Crispy Teriyaki Tofu is simply firm tofu cut into bite sized squares, coated with cornstarch and fried (that’s what makes it crispy). Then it’s coated in my homemade teriyaki sauce when ready to serve and garnished with toasted sesame seeds, but that is optional. This is a very quick and yummy dish to make especially if you are looking for a meat-less dish.
What Is Tofu
Tofu, also known as bean curd is made by pressing curdling soy milk into a solid block. Tofu ranges from soft to firm. It can be cooked in many ways and even just be replaced by the meat in your favourite dishes as I find it absorbs whatever sauce you place it in very nicely. People in Japan have been making many variations of tofu for over 2000 years and it has gotten popular other places recently.
I personally have just started experimenting with cooking tofu. I never used to think it would be something I would enjoy however, I quickly became a fan along with the rest of my family. I have only tried the firm ones and I find I do like the crispy version which I have tried in several of my popular homemade sauces. I usually add it to the sauce right before serving and it still tastes crispy. I suppose I may give a try to a non crispy one soon. But for now, we are loving these dishes and we never miss the meat when eating this.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Tofu
- Firm Tofu – as this will stay together better when frying.
- Cornstarch – To coat tofu before frying which makes it crispy.
- Oil – For frying
- Ginger- Grated
- Garlic – Minced or grated
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Dark or Mushroom Soy Sauce
- Oyster Sauce
- Brown Sugar
- White Sugar
- Honey
- Pineapple Juice
- Pineapple pieces
- Cornstarch – To thicken sauce
- Water – To dilute cornstarch
How to Prepare Crispy Teriyaki Tofu
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- First remove tofu block from the package and discard the excess water. Place on a plate for 15-20 minutes for any extra water to drain off. The second option would be to press with a few sheets of paper towel to remove the water.
- Then you will slice the tofu into bite size square pieces on a cutting board and dust all around in cornstarch.
- Heat a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat, add the oil, wait a few minutes until very hot.
- Place a few cubes to fry at a time spacing at least 1″ apart, fry about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove cooked pieces to a paper towel lined plate. Continue until all are cooked.
- Make teriyaki sauce in a small pot and set aside.
- Brown some sesame seeds in a small skillet to toast.
- Combine tofu and teriyaki sauce in skillet simmering and stirring 2-3 minutes when ready to serve.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
Crispy Teriyaki Tofu
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 lb. Firm Tofu
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch for dusting
- 1/2 cup Oil for frying
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 tsp. Ginger grated
- 2 cloves Garlic minced or grated
- 1 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Dark or Mushroom Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp. Oyster Sauce
- 3 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp. White Sugar
- 1 Tbsp. Honey
- 2 Tbsp. Pineapple Juice
- 1-2 slices Pineapple cut in small pieces
- 1 Tbsp. Cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. Water to dilute cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds
Instructions
Tofu
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Take tofu out of package and discard the excess water. Place tofu on a plate for 15-20 minutes for excess water to drain off.
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Slice tofu into bite size squares and dust all sides with cornstarch.
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Heat a large non-stick skillet on medium-high heat, add oil and wait a few minutes until hot. Place pieces of tofu in the pan at least 1" apart and fry around 2-3 minutes on each side or golden brown. When cooked, place on a paper towel lined plate until all are cooked.
Teriyaki Sauce
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Dilute cornstarch and water and set aside.
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Place rest of teriyaki ingredients in a small pot on medium-high heat. When starts to boil, add diluted cornstarch and stir for about 1 minute until slightly thickens.
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To toast sesame seeds, place in a small skillet on medium heat and keep stirring until starts to get brown & toasty.
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When ready to serve, re-heat tofu in oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Heat teriyaki sauce and stir tofu into teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds.