How to Make the Perfect Teriyaki Tofu Bowls
Japanese · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
These teriyaki tofu bowls feature glazed crispy tofu over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables and a homemade sweet-savory teriyaki sauce. A nourishing and colorful vegan dinner that is meal-prep friendly and endlessly satisfying.
Why this recipe works
This Teriyaki Tofu Bowls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 395 calories with 20g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 block extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed
- 0.25 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups steamed jasmine rice
- 1 medium cucumber sliced thin
- 1 cup edamame shelled and cooked
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. Set aside. This sauce comes together quickly so have all your ingredients measured before you start cooking.
Step 2: Crisp the Tofu
Toss pressed and cubed tofu with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and cook tofu for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Step 3: Glaze the Tofu
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the crispy tofu in the pan. Toss to coat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes stirring gently until the sauce thickens and clings to each piece of tofu.
Step 4: Build the Bowls
Divide steamed rice among four bowls. Top with glazed teriyaki tofu sliced cucumber and cooked edamame. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the pan and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- maple syrup → agave nectar or brown sugar for a similar level of sweetness
- jasmine rice → cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower carb option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not pressing the tofu long enough which prevents it from getting properly crispy
- Adding the teriyaki sauce before the tofu is fully crisped which causes steaming instead of caramelizing
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 395 calories, 20g protein, 52g carbs, 10g fat, 5g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →