Teriyaki Tofu

When I learned the secret to cooking tofu, a whole new world opened up in my kitchen. Tofu, in my opinion, is the perfect addition to any meal regardless of the cuisine. In fact, I recently had a teriyaki tofu bowl while out to lunch with the girls, and I thought I could make teriyaki tofu better and with way less sugar. 

I was surprised to learn how much sugar is in Teriyaki sauce. In fact, most recipes and bottled versions are more than 50% sugar. No wonder it tastes so good 🙂

So, in an attempt to make an incredible teriyaki tofu recipe, I created a teriyaki sauce that is truly a keeper. During what I call "accidental" recipes, I sometimes find a gem to keep in my permanent recipe box, and this is one such sauce. 

As you are aware from previous posts, if you read them, I love grilled tofu! For me, it's all about preparing tofu, so it will absorb whatever marinades and flavors I throw at it. And I adore the grilled, crispy outside and those lovely grill marks. 

Yesterday, I played in the kitchen and came up with an incredible tofu teriyaki bowl with a great sauce I plan to use for various recipes. 

HOW TO CHOOSE WHAT GOES INSIDE YOUR TERIYAKI TOFU, GRAIN, AND VEGGIE BOWL

Since I was craving teriyaki sauce and challenging myself to make a better bowl than I ate at the restaurant, I wanted to pick various colors and textures. Red quinoa, for instance, is one of my favorite grains.

Actually, a seed, quinoa is full of protein, gluten-free, and simply delicious. By all means, my favorite quinoas are red, black, and tri-colored because of their bold and nutty flavor.

Although you can use white quinoa, I prefer the colored ones for the flavor and the incredible colors it brings to the bowl. 

For that reason, I chose a red quinoa. In a recent post, I suggested a perfect way to cook quinoa every time, so if you need helpful hints, click the link How to Cook Quinoa.

Then, I picked various raw vegetables such as organic baby spinach, avocado, Simple Rosemary Infused Pickled Red Onions, and pineapple to go with my teriyaki tofu recipe. Because I want my bowl colorful and full of flavor, I picked simple but robust flavors.

Even though I chose pickled onions for their tangy flavor, raw onions would work just as well. 

However, the pineapple adds sweetness to the bowl and is highlighted in the teriyaki sauce I made for marinating the tofu and drizzle on the bowl before serving. 

Sometimes, depending on how I feel, I combine raw and cooked foods for nutritional value and pure convenience. This Teriyaki tofu recipe, for instance, is quick and easy, and everything can be made ahead of time.

So, it can be eaten hot, cold, or a combination of both. 

For example, if you prefer your spinach cooked instead of raw, it works just as well cooked. Though raw in this bowl, avocado could also be grilled, as could the pineapple and onions. 

HOW TO PRESS, MARINATE THE TOFU FOR TERIYAKI TOFU BOWL

The secret to great tofu is a simple process, which, when done correctly, creates an incredible protein source that can literally be cooked in several ways and absorb any flavors. 

First, I recommend using extra-firm tofu when using it topping for salads, stirfries, or an entree. Conversely, soft tofu is used for baking, sauces, and dressing. Firm and extra-firm tofu require pressing; however, sprouted tofu does not. Sometimes, though, sprouted tofu is difficult to find, so my go-to tofu is always extra firm tofu. 

Although you do not need a tofu press to press tofu, I prefer to use a cheap press I found on Amazon.

Despite the many expensive tofu presses available, the cheap one works great, or you can always use a heavy book and paper towels.

Either way, the trick is to press slowly and be patient. Pressing tofu too quickly, for instance, makes it crack on the sides, making it difficult to cut and cook. 

After slowly pressing the tofu, the goal is to make it as thin as possible without cracking the sides and making it about an inch or an inch and a half thick. 

Then, I cut the tofu slab into 4 equal slabs for the teriyaki tofu recipe because I plan to grill my tofu. 

For specific directions on how to press and different cooking options, click this link  Pressed Tofu for Grilling, Baking, Air-frying, or Cooking in a Skillet.

Once all the ingredients are added to a small bowl or measuring cup, marinate the tofu in a sealed container for a minimum of 6 hours.

I, though, prefer to marinate at minimal overnight or 24 hours if possible. The longer the tofu marinates, the more profound the flavors. Then, I layer place half the marinade in the container's bottom, add half the tofu, and repeat. 

