Fluffy, golden cubes of baked tofu are tossed in an easy, Asian-inspired Teriyaki sauce that's sweet, savory, and so delicious! It's easy to prepare, and one of our favorite tofu recipes. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)
This Asian-style Teriyaki Baked Tofu is full of flavor and so easy to make!
It's a perfect recipe to make even for those who normally don't enjoy tofu because the Teriyaki sauce adds LOTS of tasty flavor.
This dish is delicious served with warm brown rice and steamed veggies on the side. (Broccoli is a great pairing!) Or you could even serve it with this Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Tofu
For this recipe you will toss together:
- Extra-firm tofu: I purchase organic tofu when possible. You'll need one 14-ounce block tofu for this recipe. If you have a tofu press, use that to remove the excess moisture before baking. Otherwise, gently squeeze it between kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Tamari: Or you can substitute soy sauce, but I use tamari for gluten-free. Be sure to use low sodium if desired. Coconut aminos could work as well.
- Pure maple syrup: Most often I use maple syrup because it's a natural sweetener and refined sugar-free option. But brown sugar works great too depending on your preference.
- Vegetable broth: Or water, but vegetable broth will provide more flavor.
- Rice vinegar: I use unseasoned. (Seasoned rice vinegar contains added sugar and salt.)
- Fresh garlic cloves: Use one or two cloves depending on how much you enjoy the flavor.
- Fresh ginger
- Cornstarch: Or another thickener of choice such as arrowroot powder.
How to Make
Preparation for this dish is quick and easy!
- Remove excess moisture from tofu: Either use a tofu press if you have one, or simply press the tofu between paper towels.
- Cube and bake: Cut the tofu in cubes, then place on a baking sheet pan with parchment paper, and bake in the oven.
- Make the homemade teriyaki sauce: While your tofu is baking, whisk together the flavorful Teriyaki Sauce.
- Combine it all together: Finally, in a warm skillet, toss together the baked tofu and teriyaki sauce mixture and lightly simmer to combine.
Customizing
Crispy tofu: Looking for a crispy texture instead? Use this recipe for oil-free Crispy Baked Tofu instead of baking it plain! Then gently toss the finished crispy tofu with the warmed teriyaki sauce.
Flavors: Change up the flavors in the teriyaki sauce as you see fit. Add black pepper, mirin, toasted sesame oil, etc.
Serving
Same day: This dish is best enjoyed the same day as the leftovers don't reheat very well.
Pairing: Serve as is, or in a bowl with cooked brown rice, quinoa, rice noodles, steamed vegetables, fried rice, etc.
Garnish: I like to top mine with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. For a spicy version, sprinkle red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste.
For more inspiration, also browse all tofu recipes or Asian-inspired recipes.
Teriyaki Baked Tofu
Ingredients
- 14 oz. extra-firm tofu
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tamari
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tsp. rice vinegar (I use unseasoned)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp. ginger, freshly grated
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
For serving (optional):
- Brown rice, quinoa, sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Gently squeeze some excess liquid from the tofu. (Place it between kitchen towels and lightly press down for about 15 seconds. Or use a tofu press if you have one.)
- Cut tofu into about 3/4-inch cubes and place in single file on baking sheet.
- Bake tofu 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While tofu is baking, place all teriyaki ingredients in a bowl and whisk well to combine.
- When there’s about 5-10 minutes baking time remaining for the tofu, start warming the teriyaki sauce: whisk teriyaki sauce once more and add to a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally with a spatula.
- When tofu is done baking, carefully add the baked cubes to skillet with teriyaki sauce.
- Stir frequently to thoroughly coat the tofu cubes until sauce thickens (about 5-6 minutes).
- Serve as is, or with rice, quinoa, in veggie bowls, with stir-fry, etc.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
Sodium content: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.
If you are enjoying this teriyaki baked tofu recipe, also check out:
- Tofu Scramble with Spinach & Tomato
- Asian Style Garlic Tofu
- Easy Baked Tofu
- Teriyaki Noodles with Vegetables
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Carla says
Tasty and easy! I’d recommend making a little extra sauce to add to your rice.
Kaitlin says
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Aubrey says
I really liked this recipe! Baking my tofu was a nice twist as I always fry it. The sauce thickened really well and tasted great!
Kaitlin McGinn says
Wonderful to hear that, Aubrey! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your very kind feedback. Wishing you a beautiful week!
Carol says
I am always looking for a good tofu recipe, and this looks marvelous!! I will be making it very soon - Thank you for posting it for all of us!!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer says
Wonderful to hear! Hope you enjoy it as well, Carol!
Olivia S. says
I just made this - it was so easy, and the sauce was PERFECT! I never have luck with my sauces thickening right and this one worked amazingly. I sautéed some veggies and added it to to the tofu mix, too. Made a great rice bowl. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer says
That's so great! Thanks for your feedback!