Name: Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 block extra firm tofu (16 ounces); 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce/tamari; 3 tbsp plain breadcrumbs (I used gluten free); 1 batch teriyaki sauce (click for recipe)

Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu

Claire Cary

4.96 from 23 votes

October 3, 2023

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Seriously crispy and packed with flavor, this teriyaki tofu recipe is bound to convert ever tofu hater into a tofu lover. It’s easy to make, perfect for buddha bowls, noodle bowls, stir fries or a quick and simple vegan dinner!

crispy vegan baked teriyaki tofu in a bowl with broccoli and rice

I have a love hate relationship with tofu. Anyone else? I’ve had my fair share at failed tofu attempts. I’ve tried seasoning it with all sorts of things, only to end up with a mushy blob that tasted like virtually nothing.

Thankfully, I’ve come a long way since then and I’m here to share all of my tips with you!

This teriyaki tofu recipe is everything you think tofu shouldn’t be. Crispy, flavorful, easy to make and bound to please any type of eater. Plus, this teriyaki sauce can be used on all sorts of other recipes like my poke bowl.

This baked teriyaki tofu is vegan, gluten free, so crispy, easy to make and perfect served over fresh jasmine rice! Try my teriyaki noodles or air fryer cauliflower next!

How to make teriyaki tofu

I wanted a method of tofu making that would yield incredibly crispy tofu, without the need for deep frying. This teriykai tofu recipe is baked so it doesn’t require copious amounts of oil, and it’s more or less hands off!

First, remove the tofu from the package and drain out any excess liquid. Place the block in between two kitchen towels or a few paper towels.

Add a heavy object on top. I like to use a few books or a tea pot filled with water. If you have a tofu press, perfect! But I find any heavy object works just as well.

Let the tofu press for about 30 minutes to remove extra liquid and to make sure it is as firm as can be!

This is going to help it crisp up and ensure the inside of the tofu isn’t mushy. Once pressed, cut the tofu into small cubes, about 1 inch.

Add the chopped tofu into a large bowl and toss with the soy sauce or tamari, cornstarch and breadcrumbs. Make sure every piece is well coated.

Next, add the tofu to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake at 425 for 25-30 minutes or until nice and golden brown on the outside.

While the tofu is baking (or during the last 20 or so minutes) prepare the sauce. Let it come to room temperature before adding it to the tofu. If you add it right away, the tofu tends to get a bit soggy which we don’t want!

Once the tofu is done, transfer to a bowl and toss with the teriyaki sauce until well coated. Try my chipotle sofritas tofu next!

two images showing how to make the recipe

Flavor tips

Sauce is the key to flavorful tofu! And lots of it. I’m a big sauce girl.

This teriyaki sauce is the best way to add flavor to, well, anything. I love it with buddha bowls, salmon, and of course, this tofu.

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It’s salty, sweet, savory and has a sticky consistency which makes it perfect for tofu since it clings to the surface really well.

angled view of the teriyaki tofu with broccoli and rice

Serving suggestions

I love to serve this tofu buddha bowl style with some jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, avocado and lots of extra sauce drizzled on top.

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes on top adds some nice flavor, but is totally optional.

I often double the teriyaki sauce recipe to have enough to drizzle over the veggies & rice, but you do you! The sauce keeps well in the fridge for a week on its own.

Air fryer instructions

Yes! To make this teriyaki tofu in an air fryer, follow all steps through step 6, but then air fry in your air fryer at 375 for 15-20 minutes.

Shake the basket every 5 minutes and try to keep each piece of tofu away from each other so they don’t stick. Once done, transfer to a bowl and coat with the sauce! Or, just make my air fried tofu instead!

vegan teriyaki tofu in a bowl with chopsticks

Do I need to marinate tofu?

It depends! This teriyaki tofu does not need to be marinated, and in fact, not marinating it is exactly what makes it crispy.

The sauce/flavor is all added after it is baked so it will be loaded with flavor without any marination involved!

How to store

Once prepared, the tofu will last in the fridge for about 2-3 days, but I highly recommend eating it right after preparing for best results. However, it won’t be quite as crispy once it’s refrigerated.

To reheat and get some crisp back, pop the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and stick it in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.

Then drizzle with some extra sauce if you have it!

teriyaki tofu in a bowl with rice an broccoli

Try these next!

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4.96 from 23 votes

Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu

by: claire cary

Seriously crispy and packed with flavor, this teriyaki tofu recipe is bound to convert ever tofu hater into a tofu lover. It’s easy to make, perfect for buddha bowls, stir fries, and a simple dinner!

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Prep: 15

Cook: 30

Total: 45

Ingredients

▢ 1 block extra firm tofu 16 ounces
▢ 1 tbsp cornstarch
▢ 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce/tamari
▢ 3 tbsp plain breadcrumbs I used gluten free
▢ 1 batch teriyaki sauce click for recipe

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the tofu from the package.
Place it between two towels or a few paper towels and put a heavy object on top. (See notes for suggestions)
Let the extra liquid press out of the tofu for ideally 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry you can safely skip this step, but even just a few minutes will really help the tofu crisp up well!
Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes and add to a bowl.
Toss with the soy sauce/tamari, then the breadcrumbs and corn starch and make sure every piece is well coated.
Add to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Try to make sure none of the tofu cubes are touching. This ensures they get nice and crispy and don’t stick together.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
During the final 15-20 minutes of baking, prepare the sauce. When the tofu is done, let it cool for about 5 minutes.
When the tofu is done, transfer to a bowl and toss with about 2/3 of the sauce, saving a bit to add to rice and veggies if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

To press the tofu, I like to use either a stack of books or a teapot filled with water.

Once prepared, the tofu will last in the fridge for about 3 days. However, it won’t be quite as crispy once it’s refrigerated. To reheat and get some crisp back, pop the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and stick it in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Then drizzle with some extra sauce if you have it!