofu chunks.

Transfer the tofu to a lined baking sheet. (Don't worry if there are some little tofu crumbles. Later when you mix the tofu with the sauce they will stick to the larger tofu chunks and add extra crunch!)

Baking sheet with cooked tofu pieces.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Teriyaki sauce in a bowl next to a bowl of cornstarch slurry and a whisk.
  • While the tofu is baking, make any other sides (rice, veggies, etc). 10 minutes before the tofu is done, make the sauce. Add the water, soy sauce, maple syrup, mirin or rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger, to a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
  • In another bowl whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Set aside.
Skillet with teriyaki sauce and cornstarch slurry with hand whisking.
  • Add the sauce to a skillet and cook over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  • Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring as needed, until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat.
Crispy tofu in a skillet with teriyaki sauce, unmixed.

When the tofu is done, remove it from the oven and add it to the skillet. Gently fold and mix until the tofu is completely coated with the sauce

Tofu chunks mixed into teriyaki sauce in a skillet.

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion (optional). Serve with rice, veggies, or whatever you like. Enjoy!

Hint: Because the sauce is sticky and the tofu is craggy, you might have to mix for a minute or two to fully coat all of the tofu. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a table of water to the skillet to loosen the sauce.

Variations

Here are a few variations or similar recipes you might like:

  • Spicy - add chili pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce. You could also try this General Tso's Tofu, which has a similar flavor but kicks up the spice.
  • Orange - add ⅓ cup of orange juice to the sauce or follow this recipe for Orange Tofu.


Bowl with teriyaki tofu, rice, and broccoli. A hand is lifting out a chunk of tofu with chopsticks.
Serve this Teriyaki Tofu with rice and steamed broccoli or veggies!

Equipment

For this recipe, you'll need a large mixing bowl, a small bowl, and a skillet. A whisk is helpful for getting a clump-free sauce, but a fork or wooden spoon will do in a pinch. I like to use a microplane to grate the garlic and ginger, but you can also mince it by hand or buy pre-minced.

All of my favorite products and kitchen tools can be found in my Amazon shop.

How to serve

There are several ways to serve teriyaki tofu. Add it to a stir fry, teriyaki tacos, or as a stand-alone main dish.

Or make a crispy teriyaki tofu bowl with rice and veggies like steamed broccoli, air fryer broccoli, frozen air fryer green beans, or sweet & spicy Brussels sprouts.

Storage

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Top tip

Don't worry if there are some little crumbles when you add the tofu to the baking sheet. Later when you mix the tofu with the teriyaki sauce they will stick to the larger tofu chunks and add extra crunch!

More vegan Asian-inspired recipes

  • Rainbow chickpea salad in a bowl.
    Rainbow Chickpea Salad with Tahini Ginger Dressing
  • Tahini ginger dressing in a jar with a hand lifting a spoonful out.
    Tahini Ginger Dressing (Vegan + Oil-free)
  • Vegan teriyaki sauce recipe.
    Vegan Teriyaki Sauce
  • Air fryer frozen green beans recipe.
    Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans (Two Ways!)

📖 Recipe

Bowl with teriyaki tofu, rice, and broccoli. Hand using chopsticks to pick up a chunk of tofu.

Teriyaki Tofu

This crispy Teriyaki Tofu has a sticky homemade sauce and comes together in about 40 minutes. It's a flavorful tofu recipe that can be added to bowls, stir frys, tacos, and more! Perfect for beginners and sharing with non-vegan friends!
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Share on Facebook Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
Osnell USA Small Glass Cook...Shop on Amazon
small mixing bowl
Wilton Easy Layers Sheet Ca...Shop on Amazon
baking sheet
12" Stone Frying Pan by Oze...Shop on Amazon
skillet

Ingredients
 
 

For the Tofu

  • 14 oz super firm tofu
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Sauce

  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon mirin or rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (about 1 inch or a thumb-sized piece)
  • 2 cloves garlic

Cornstarch Slurry

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Optional Garnish

  • sesame seeds
  • chopped green onion
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

Make the Tofu

  • Preheat the oven to 425F (220C).
  • Break the tofu into craggy, uneven chunks and add them to a mixing bowl.
  • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the top. Gently mix to combine. Repeat this step 2 more times until you have used 3 tablespoons of cornstarch.
  • Transfer the tofu to a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

Make the Sauce

  • While the tofu is baking, make any other sides (rice, veggies, etc). 10 minutes before the tofu is done, make the sauce. Add the water, soy sauce, maple syrup, mirin or rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger, to a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
  • In another bowl whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Set aside.
  • Add the sauce to a skillet and cook over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  • Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring as needed, until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat.
  • When the tofu is done, remove it from the oven and add it to the skillet. Gently fold and mix until the tofu is completely coated with the sauce.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion (optional). Serve with rice, veggies, or whatever you like. Enjoy!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Save this RecipeSaved!

Notes

  • This recipe calls for Super Firm Tofu, which comes vacuum sealed and pre-pressed. If you are using regular or extra firm tofu, you will need to press it first for 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 9gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 910mgPotassium: 248mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 0.3IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Teriyaki Tofu
Tried this recipe?Tag me on Instagram @no_sweat_vegan or #nosweatvegan!

Want access to my Exclusive Meal Planning Tips & Printables page?

Did you try this recipe? Have a question? Just leave a comment below and I'll get back to you ASAP!

More Vegan Recipes

  • Strawberry rhubarb baked oatmeal on a plate.
    Strawberry Rhubarb Baked Oatmeal (Vegan + No Banana!)
  • Hand dipping crostini into vegan spinach artichoke dip.
    Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip (Easy + Nut-Free!)
  • Vegan pumpkin baked oatmeal on a plate with toppings.
    Pumpkin Baked Oats (Vegan)
  • Closeup of hand picking up a spoonful of vegan pumpkin risotto.
    Vegan Pumpkin Risotto (With Sage!)
2328 shares
  • Facebook
  • Email
5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Julianne, founder of No Sweat Vegan.

Hi, I'm Julianne! A dedicated home chef for over 20 years and a vegan recipe developer since 2020. I love creating simple and comforting vegan food for the whole family. Most of my recipes are quick, Whole-Foods Plant-Based, and easy on the budget. Thanks for stopping by!

You can also find me at AirFryerVeg.com.

More about me →

Trending

  • Chick-fil-A tofu on a plate with vegan honey mustard.
    Vegan Chick-fil-A style Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Honey Mustard Sauce (Oil-free!)
  • Stack of vegan oatmeal raisin cookies.
    Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Healthy, Easy, + Oil-Free)
  • Vegan potato soup in a bowl.
    Vegan Potato Soup (Easy & Oil-Free)
  • Tofu nuggets on a plate with a small bowl of ketchup.
    Tofu Nuggets (Vegan + Oil-Free!)

Recent

  • Vegan butter beans recipe in a bowl with bread.
    Vegan Butter Beans (Easy + Creamy!)
  • Pumpkin bliss balls in a bowl.
    No-Bake Pumpkin Balls (Easy + Vegan!)
  • Three vegan pear muffins stacked in front of a pear.
    Vegan Pear Muffins (Oil-free!)
  • Vegan Mother's Day Recipes collage.
    Vegan Mother's Day Recipes

Web Stories

Footer

↑ back to top

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Impressum

Free Meal Planning Tips & Printables!

  • Sign Up for free printables and weekly updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

***

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to No Sweat Vegan with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.


Copyright © 2020-2025 No Sweat Vegan on the Foodie Pro Theme

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.