Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu

Teriyaki tofu and steamed broccoli served on a plate of rice with chopsticks and cups of tea beside.

5 from 1 vote

This baked teriyaki tofu recipe features crispy tofu coated in a sticky and umami-packed sauce. This recipe comes together in 30 minutes and is easy to make, with an air-fryer option.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Japanese

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 265kcal

Author: Meesha

Ingredients

For tofu

1 block extra-firm tofu or firm tofu*
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon olive oil or another neutral-tasting oil
1 tablespoon shoyu or soy sauce/tamari

For teriyaki sauce

2 teaspoons minced ginger
2 cloves garlic minced
½ cup water
¼ cup mirin **see notes for substitution
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari/ shoyu (use gluten-free if needed)
2 tablespoons sugar (any granulated sweetener will work)
½ tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

Baking tofu

Preheat oven to 200C/ 400F. Tear tofu into bite-sized pieces.
Add cornstarch, soy sauce, and oil. Gently mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Arrange tofu in one layer in a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, giving it a stir halfway through.

Making teriyaki tofu

While tofu is baking, make the teriyaki sauce. Combine water, seasonings, and cornstarch. Stir until cornstarch has dissolved.
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat, Add ginger and garlic, then fry for a minute until aromatic.
Add seasoning cornstarch mixture to the pan. Allow to simmer until thickened. Give it a taste, adding more seasonings if needed.
Remove from heat, then toss in tofu cubes once they are done baking. Enjoy crispy teriyaki tofu while hot!

Notes

*Tofu - Use extra-firm tofu (do not required pressing) or pressed firm tofu. The lower moisture content is what gets tofu nice and crispy.

**Mirin - A mild Japanese cooking wine with a subtly sweet and tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, substitute with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar + 3 tablespoons water + 1–2 tablespoons sugar.

Air fryer version - Place the coated tofu in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C/350°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy. For smaller air fryers, cook in 2-3 batches for the best results.

Nutrition