5-Ingredient Crispy Teriyaki Tofu

Just add a pot of rice and dinner is served!

A large bowl of crispy teriyaki tofu garnished with thinly sliced scallions, served with broccoli and white

The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Jenn Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Tofu Draining Time: 10 mins
Total: 60 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Yield: 5 1/2 cups tofu and broccoli

Making crispy tofu that isn’t battered and fried can be a challenge. Tofu, even the extra-firm variety, is extremely wet, which is why so many recipes have you jump through all kinds of hoops: pressing, patting dry, and double-frying among them. But this recipe is all about the easiest path to a light-crisp coating, without the hassle of deep-frying.

The tofu gets surprisingly crisp in the oven thanks to a light coating of cornstarch and a hot oven temperature. When coated in the thickened teriyaki glaze, it takes on that satisfying balance of a slightly crisp yet saucy exterior encasing a decadently tender interior. 

Using teriyaki basting sauce gives the tofu an aromatic savoriness without requiring a bunch of different ingredients. The punchiness of the tofu is nicely contrasted by the just crisp, earthy broccoli which is just the right mix of toothsome and tender. Steam up a perfect pot of rice on the side and dinner is done!

Recipe Tips

  • Make sure the teriyaki sauce is a thick glaze and not just a thin marinade that looks closer to soy sauce.
  • If your tofu seems especially wet, it wouldn’t hurt to even pat the tops dry or leave a couple paper towels or a kitchen towel over the top to help sop up more moisture.

Ingredients

  • 1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

  • 4 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 1 pound (1 1/2-inch) broccoli florets (about 7 cups)

  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1/3 cup teriyaki baste-and-glaze sauce (such as Kikkoman)  

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425 F.

    Ingredients to make crispy teriyaki tofu with broccoli

    The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Jenn Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

  2. Spread 1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes in an even layer on a kitchen towel or a double layer of paper towels and let drain for 10 to 15 minutes.

    Cubed tofu draining on a baking sheet lined with kitchen towels

    The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Jenn Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

  3. Gently toss together the drained tofu and 1 tablespoon canola oil in a medium bowl until evenly coated.

    A glass bowl of drained cubed tofu tossed with canola oil

    The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Jenn Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

  4. Spread 4 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch on a large plate and toss the tofu in the cornstarch until all sides are coated evenly. Transfer the tofu to one side of a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet.

    A large plate of cornstarch with cubed tofu next to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with cornstarch coated tofu

    The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Jenn Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

  5. Toss together 1 pound broccoli florets (about 7 cups), 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread out the broccoli evenly on the other half of the baking sheet.

    A bowl of broccoli florets next to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with cornstarch-coated tofu and oil-tossed broccoli florets

    The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Jenn Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

  6. Bake until the tofu becomes crispy and the broccoli is browned in spots and tender, about 30 minutes, flipping the tofu and broccoli halfway through.

    A parchment paper-lined baking sheet with crispy tofu and cooked broccoli florets

    The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Jenn Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

  7. Heat 1/3 cup teriyaki baste-and-glaze sauce in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a loose jam consistency, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tofu, stirring constantly, until fully coated in glaze, 1 to 2 minutes.

    A nonstick pan of crispy tofu tossed in teriyaki sauce

    The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Jenn Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

  8. Remove from the heat and top with 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately with the broccoli.

    A large bowl of crispy teriyaki tofu garnished with sliced scallions, served with broccoli and white rice

    The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Jenn Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

How To Store

Leftovers hold up well for 2 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave, a 400 F oven or a 350 F air fryer.

Recipe Variations

  • Serve this dish garnished with toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro.
  • Swap in cauliflower, green beans, or even halved Brussels sprouts for the broccoli.
  • If you don't have cornstarch, potato starch is a good substitute.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
241 Calories
13g Fat
22g Carbs
14g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 241
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 16%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1227mg 53%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 14g
Vitamin C 75mg 374%
Calcium 337mg 26%
Iron 3mg 19%
Potassium 536mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)