Sticky Teriyaki Tofu | With Sweet And Sour Sauce

Name: Sticky Teriyaki Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 block firm tofu ((about 250 g drained)); 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot flour); 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 3-4 tbsp maple syrup ((*see notes)); 2 tsp fresh ginger (minced); 1 1/2 tsp fresh garlic (minced); 2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce ((gluten-free if needed) or tamari or coconut aminos); 1/2 cup water; 2 tbsp lemon juice (or rice vinegar); 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot flour + 2 tbsp water); 2 tbsp mirin or dry sherry ((optional)); Cooked rice noodles or rice; Fried veggies of choice (optional); Cooking spray; Fresh chives (chopped); Sesame seeds

By Ela on 9. February, 2020 | 44 Comments. This post may contain affiliate links*. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Crispy, salty, sweet and sour sticky Teriyaki Tofu with flavorful ingredients. This comforting Asian weeknight dinner is very tasty and much healthier than take-out! The recipe is vegan, gluten-free, low-fat, and easy to make.

After posting the recipe for my Kung Pao Cauliflower, I was asked to make a similar version with tofu and, of course, I did. However, I left out the red pepper flakes to make the sauce less spicy and added a little more maple syrup. This flavorful sweet and sour sauce with notes of ginger and garlic will make your taste buds happy.

Most people think that tofu is boring because it tastes bland. And yes, it does taste boring without a marinade or a flavorful sauce. That’s why you should give this teriyaki tofu a try.

The recipe is for all eaters, no matter if you are vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-eater. Everyone is welcome to try this delicious dish which contains simple ingredients that you probably already have at home:

Firm tofu – I recommend pressing it for at least 15 minutes beforehand (see information below)
Cornstarch – You can use arrowroot flour or potato starch instead
Spices – I used onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt
Maple syrup – Maple glazed tofu is my favorite, however, you can use a different sweetener of choice
Fresh ginger – Don’t skip! This makes the sauce very flavorful. Plus it’s very healthy
Fresh garlic – Also adds an incredible flavor and has many health benefits
Soy sauce – I use gluten-free but you can use tamari or coconut aminos
Lemon juice – You can totally use rice vinegar instead
Rice noodles – Feel free to serve the sticky tofu with cooked rice

You will also need cooking spray, fresh chives (or spring onion), sesame seeds, and fried veggies of choice (I used pepper).

All ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card below!

How To Make Sticky Teriyaki Tofu?

I baked the tofu in the oven to make it super crispy, however, you can fry it in a pan instead. You will probably need more oil (otherwise it won’t get as crispy) but it takes less time than the oven-method. The preparation in the oven is more convenient though. It’s your choice.

Check the step-by-step process shots below!

STEP 1: As mentioned before, I recommend pressing the tofu (see below “How to press tofu”). You can do it overnight or in the morning. 15 minutes is the minimum though. Afterward, cut it into bite-sized pieces.

STEP 2: Combine the cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Add the tofu and carefully stir to coat it from all sides.

STEP 3: Transfer the tofu to a lined baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Meanwhile, cook rice or rice noodles and fry veggies of choice, if using.

STEP 4: Making the sauce takes only a few minutes. Simply add maple syrup into a saucepan, stir in the ginger and garlic. Also add soy sauce, water, and lemon juice, stir and bring to a simmer.

STEP 5: Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water in a small bowl and add it to the saucepan. Let simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

STEP 6: Add the baked tofu and stir to cover the tofu with the sauce from all sides. Serve with cooked rice noodles or rice. Top with fried veggies, sesame seeds, and chives.

How To Press Tofu?

The easiest thing would be to use a tofu press, however, you can also use a different method if you don’t have a tofu press. Put the tofu on a plate with a layer of paper towels. Add another layer of paper towels on top of the tofu block and place another plate or a cutting board on top. Finally, put something heavy on top, for example, 1-2 books or an iron cast skillet. Press for at least 15 minutes, preferably longer.

Helpful Tips And Variations

Use veggies of choice: I used peppers because they pair well with this sweet and sour sticky tofu, however, you can use other veggies of choice, for example, broccoli.

Air fryer option: Fry the tofu in the air fryer instead of the oven. Or, as mentioned before, use a frying pan and fry it in oil until crispy from all sides.

Use cauliflower instead of tofu: If you can’t eat tofu because of a soy allergy, I would recommend using cauliflower instead. Simply substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce.

Freeze leftover sauce: You can double the sauce recipe and freeze leftovers! The teriyaki sauce not only tastes great over tofu but also over roasted veggies!

This Sticky Tofu Is:

Vegan
Hearty
Salty, sweet and sour
Comforting
Flavorful
Gluten-free
Easy to make
Perfect as weeknight dinner or side dish

Should you give this Japanese teriyaki tofu a try, please leave a comment and rating below and don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram or Facebook post with @elavegan and #elavegan because I would love to see it! 🙂

Do you love flavorful vegan dinner recipes? Then make sure to also check out my other delicious recipes: