This Garlic Teriyaki Tofu recipe is perfect, if you are a beginner vegan. It is one of my favorite recipes as it’s high in protein and a flavor-bomb! The perfect weeknight dinner! Forget take-out, this is so much better for you and your wallet. 😉
The secret to making this recipe quick, easy and beginner-friendly is to use a store-bought teriyaki glaze. Teriyaki glaze is a thicker type of teriyaki sauce that will make you tofu sticky.
Now, I understand that not has access to this products, so you can make your own “Restaurant-style thick teriyaki sauce” at home.
If you can find/make a teriyaki glaze that already has garlic in it you can omit that.
Depending on your taste feel free to use minced ginger or ginger powder at the end to taste.
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- extra firm tofu (6.5 oz/people or serving)
- soy sauce
- teriyaki glaze, but a thick teriyaki sauce is good as well
- garlic
- oil
- sesame seeds
Optional garnish: chives, scallions, peanuts…etc. (to taste)
Step 1:
Cut up the tofu into small cubes.
Step 2:
Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes and start frying them on all sides.
Your tofu cubes are ready when all sides are golden colored (as shown below).
When your tofu cubes are fried, add the soy sauce and fry everything evenly for 1/2-1 minute. This step is very important to make the tofu crispy.
Step 3:
Turn off the heat, then add the teriyaki glaze and minced garlic. Stir everything together in the pan for 1 minute.
Step 4:
Add the sesame seeds.
Step 6:
Serve over fresh rice and add your optional garnish.
Vegan Garlic Teriyaki Tofu for Beginners
This vegan Garlic Teriyaki Tofu is perfect for beginners! You will find step-by-step instructions in the article for this easy Japanese weeknight dinner recipe!
- 1 block tofu (12 oz)
- 6 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp thick* teriyaki sauce (or teriyaki glaze*)
- 4 tbsp oil
- 2 big clove garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp sesame seeds
Cut up the tofu into small cubes. Season them with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes and start frying them on all sides.
Your tofu cubes are ready when all sides are golden colored (as shown above).
When your tofu cubes are fried, add the soy sauce and fry everything evenly for 1/2-1 minute. This step is very important to make the tofu crispy.
Turn off the heat, then add the teriyaki glaze and minced garlic. Stir everything together in the pan for 1 minute.
Finally, add the sesame seeds, the optional garnish and serve over hot rice.
*Teriyaki glaze is a thicker and stickier version of teriyaki sauce. If you use regular sauce, your end result will not be the same.
Alternatively, you can use a thick ("restaurant-style") teriyaki sauce as well.
Did you make this Vegan Garlic Teriyaki Tofu for Beginners? Let me know in the comments!
