Easy Teriyaki Tofu (20-Minute Vegan Recipe)

This quick and easy teriyaki tofu recipe is ready in 20 minutes! Simple stovetop method with 7 ingredients for a flavorful vegan weeknight dinner.

If you’re craving a quick, protein-packed plant-based dinner, this easy teriyaki tofu recipe is just what you need. No pressing, marinating, or baking required! Just a simple stovetop method that comes together in 20 minutes. This updated version now includes my quick microwave method for prepping tofu, so you can skip the press and still get perfectly saucy, flavorful results.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Easy Teriyaki Tofu Recipe
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• How to Make Teriyaki Tofu (Step-by-Step)
• Easy Vegan Teriyaki Tofu Texture Tips
• What to Serve With Teriyaki Tofu
• FAQ About Teriyaki Tofu
• Easy Teriyaki Tofu (20-Minute Vegan Recipe)

Why You’ll Love This Easy Teriyaki Tofu Recipe

• 20 minutes, stovetop only – no marinating, baking, or long prep time required.
• Just 7 simple ingredients – tofu, cornstarch, oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, mirin, and pepper. (Plus a splash of water, but that hardly counts!)
• Quick tofu prep tip – instead of pressing, microwave the tofu for 1 minute to release extra water, then pat dry.
• Versatile – serve with rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or even salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Firm or extra-firm tofu – holds its shape best for pan-frying. Avoid silken tofu since it’s too soft.
• Cornstarch – helps the sauce cling to the tofu. Arrowroot or potato starch also work.
• Neutral oil – such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil.
• Soy sauce – or use tamari for a gluten-free version.
• Maple syrup – balances the savory flavors. White sugar or agave can also be used.
• Mirin – adds a subtle sweetness and depth. If you don’t have mirin, use a very small amount of rice vinegar plus a pinch of sugar.
• Black pepper – just enough to round out the flavor. 
• Water – a splash is added to make the sauce but doesn’t really count as an ingredient.

How to Make Teriyaki Tofu (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the tofu – Place a block of tofu in the microwave for 1 minute to draw out excess water. Cut into bite-sized cubes, then gently pat dry with paper towels.
2. Coat with cornstarch – Lightly dust the cubes with cornstarch so they crisp up and hold onto the sauce.
3. Brown the tofu – Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu in a single layer and cook until golden on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the sauce – In the same pan, add soy sauce, maple syrup (or sugar/agave), mirin, black pepper, a splash of water, and the cornstarch slurry. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 1 minute.
5. Combine – Place the cooked tofu cubes back into the pan. Let them absorb the sauce for about a minute, stirring gently until each piece is evenly coated in the glossy teriyaki glaze.
6. Serve – Enjoy right away with rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or even a crisp salad.

Easy Vegan Teriyaki Tofu Texture Tips

• Skip the press – Microwave the whole block for 1 minute to release excess water, then pat dry before cooking.
• Use firm or extra-firm tofu, cubed – Flat surfaces brown evenly, hold their shape, and coat well in sauce.
• Cut smaller cubes for crispier texture – More surface area means more golden edges.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Give each piece space to sear instead of steam.
• Brown patiently in a non-stick pan – A little extra time creates crisp edges while using less oil.

What to Serve With Teriyaki Tofu

• Steamed rice with Stir-Fry Kimchi – The tangy-spicy kimchi perfectly balances the sweet-savory glaze.
• Chilled noodle salad – Light, refreshing, and a great contrast to the warm, saucy tofu.
• Lettuce wraps or Asian-inspired salad topping – Add tofu to crisp lettuce leaves or scatter over a salad with sesame dressing for a fresh, light meal.

FAQ About Teriyaki Tofu

For more tofu inspiration, you might enjoy my Hoisin Baked Tofu, Scrambled Tofu, or cozy Korean Soft Tofu Stew (Soondubu Jjigae). And if you love Japanese flavors, my Japanese Pantry Essentials Guide is a great place to start stocking your kitchen with the right sauces and seasonings.

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