GRILLING THE TOFU FOR TERIYAKI TOFU RECIPE

As a rule, my favorite method of cooking tofu is using the grill. Without a doubt, I love the grill lines and the deep flavors of grilled tofu. 

First, to grill the perfect tofu on the grill, pre-heat the grill to medium or 400 degrees. Then, arrange the tofu directly on the grill for a total of 20 minutes, flipping four times to get the pretty grill marks.

Next, I return the tofu to the container to soak up more marinade. At this point, you have two choices; cut it in strips now and use it, or put it in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

THERE ARE MANY ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO COOK TERIYAKI TOFU

Despite grilling being my favorite way to cook teriyaki tofu, sometimes it's easier to use a skillet, the oven, or an air-fryer.

SAUTEING TOFU IN A SKILLET

• Using a large non-stick skillet, on medium-low, add tofu.
• I use a little veggie broth to prevent any sticking.
• Then, cook 4 minutes on each side, flipping 4 times.
• If you use cubes instead of tofu strips or slabs, toss in the pan until all sides are browned. 

BAKING TOFU IS JUST AS EASY

• Follow the same pressing and marinating process. 
• Then, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Place cut or uncut tofu on a silicone baking mat  or parchment paper
• Cook for 15 minutes
• Remove from oven and flip tofu over; cook for an additional 15 minutes. 

Yield: 4 servings

Teriyaki Tofu

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Teriyaki Tofu is sweet and tangy and wonderful combined with red quinoa, spinach, avocado, and pickled red onions, topped with homemade teriyaki sauce.

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Ingredients

TERIYAKI TOFU

• 1 14 ounce container extra-firm tofu, pressed

HOMEMADE TERIYAKI MARINADE/DRESSING

• 1/2 cup Tamari or soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder (or corn starch)
• 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds

Other Bowl Ingredients

• 1 avocado, quartered
• 1 cup pickled red onions, or raw red onions
• 4 cups baby raw spinach
• 2 cups fresh diced pineapple

Quinoa

• 1 cup red quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

TOFU MARINADE

1. Add all the ingredients except for the arrowroot powder to a high-speed blender
2. Then, transfer to a small saucepan and add the arrowroot powder
3. Cook on medium heat, whisking the ingredients until the sauce comes to a low boil.
4. Whisk continuously until the sauce is thickened.
5. When cool, put 1/4 of the marinade at the bottom of a refrigerator covered container.
6. Add 2 slabs of tofu
7. Add more marinade, repeat.
8. Place the remaining marinade in a squeeze bottle to use for dressing later.
9. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

GRILLED TERIYAKI TOFU

1. Pre-heat grill to 400 degrees or medium-low
2. Place marinated tofu slabs directly on the grill for 16 minutes, flipping every 4 minutes.
3. Remove and return to a container with extra marinade
4. When cool to the touch, slice into strips or cubes.

PREPARING THE TERIYAKI TOFU BOWL

1. Place a serving of quinoa on the side of a large shallow bowl
2. Then, add pineapple, spinach, red onion, and avocado
3. Add teriyaki tofu strips on top
4. Drizzle with remaining dressing
5. Add black sesame seeds to make it pretty 🙂

Notes

SUGGESTED SHORTCUTS OR SUBSTITUTIONS

• substitute brown rice or rice noodles instead of quinoa or another color quinoa
• Use your favorite bottled brand of teriyaki sauce
• Use raw onions instead of pickled onions
• Substitute already marinated teriyaki tofu from Trader Joes or Whole Foods (in the refrigerator sections)
• Use your favorite vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, green onions, edamame, or pea pods.
• Like it hot? Grill the avocado and the pineapple

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Simply Organic Certified Black Whole Sesame Seed, 3.28 oz
• 
  Organic Arrowroot Powder (Flour) | 16oz Resealable Kraft Bag (1lb) | 100% Raw From Vietnam | by Feel Good Organics
• 
  EZ Tofu Press - Removes Water from Tofu for Better Flavor and Texture.
• 
  truRoots Organic Red Quinoa, 12 Ounce

Nutrition Information

Yield

4 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 339Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 0mgSodium 2803mgCarbohydrates 39gFiber 9gSugar 15gProtein 20g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

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Kathy Carmichael

Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me