This Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines crispy tofu with a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of steamed rice. The crispy, golden tofu, drenched in a sweet and savory sauce, creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or a newcomer to plant-based meals, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds!

Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Tofu: The tofu is coated in cornstarch and fried to perfection, offering a crunchy exterior while maintaining a soft and tender interior.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: This sauce is made from scratch with simple ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar. It’s flavorful and pairs wonderfully with the crispy tofu.
Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes of prep and cook time, you can have a hearty and healthy meal ready to enjoy.
Customizable: Top it with your favorite garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and scallions, and serve over steamed rice or any grain of your choice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

14 oz. firm tofu (1 package, 400g)
1/4 cup cornstarch (plus 2 teaspoons)
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated)
1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup water
1 scallion (chopped, optional)
Steamed rice (to serve)
Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

Prepare the tofu: Pat the tofu dry with a paper towel and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Place the ¼ cup cornstarch into a shallow bowl, and dredge the tofu cubes in the cornstarch until they are lightly coated.
Fry the tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the tofu pieces to the pan and fry them on all sides until they turn golden and crispy. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
Make the sauce: Add grated ginger to the same pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Then, pour in the mirin, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Thicken the sauce: Dissolve the remaining two teaspoons of cornstarch in ½ cup of warm water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, and stir until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked tofu back into the pan and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Stir in chopped scallions, if desired.
Serve: Serve the teriyaki tofu over steamed rice, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: To make the dish more hearty, you can stir in some vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas into the sauce.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Different grains: Serve the teriyaki tofu with quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a different base.
Spicy option: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to give the dish some heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the tofu and sauce in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered container for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

How do I get crispy tofu?

To achieve crispy tofu, make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before frying. Coating it in cornstarch before frying will also help achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Can I use other types of tofu for this recipe?

While firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe, you can also use pressed silken tofu if you prefer a softer texture. However, it may not get as crispy.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes! This Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl is completely plant-based and vegan.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tofu and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat before serving with fresh rice.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought teriyaki sauce for the homemade version, but the flavor may be slightly different. The homemade sauce is highly customizable and allows you to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your preference.

Can I freeze the tofu?

It’s not recommended to freeze the tofu after frying, as it may become soggy upon reheating. However, you can freeze the uncooked tofu before frying for later use.

How do I make this dish spicier?

You can add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.

What kind of rice should I use?

You can use any type of rice you like! White rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice works well for this dish. For a lower-carb alternative, try cauliflower rice.

Can I use a different oil for frying?

You can use any neutral oil for frying, such as sunflower oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Avoid using strongly flavored oils like olive oil, as they may overpower the dish.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Make sure your mirin and sesame oil are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone craving a hearty, plant-based meal. The crispy tofu and homemade teriyaki sauce combine to create an irresistible dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!