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To make crispy teriyaki tofu bites, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Green onions, sliced (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The firm tofu gives a great texture. The soy sauce adds deep flavor. Maple syrup brings sweetness. Rice vinegar gives a nice tang. Ginger and garlic add warmth and spice. Cornstarch helps the tofu get crispy. Sesame oil gives a rich taste, while vegetable oil is perfect for frying. Finally, garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions make the dish pop. This mix of flavors makes every bite tasty and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to press the tofu. This step helps remove extra moisture. Place the block of tofu on a cutting board and put something heavy on top. A cast-iron pan works well. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes. Aim for bite-sized pieces, about an inch each. Now it’s time to mix the teriyaki marinade. In a bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced After mixing, reserve a few tablespoons of the marinade for glazing later. This step adds flavor when cooking. Next, coat the tofu in the marinade. Place the tofu cubes in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure they are well-coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even better taste, marinate for up to 2 hours. After marinating, it's time to cook. First, coat the tofu in cornstarch. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss gently. This helps create a crispy texture. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated tofu in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown and crispy finish. Finally, glaze the tofu. Pour the reserved teriyaki marinade into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. This thickens the sauce and adds a nice shine to the tofu. Enjoy the crispy teriyaki tofu bites! To make your tofu crispy, you must press it first. Pressing removes extra water. This makes the tofu absorb the sauce better. After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes. Next, coat the cubes evenly with cornstarch. This step is key for a crunchy outside when frying. Want more flavor? You can add spices to the marinade. Try chili flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. You can also make your own teriyaki sauce. This gives you control over the taste. Use soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Homemade sauce can boost the flavor of your dish. Garnishing makes your tofu bites pop. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Add sliced green onions for color and freshness. For serving, place the crispy tofu on a nice plate. You can pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure to press the tofu for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture. Marinate Longer: For enhanced flavor, let the tofu marinate for up to 2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. Use Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for frying tofu, as it prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. Reserve Marinade for Glaze: Always set aside a portion of the marinade before marinating the tofu to use as a glaze after frying. {{image_2}} You can switch out tofu for other proteins. Tempeh is a great option. It's made from fermented soybeans and has a nutty taste. Seitan is another choice. It has a chewy texture and soaks up flavors well. These options are perfect for vegans too. They provide protein and taste. Feel free to play with the marinade. If you want spice, add sriracha or chili paste. For a sweeter touch, try adding pineapple juice or brown sugar. You can mix in ingredients like sesame seeds or scallions for extra flavor. The more you experiment, the more unique your dish will be. Crispy teriyaki tofu bites are great with rice or noodles. Serve them over steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing. You can also toss them with noodles for a fun twist. Another idea is to create a teriyaki bowl. Layer the tofu over grains, veggies, and a drizzle of sauce. This makes a hearty and colorful meal. To keep your crispy teriyaki tofu bites fresh, place them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from ruining the crispiness. You can store them for up to three days. To reheat your tofu bites, use the oven or a skillet. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay the tofu bites on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If using a skillet, heat on medium. Add a splash of oil to keep them from sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. You can freeze cooked tofu bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven or skillet for best results. Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes. If you want more flavor, go for 2 hours. This time lets the tofu soak up the teriyaki sauce. Yes, you can! Use tamari instead of soy sauce. This swap keeps the flavor while being gluten-free. Check labels on other ingredients too, like cornstarch and rice vinegar, to ensure they fit your diet. Pair your tofu bites with steamed rice or quinoa. Add a side of stir-fried veggies for color and taste. You can also serve them in a wrap or on a salad for a fresh twist. You can create delicious crispy teriyaki tofu bites with ease. First, gather fresh ingredients and follow the steps to marinate and cook. Remember key tips for texture and flavor, and don’t hesitate to experiment with variations. Store your leftovers well for later enjoyment. This recipe is versatile and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends with a unique meal they will love. Whether you're new to cooking or a pro, I hope you find joy in making these snacks. Happy cooking!

Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Bites

Delicious and crispy tofu bites glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • to taste green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu for about 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
  • Make the Teriyaki Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Reserve a few tablespoons of the marinade for later.
  • Marinate the Tofu: In a shallow dish, place the tofu cubes and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Coat the Tofu: After marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss to coat evenly. This will help achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.
  • Fry the Tofu Bites: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated tofu pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Glaze the Tofu: Once the tofu bites are crispy, pour the reserved teriyaki marinade into the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and glaze the tofu.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer the crispy teriyaki tofu bites to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the tofu for up to 2 hours.
Keyword appetizer, teriyaki, tofu, vegan