Teriyaki Tofu Recipe – A Flavorful Vegan Appetizer with a Sweet & Savory Twist
If you’re craving a dish that’s both quick and delicious, Teriyaki Tofu is an excellent choice for an appetizer or light meal. With its sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, this tofu dish is a delightful vegan option that’s bursting with flavor, making it perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to explore plant-based meals. Tofu, with its smooth texture, absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce, creating an irresistible combination. Paired with a dash of spice and sesame seeds, this recipe is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your hunger in a matter of minutes.
This recipe requires minimal preparation time and cooks in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend appetizer when you want something tasty and easy to prepare. The sauce, made from a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and sesame seeds, creates a beautiful glaze that coats the tofu cubes perfectly. Whether you choose to add a spicy kick with Sriracha or enjoy it as a mild dish, Teriyaki Tofu can be customized to suit your taste.
Serves: 4
Cuisine: Japanese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Teriyaki Tofu:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tofu (cubed) | 200 grams |
| Dark Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 2 teaspoons |
| Honey | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Sesame Seeds (Til Seeds) – lightly toasted | 1 teaspoon |
| Sriracha Sauce (or any chili sauce) | 2 teaspoons (optional) |
| Spring Onion Greens – finely chopped | 3 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 10 grams |
| Fat | 8 grams |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sugar | 6 grams |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands and measurements used.
Instructions:
-
Heat the Pan
Begin by heating a medium-sized, wide pan over medium heat. This allows the tofu to get a nice sear and absorb the teriyaki sauce. -
Add Soy Sauce
Pour the dark soy sauce into the heated pan. Let it begin to heat and bubble. The soy sauce is the base of your flavorful glaze, so allow it to heat up before proceeding to the next step. -
Melt the Sugar
Once the soy sauce begins to boil, add the brown sugar to the pan. Stir it well, ensuring the sugar melts completely into the sauce. As the sugar dissolves, it will start to caramelize, adding richness to the dish. -
Add the Honey and Sesame Seeds
Next, add honey to the pan, followed by the lightly toasted sesame seeds. These will enhance the texture and add an extra depth of flavor to the sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients. -
Spicy Option (Optional)
If you enjoy a bit of heat, this is the time to add Sriracha sauce or any chili sauce of your choice. The optional spice will give the teriyaki sauce a pleasant kick, balancing out the sweetness of the sugar and honey. -
Coat the Tofu
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, it’s time to add the cubed tofu into the pan. Gently stir to coat the tofu evenly with the glaze. Be careful not to break up the tofu cubes; you want them to remain intact while soaking up all the delicious sauce. -
Final Touches
After the tofu has been thoroughly coated and warmed through (about 3-4 minutes), remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the dish with finely chopped spring onion greens for a burst of freshness and a touch of color. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Teriyaki Tofu hot, either as a standalone appetizer or as part of a larger meal. For a perfect pairing, try it alongside Spicy Chilli Garlic Noodles for a delightful, full-flavored dinner experience.
Cooking Tips:
- Firm Tofu is recommended for this recipe as it holds its shape better when cooked. Press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture for the best texture.
- Toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch and depth of flavor. You can toast them yourself in a dry pan over low heat or purchase them pre-toasted for convenience.
- Customize the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip the Sriracha or reduce the amount to suit your taste.
- Make it gluten-free: If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap out the dark soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Serving Suggestions:
- As an appetizer: This Teriyaki Tofu works perfectly as a light and flavorful appetizer, ideal for starting off a meal.
- With Noodles or Rice: Serve the tofu over a bed of steamed rice or alongside spicy noodles to create a complete meal.
- Salad topping: Add the teriyaki tofu to a fresh vegetable salad for a crunchy and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner at home or a flavorful dish to impress your guests, this Teriyaki Tofu recipe will quickly become a favorite. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s a go-to for anyone looking to enjoy the delicious flavors of Japanese cuisine without spending too much time in the kitchen.
