Teriyaki Tofu Bites Recipe
Make Teriyaki Tofu Bites Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Marinated & Sauce
Coating & Frying
Garnish & Serve
Method
Marinated & Sauce
- 1
Press and cube tofu
Drain the 14 oz block of extra-firm tofu and press it for 15–30 minutes to remove excess water. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes (about 24–28 pieces).
- 2
Make teriyaki sauce
In a small bowl whisk together 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tbsp water until the sugar dissolves.
- 3
Thicken reserved sauce
Reserve 2 tbsp of the sauce mixture in a separate small bowl and stir in 1 tsp cornstarch until smooth. This will be used later to glaze the tofu. Keep the rest of the sauce for marinating.
- 4
Marinate tofu (brief)
Place the cubed tofu in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the remaining teriyaki mixture over it. Gently toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 10–20 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge) to let some flavor penetrate; do not marinate excessively long or the tofu may break down.
Coating & Frying
- 5
Prepare coating
Combine 3 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a shallow bowl. Toss the marinated tofu cubes lightly in the cornstarch mixture to coat all sides. Shake off excess cornstarch.
- 6
Pan-fry the tofu
Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp neutral oil. When the oil is shimmering and hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer without crowding (work in batches if needed). Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs or a spatula, until all sides are golden-brown and crisp. Total frying time per batch ~10–12 minutes. Transfer cooked tofu to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
- 7
Glaze the tofu
Reduce heat to medium-low. Wipe the pan if it has excess burnt bits, return to heat, and pour in the reserved cornstarch-thickened sauce. Stir continuously; the sauce will bubble and thicken within 1–2 minutes. Add the fried tofu back to the pan and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add up to 1 tbsp water to loosen. Finish with 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional) for flavor, tossing once more.
Garnish & Serve
- 8
Finish and serve
Transfer glazed tofu bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side and optionally over steamed rice or a bed of greens.