Teriyaki Tofu (and Vegetable Stir Fry)

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This teriyaki tofu recipe is sweet, savory, and bold! Tender tofu cubes are coated in homemade teriyaki sauce, then combined with crunchy vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms. Serve it atop freshly steamed rice for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

• Contrasting textures: Crispy tofu cubes meet tender veggies and sticky teriyaki sauce, resulting in a mouthwatering contrast in every bite.
• Low maintenance: With less than 10 ingredients, teriyaki tofu is perfect for a busy weekday dinner when you don’t feel like cooking.
• Nutrition-packed: Tofu is packed with plant-based protein, plus the wide array of veggies ensures you’re fueling your body with the best.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap in or out veggies, or serve everything on a bed of rice noodles instead of steamed rice.

If you love teriyaki tofu, you should really check out our kung pao tofu, pan-fried tofu, onigiri, vegan Spam, and vegan ramen.

🫘 What is teriyaki tofu?

Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique where foods are grilled, broiled, or pan-fried over high heat and coated in a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The name stems from “teri,” which means shine or luster, and “yaki,” referring to grilling.

This teriyaki tofu recipe is our plant-based take on a classic Asian delicacy. Tofu soaks up the sauce like a sponge, resulting in a beautifully caramelized exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

We love to bulk ours up by combining the tofu with tender-crisp veggies like broccoli, beans, peas, water chestnuts, and more. Serve it all over a bed of steamy rice for a simple, no-fuss weekday lunch or dinner!

🌱 Is teriyaki vegan?

Traditionally, teriyaki is made with meat-based ingredients. However, tofu makes an equally delicious alternative in place of chicken, beef, or pork! You can even try vegan chicken or tempeh for unique flavor profiles. 

Additionally, the sugar found in many store-bought brands is often a non-vegan ingredient. Many refined sugars, including brown sugar, are processed through bone char to achieve a white color. Always look for organic sugar or vegan-certified ingredients.

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

• Oils: Canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil are good choices for sautéing the tofu. Additionally, we incorporate sesame oil for a rich, nutty element.
• Tofu: We use extra-firm tofu since it holds its shape and texture when cooked, making it ideal for stir-fries. If extra-firm tofu is unavailable, firm tofu can be used but ensure to press out as much water as possible before cooking.
• Fresh chiles: Add a hint of spice to the dish. Depending on your heat tolerance, you can choose between milder peppers like jalapeños or hotter ones like bird’s eye chili peppers. Remember, seeding reduces the heat!
• Stir-fry veggies: You can use any combination of vegetables that you prefer or have on hand, but some good options include brown or shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, snow or snap peas, and water chestnuts. Whichever ones you choose, try to stay away from overly watery veggies.
• Teriyaki sauce: While there are store-bought versions available, preparing a homemade teriyaki sauce ensures authentic flavors and allows you to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
• Salt & pepper: To enhance and balance the dish’s flavors. Just remember to go easy on the added salt, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make teriyaki tofu

Step 1: Prep the tofu

Drain and press your tofu between two hard surfaces with a heavy object over top (a cast-iron works well for this). If you find yourself pressing tofu on the regular, you may want to consider investing in a tofu press for more convenience.

Step 2: Fry the tofu

Once your tofu is pressed and cubed, heat some oil in a pan over medium. Cube the tofu and fry it on each side to achieve a beautiful golden crust and crispy texture. Season it with salt & pepper, then transfer it to a plate while you cook the veggies.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables

Start by cooking the mushrooms and broccoli in sesame oil — you want to start with harder vegetables first since they take longer. Once they’re slightly browned, throw in the softer veggies and season the mix with more salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assembly

Add the crispy tofu to the vegetable blend and toss everything in teriyaki sauce. Give it a good mix, ensuring the sauce evenly coats each ingredient. Serve the stir-fry immediately over fluffy rice and sprinkle on your favorite garnishes. Happy eating!

If you have questions about this teriyaki tofu recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🥗 What to serve with teriyaki tofu

This teriyaki tofu stir fry makes a meal on its own, but if you’d like to bulk it up, try pairing it with sides and garnishes like these:

• A few pieces of onigiri or avocado roll
• A cold glass of iced green tea or Hokkaido milk tea
• Spicy Asian cucumber salad
• Steamed white rice or Instant Pot sushi rice
• Crunchy spring rolls or gyoza
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• A drizzle of Sriracha

🌡️ Storage & reheating

Teriyaki tofu is best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how you can store leftovers:

• Fridge: Store the cooled teriyaki tofu stir fry in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: We don’t recommend freezing this recipe since the vegetables will turn soggy once you thaw everything.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to thin the sauce if necessary.
• Prep ahead: The teriyaki sauce and pressed tofu can be prepared in advance for quicker assembly. You can also pre-cut the vegetables and keep them in sealed containers in the fridge.

♻️ Variations

• Spicier: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or more minced chiles for an extra kick.
• Extra protein: For more protein, incorporate some edamame beans.
• Tempeh: Swap tofu with tempeh for a different flavor and texture.
• Fruity: Add in some pineapple chunks for a more Hawaiian-inspired flavor.
• Grains: Instead of rice, opt for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different take.
• Nuts: Add some cashews or almonds for a crunch factor.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

• Press the tofu: Pressing tofu ensures better flavor absorption and a crispier result. Don’t skip this essential step!
• Make the teriyaki sauce: Homemade teriyaki sauce allows for adjustments. You can make it sweeter or saltier based on your preference.
• Cook on high: Ensure your pan is hot enough for veggies to sear, not stew. If you have access to a wok or a large skillet with high sides, it’s best to use that. 
• Serve right away: Serve your teriyaki tofu stir fry immediately for the best textures.
• Properly cook your rice: Take a look at our post on how to cook perfect rice for the fluffiest, most tender results.
• Prep the ingredients: Stir fries can move quickly, so it’s best to have all of your ingredients prepped and cut before starting to add things to the pan.

💬 FAQ

🍴 More tofu recipes

If you enjoyed this teriyaki tofu stir fry, take a peek at some more tofu-based recipes like these:

• Vegan Pad Thai: A plant-based reinvention of the beloved Thai classic.
• Vegan Thai Curry: Spicy Thai red curry with kabocha squash and tofu.
• Sesame Ginger Tofu: Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and covered with sticky sauce.
• Tofu Marinade: 4 different seasoning options to prevent bland and boring tofu!
• Sticky Tofu: Crispy tofu coated in a mouthwatering Asian-inspired sauce.

Note: We’ve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.