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- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium carrot, julienned - 3 green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish) - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended) - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish) - Additional green onions for garnish I love using firm tofu because it holds its shape well. Pressing it helps remove moisture. This makes it crispy when you cook it. Fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot add color and crunch. They also provide important nutrients. The teriyaki sauce is key to this dish. It has a great balance of salty and sweet. Soy sauce gives it depth. Maple syrup adds sweetness. Rice vinegar brightens the flavors. Garlic and ginger add a warm, spicy kick. For garnish, I like sesame seeds and more chopped green onions. They add a nice touch and a bit of flavor. Using these simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal in no time! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to press the tofu. This step helps remove extra moisture. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size works well for frying and eating. Next, coat the tofu. In a large bowl, add the cubed tofu. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over it. Gently toss the tofu until every piece is coated. This coating makes the tofu crispy when cooked. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown and crispy. When done, set the tofu aside on a plate lined with paper towels. This will soak up any extra oil. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Then, toss in the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to stay colorful and tender-crisp. Remove them from heat once they reach that perfect texture. While your vegetables cook, make the teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Whisk everything together until it blends well. This sauce adds the sweet and savory flavor your dish needs. Now it’s time to mix everything. Return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and warms the sauce. Once ready, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped green onions, saving some for garnish. Serve the stir fry over bowls of warm cooked rice or quinoa. For a beautiful touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Add the reserved green onions for extra color. This dish looks as good as it tastes! To get extra crispy tofu, start with firm or extra-firm tofu. Press the tofu well to remove moisture. I like to use a clean kitchen towel and a heavy object for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes in cornstarch to coat them evenly. This step is key for crispiness. When cooking, use hot oil. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until it shimmers in the pan. Place the tofu in a single layer, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. For colorful and tender-crisp vegetables, choose fresh ones like red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Cut them into even sizes. This helps them cook evenly. Use high heat for a quick stir-fry. Add the veggies to the hot skillet after the tofu is cooked. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. You want them bright and still slightly crunchy. Remove them from heat once they look vibrant and crisp. To customize your teriyaki sauce, adjust the sweetness and flavors. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. For a tangy kick, increase the rice vinegar. Don’t forget to whisk the sauce well to mix all the flavors. Taste it as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your dish. Pro Tips Press the Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu long enough to remove as much moisture as possible, which helps achieve maximum crispiness during frying. Use High Heat for Tofu: Fry the tofu over medium-high heat to create a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the tofu in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of frying. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand; just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking. {{image_4}} If you want to switch up the protein, try chicken, shrimp, or tempeh. Chicken works well in this dish. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it until golden. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Simply sauté them until they turn pink. Tempeh is a great plant-based option. Slice it thin and cook it like the tofu for a different texture. You can swap the veggies for others you enjoy. Snap peas add a nice crunch and flavor. Use bell peppers in different colors for added color and sweetness. Carrots can be replaced with zucchini or mushrooms, too. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. To make this dish gluten-free, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but is made without gluten. Most cornstarch is gluten-free, so you can use that without worry. Always check labels to be sure your ingredients are safe for your diet. To keep your crispy teriyaki tofu stir fry fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the stir fry in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. This helps avoid extra moisture inside the container. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, use a skillet or pan. Heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to keep the tofu moist. Stir gently until hot. This method helps keep the tofu crispy and the veggies bright. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the dish soggy. If you want to freeze the stir fry, make sure it’s cool first. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, use the skillet method mentioned above for best results. I recommend using firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe. Firm tofu holds its shape well during cooking. It gives a nice texture to your stir fry. Extra-firm tofu is even denser and has less moisture. This means it will crisp up better when fried. Soft or silken tofu will break apart easily. It is not ideal for stir fry dishes. Stick with firm or extra-firm for the best results. Yes, you can make the teriyaki sauce in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about a week. This makes meal prep easy. Just whisk the ingredients before using to mix them well again. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Just thaw it in the fridge the night before you need it. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook a big batch and divide it into containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also freeze it for later. Just be sure to let it cool before storing. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to eat. This blog post covered how to create a delicious tofu stir-fry. We explored key ingredients, like firm tofu and fresh vegetables, along with making a tasty teriyaki sauce. I shared tips on cooking methods and how to achieve crispiness and flavor. You learned about meal prep options, storage tips, and variations to fit your taste. Remember, cooking is about creativity. Experiment with ingredients and enjoy the process. With these simple steps, you can make a fantastic dish that is both healthy and satisfying. Happy cooking!

Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

A delicious and colorful stir fry featuring crispy tofu and fresh vegetables, all coated in a savory teriyaki sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 3
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more as needed)
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 3 unit green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
  • 1 serving cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
  • 1 4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture—use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized 1-inch cubes.
  • Coat the Tofu: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed tofu and sprinkle the cornstarch over the top. Gently toss the tofu to ensure each piece is evenly coated, which will enhance its crispiness when cooked.
  • Cook the Tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Ensure there’s enough space between the cubes for even frying. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. When done, remove the crispy tofu from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  • Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a splash more oil if necessary. Add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry the vegetables for approximately 3-4 minutes, keeping them colorful and tender-crisp—remove from heat once they reach that delightful texture.
  • Whisk the Teriyaki Sauce: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare your teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until the mixture is well blended and the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • Combine Everything: After the vegetables are cooked, return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated in the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce warm through.
  • Add Finishing Touches: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped green onions, saving some for garnish.
  • Serve: Portion the stir fry over bowls of warm cooked rice or quinoa. For an elegant touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with additional chopped green onions for color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in vibrant bowls for an appealing presentation.
Keyword stir fry, teriyaki, tofu, vegetarian