30-Minute Vegan Pan-Fried Teriyaki Tofu Recipe
Today we are making a 30-Minute Vegan Pan-Fried Teriyaki Tofu Recipe! This 30-Minute Vegan Pan-Fried Teriyaki Tofu recipe is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, making it a standout dish for any meal. The tofu is pan-fried to perfection, achieving a crispy exterior while remaining soft and tender on the inside. Coated in a rich and flavorful teriyaki sauce, each bite is bursting with a harmonious blend of umami, sweetness, and a touch of tanginess. Whether you’re a tofu lover or new to plant-based eating, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is how quickly it comes together. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on your table, perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party. The combination of minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process ensures that you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can easily pair it with rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
This pan-fried teriyaki tofu is not only quick and easy but also incredibly nutritious. Tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making this dish both filling and nourishing. The teriyaki sauce, made with wholesome ingredients, adds a burst of flavor without overwhelming the dish. Whether you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet or simply craving something delicious and healthy, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Vegan Pan-Fried Teriyaki Tofu Recipe
Time-Saving Convenience: When time is of the essence, this recipe shines. It delivers a gourmet-quality meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic days when you want a home-cooked dinner but don’t have hours to spare. The streamlined cooking process means you can quickly prepare a delicious meal without compromising on flavor or quality.
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The secret to this dish lies in the harmonious blend of crispy, pan-fried tofu and a luscious teriyaki glaze. The tofu’s crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender interior, while the teriyaki sauce adds layers of umami richness with a hint of sweetness. Each bite is a flavor explosion, making every meal feel like a special treat.
Substitutions
Tofu: For the best texture, use extra-firm tofu.
Oil: Substitute with vegetable oil or olive oil. Avocado oil is great for cooking at higher heats due to its high smoke point as opposed to olive oil.
Garlic & Ginger: Do not use a pre-made garlic-ginger paste, where the spices are mixed in advance with preservatives and stored. The taste is not the same as using the fresh variety of both of these spices.
Pure Maple Syrup: Substitute with agave nectar, but it will not be refined sugar-free.
Cornstarch: Try arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
Pan-Fried Teriyaki Tofu Recipe Notes
- Feel free to customize the teriyaki sauce to your taste. You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey, or add a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Add a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a balanced meal. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Spicy Korean Braised Tofu (Dubu Jorim)
Chilled Garlic Sesame Soft Tofu (Hiyayakko)
If you make this 30-Minute vegan Pan-Fried Teriyaki Tofu recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
30-Minute Vegan Pan-Fried Teriyaki Tofu Recipe
Equipment
- Fine Hole Grater
- Whisk
- Skillet
Ingredients
For the Tofu
- ½ block extra-firm tofu chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp tamari
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 medium clove garlic finely grated
- ½ tsp fresh ginger finely grated
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
For the Garnish
- 1 tsp white sesame seeds
- ⅓ green onion chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped tofu with the cornstarch.
- Add the oil to a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add in the coated tofu.
- Turn the heat to medium-low. Let it pan-fry for ~4 minutes on each side. It may take longer if the skillet is not big enough (so the tofu is not as evenly spread out).
- Evenly pour the sauce over top of the tofu. Stir to coat, and let the tofu cook for another few minutes per side to thicken the sauce. Make sure to flip it over and cook both sides.
- Once done, remove from heat. Serve over whole grains, such as rice, with white sesame seeds and green onions sprinkled over top.
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
