This Teriyaki Baked Tofu recipe is saucy, savory, and full of satisfying flavor! It's easy to make and pairs perfectly with rice and veggies for a simple, mouthwatering meal. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)
This teriyaki tofu is big on flavor and refreshingly easy to make!
Tender tofu cubes are coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce that's sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Tofu is a blank palette, so the sauce does most of the heavy lifting here. It infuses every bite with rich, familiar flavor while keeping it quick and approachable!
Serve it over warm rice, quinoa, or noodles with steamed veggies on the side for an easy, well-rounded meal. Broccoli pairs especially well, or you could turn it into a complete stir-fry by serving it alongside this Broccoli Cashew Stir Fry!
Ingredients for Baked Teriyaki Tofu
For this recipe, you'll 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 or what you have on hand.
- Vegetable broth: Or water, but vegetable broth provides 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 you can swap in another thickener such as arrowroot powder.
Customizing
Crispy tofu: If you'd like a crispy texture, use this recipe for oil-free Crispy Baked Tofu instead. 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.
How to Make
Preparation for this dish is quick and easy!
- Remove the excess moisture from the tofu
- Cube and bake: Cut the tofu in cubes, then place it 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.
Serving
Same day: I find this dish is best enjoyed the same day as the leftovers don't reheat very well.
Pairing: Serve it plain, or in a bowl with cooked rice, cauliflower rice, Rainbow Fried Rice, quinoa, or rice noodles. Then add steamed vegetables on the side. Veggies like broccoli, carrots, green beans, cabbage, asparagus, and cauliflower are all great.
Garnish: I like adding sliced green onions and sesame seeds. For a spicy version, sprinkle red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste.
For more inspiration, also browse all vegan tofu recipes or Asian-inspired recipes.
Teriyaki Baked Tofu (Easy!)
Ingredients
- 14 oz. extra-firm tofu (pressed*)
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
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp. ginger, freshly grated
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch (or arrowroot)
For serving (optional):
- Cooked rice (or quinoa or noodles), sliced green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pressed tofu into about 3/4-inch cubes and place in single file on baking sheet.
- Bake the tofu for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the tofu is baking, place all teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk well to combine. Set aside.
- When there’s about 5 minutes baking time remaining for the tofu, start warming the teriyaki sauce: whisk the teriyaki sauce once more and pour it in a medium skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Stir often with a spatula until the sauce is thickened.
- When the tofu is done baking, add it to the skillet. Stir well to coat the tofu cubes and heat for 3-4 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're 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 says
Wonderful to hear that, Aubrey! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your very kind feedback.
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 the tofu mix, too. Made a great rice bowl. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Kaitlin says
So great to hear that, Olivia! Glad you enjoyed it and the sauce thickened right up for you. Thanks a lot for your kind and helpful feedback!