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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained - ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying) - Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish - Non-stick skillet - Mixing bowls - Cutting board and knife - Paper towels - Additional teriyaki sauce - Cilantro or other fresh herbs When I create this crispy teriyaki tofu, I always make sure I have all the right ingredients and tools. The firm tofu is key to getting that perfect bite. Pressing and draining it removes moisture, making it crispy when cooked. The sauce is a blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This mix gives a nice sweet and salty flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger add a punch. Coating the tofu in cornstarch before frying is a must for that crunch. Gather your tools too. A non-stick skillet helps keep the tofu from sticking. Mixing bowls make prepping the sauce easy. Don't forget paper towels for drying the tofu—this step is vital! If you want to make it even better, consider garnishing with extra teriyaki sauce or fresh herbs. These small touches can elevate your dish. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. - Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat dry. - Prepare the teriyaki marinade. First, I cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. I always pat the tofu dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness. Next, I make the teriyaki marinade. In a bowl, I mix low-sodium soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. I whisk these ingredients until smooth. This mixture gives the tofu amazing flavor. - Marinate tofu for optimal flavor. - Coat with cornstarch for crispiness. - Fry tofu until golden brown. I place the cubed tofu in a shallow dish. I pour the teriyaki marinade over the tofu. I let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, I recommend marinating for up to 2 hours in the fridge. After marinating, I remove the tofu and save the marinade. Then, I coat each tofu cube with cornstarch. This coating helps create a crispy crust. Next, I heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. I carefully add the tofu cubes, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. I fry the tofu for about 3-4 minutes on each side, cooking until they are golden brown and crispy. - Simmer reserved marinade and coat the tofu. - Transfer to serving dish. Once the tofu is crispy, I take it out of the skillet. I place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb extra oil. In that same skillet, I pour in the reserved marinade. I simmer it over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Then, I add the crispy tofu back into the skillet, tossing it gently to coat every piece in the sauce. Finally, I remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the glazed tofu to a serving dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To get that perfect crunch, remove moisture from the tofu first. Press it well between paper towels to soak up excess water. This step makes a big difference. For frying, keep the oil hot, around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the tofu will soak it up, and you’ll miss out on that crispiness. Tofu loves flavor, so marinate it well. Use the teriyaki marinade from the recipe for best results. Spread the tofu evenly in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you can, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours. This gives the tofu time to soak in all the yummy flavors. Pair crispy teriyaki tofu with a fluffy bed of rice or quinoa. You can also add steamed vegetables for color and nutrition. For a beautiful presentation, drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This adds freshness and makes your dish look appetizing. {{image_4}} You can switch the soy sauce for tamari if you need a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos also work well for a soy-free alternative. For flavor, you might try using peanut sauce or hoisin sauce instead of teriyaki. These changes can add a unique twist to your dish. If you want to make the meal vegan, ensure your maple syrup is pure. Some brands mix in honey, so check the label. This simple swap keeps your dish plant-based. Spices can really boost the taste of your crispy teriyaki tofu. Try adding a pinch of chili powder for heat. You might also enjoy a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Consider tossing in vegetables to the mix. Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli can add color and nutrition. Sautéing these with the tofu makes for a great one-pan meal. You can bake or fry the tofu, depending on your texture choice. Baking gives a lighter crunch, while frying yields a deep golden crisp. If you bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the tofu on a lined baking sheet. If you have an air fryer, use it for a healthier option. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tofu for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. This method keeps the tofu crispy without extra oil. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy experimenting with your crispy teriyaki tofu! To keep your crispy teriyaki tofu fresh, place it in an airtight container. This will help seal in flavor and moisture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long, as this can lead to spoilage. You can freeze crispy tofu for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, place the tofu in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze it for about an hour until firm. Afterward, transfer the pieces to a freezer bag. Label it with the date. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place the tofu in the fridge overnight. For a quick option, you can use the microwave. Reheat it for one to two minutes. To keep your tofu crispy when reheating, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tofu on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This keeps it crispy. You can also use a stovetop method. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook for five minutes, turning occasionally. These methods ensure your crispy teriyaki tofu tastes just as good as when you first made it. Enjoy every bite! To make tofu crispy, start by pressing it. This step removes extra water. The less moisture in the tofu, the crispier it will be. After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes. Pat the cubes dry with paper towels. This helps a lot, too. Next, coat the tofu in cornstarch. The cornstarch creates a crunchy layer when you fry it. Finally, fry the tofu in hot oil. Keep the heat medium-high for the best results. Turn the cubes until they are golden and crispy on all sides. For this recipe, firm tofu works best. Firm tofu holds its shape well during cooking. Silken tofu is softer and breaks apart easily, making it less ideal for frying. You can use silken tofu in soups or sauces, but not here. Firm tofu gives you that crispy texture and perfect bite. Yes, you can make crispy teriyaki tofu ahead of time. You can marinate the tofu earlier in the day or even the night before. Just store it in the fridge. After frying, let the tofu cool before storing it. Keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about three days. Reheat it gently to keep some crispiness. Crispy teriyaki tofu pairs well with many sides. You can serve it over steamed rice or quinoa. Both soak up the delicious sauce nicely. Try adding stir-fried vegetables for color and crunch. A fresh salad adds a nice contrast too. Consider serving it with a side of edamame or pickled vegetables for extra flavor. This recipe for crispy teriyaki tofu covers all you need. You learned the main ingredients, tools, and easy steps to create a tasty dish. I shared tips to make your tofu crispy and variations to suit your taste. Remember, storing and reheating leftovers can keep your meal fresh too. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients. You now have the tools to impress your family and friends with this delicious tofu dish. Enjoy cooking and savor each bite!

Crispy Teriyaki Tofu

Elevate your dinner game with this Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Delight! This quick and easy recipe features firm tofu marinated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, then perfectly fried to crispy perfection. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that's not only delicious but visually stunning. Perfect for meal prep or a weeknight treat, click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty vegetarian option!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and drained

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions
 

Start by cutting the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. After cutting, pat the tofu with paper towels to absorb any extra moisture, which is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.

    In a small mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk them together until well blended; this will be your flavorful teriyaki marinade.

      Place the cubed tofu into a shallow dish, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the tofu, allowing it to soak up the flavors thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; if you have time, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.

        After marinating, take the tofu cubes out of the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Coat each tofu cube in cornstarch, ensuring an even layer. This step is essential as it helps achieve a delightful crispiness during frying.

          In a non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the tofu cubes, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the tofu for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden brown and crispy.

            Once crispy, remove the tofu from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, leaving you with perfectly crispy bites.

              In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, enhancing the flavors.

                Gently add the crispy tofu back into the skillet, carefully tossing to coat each piece in the rich teriyaki sauce. This will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

                  Once well-coated, remove the skillet from heat and transfer the deliciously glazed tofu to a serving dish.

                    Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy teriyaki tofu over a fluffy bed of steamed rice or quinoa. Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added freshness and visual appeal. Enjoy your delightful dish!