Welcome to our scrumptious Vegan Crispy Teriyaki Tofu, a delectable and easy-to-prepare dish that will tantalize your taste buds! In this post, we'll show you how to make a mouth-watering teriyaki tofu recipe with air-fried tofu puffs. Whether you're a long-time vegan or simply looking to try something new, these crispy, flavorful puffs are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Our air-fried and baked methods will deliver that much-needed crunch and irresistible taste, perfect for a light lunch, satisfying snack, or delightful dinner. So, let's dive in and create a healthy and heavenly dish!
These are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. While they make for a tasty and satisfying snack, they can also be used as a topping for a protein-rich rice bowl and serve as an entrée. Imagine a warm, steaming rice bowl garnished with your marinated, crispy baked teriyaki tofu puffs and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce – a nutritious and utterly delicious meal. The combination of flavors and textures will undoubtedly elevate your dining experience, proving that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or bland.
Our creative spark ignited as we drew inspiration from our classic plain oven-baked crispy tofu recipe and our Mediterranean air-fryer tofu nuggets, propelling us to craft this delectable dish.
Tofu is the plant-based protein powerhouse and the star of our puffed tofu recipe. It offers many nutritional benefits while baking tofu instead of the usual and unhealthy deep-fried tofu puffs is the key to making it healthy and wholesome.
Tofu is an excellent source of essential amino acids, iron, calcium, and other vital nutrients. Additionally, it is low in calories and fat, making it an ideal choice for those pursuing a balanced and health-conscious diet.
Jump to:
🧾 Ingredients
These homemade tofu puffs are made with just a few delicious ingredients:
- Extra firm organic tofu: We use extra firm organic tofu for its ability to hold its shape during the cooking process, ensuring a crisp and satisfying texture. Additionally, organic tofu is free from GMOs and chemical pesticides, making it a healthier meal choice. Aim for fresh tofu or vacuum-sealed tofu.
- Cornstarch is essential for achieving the perfect golden-brown and crispy exterior of tofu. It also helps to bind the other ingredients and create a coating that adheres to the tofu.
- Teriyaki sauce infuses our tofu with a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, transforming it into a delicious and crave-worthy dish that's hard to resist.
- Sweet chili sauce adds a touch of heat and tanginess to the recipe, complementing the flavors of the teriyaki sauce and giving your tofu a subtle kick that elevates the overall taste.
- Fresh garlic cloves bring a depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the dish, working in harmony with the other ingredients to create a symphony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds.
- Fresh ginger imparts a zesty and slightly spicy undertone to the recipe, heightening the flavor profile and adding a touch of brightness that perfectly balances the rich teriyaki sauce.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
These yummy tofu cubes require just a few steps to get them going.
Press the extra firm tofu.
Combine all tofu marinade ingredients in a medium bowl.
Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes, place them in a ziplock bag, add the marinade, and ensure they're fully coated; refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Coat the marinated tofu in cornstarch in a flat pan or plate.
Hint: to make the best out of your ingredients' nutritional benefits, it is better to steam cauliflower than to boil it; otherwise, some of the nutrients will end up in the water.
Hint: optionally apply a cooking spray made from vegetable oil on the tofu pieces, making them crispier and more similar to deep-fried tofu cubes.
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and evenly arrange tofu cubes with space between each.
Time to air-fry. Bake at 400ºF (200ºC) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket or carefully moving the tofu with tongs halfway.
Serve the baked tofu garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onion tops.
🥢 How to serve
- Hawaiian Tofu Rice Bowl: Create a tropical-inspired dish by layering a bowl with warm cooked rice, topped with these yummy puffs, fresh pineapple chunks, sliced avocado, steamed veggies, and a sprinkle of green onions. Drizzle with a little extra teriyaki sauce and serve.
- Buddha Bowl: Assemble a nourishing Buddha bowl or poke bowl by combining your choice of grains (such as quinoa or brown rice) with a colorful array of roasted or steamed vegetables, a generous helping of these delicious beauties, and a dollop of creamy tahini dressing or a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
- Snack with Dipping Sauce: Enjoy these as a delicious and satisfying snack by serving them alongside a selection of dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, low sodium soy sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo. Perfect for a movie night or a casual get-together with friends.
- Topping for Salads: Add a protein-packed crunch to your salads using the puffs as a topping. They pair exceptionally well with mixed greens, kale or spinach salad, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing.
🍶 Substitutions
- Tofu: You can substitute extra firm tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different texture and flavor. Remember that tempeh has a nuttier taste, and seitan has a chewier texture.
- Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as alternatives to cornstarch, providing a similar crispiness to the tofu puffs.
- Teriyaki sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce in your homemade teriyaki sauce. This will slightly alter the flavor but still yield a delicious result.
- Sweet chili sauce: If you prefer milder heat, swap sweet chili sauce for a mild sweet and sour sauce or even mango chutney.
- Garlic cloves: Use garlic powder or granulated garlic instead of fresh garlic cloves for a milder garlic flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Ground ginger can be used instead of fresh ginger, but it will result in a less pronounced ginger flavor. Use ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh ginger.
📖 Variations
- Spicy Teriyaki: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the teriyaki marinade for a spicy twist. This will add a fiery kick to your crispy tofu, perfect for spice lovers.
- Sesame Teriyaki: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of tahini into the teriyaki sauce for a rich, sesame-infused taste.
- Orange Teriyaki: Create a citrusy variation by adding the zest and juice of one orange to the teriyaki marinade. This will lend a sweet and tangy flavor profile to your tofu, making them even more irresistible.
🍽 Equipment
- Air fryer or oven: An air fryer helps achieve a crispy texture with less oil, making it a healthier option. However, if you don't have an air fryer, an oven will work just as well to bake the tofu puffs to crispy perfection.
- Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is necessary for mixing the marinade ingredients, ensuring a thorough and even combination of flavors before applying it to the tofu.
- Heavy object and paper towels or tofu press: Pressing tofu is essential to remove excess moisture, allowing it to absorb the marinade better and achieve a crispy texture. A heavy object, paper towel, or a dedicated tofu press (affiliate link)can be used for this purpose.
🥡 Storage
- Fridge storage and reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the tofu puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. OR use the same temperature in the Air fryer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Freezing and reheating: Allow the tofu puffs to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen tofu puffs to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the frozen tofu puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. OR use the same temperature in the Air fryer and cook for 7 minutes.
- Meal prep option: Prepare the tofu puffs as per the recipe, marinade the tofu cubes for up to 2 days in the fridge, and coat them with cornstarch when ready to bake. You can also prepare a variety of sauces and veggies to pair with the tofu puffs. When you're ready, bake the tofu puffs and assemble your meal with the prepared components, such as steamed rice or cooked quinoa, steamed or roasted veggies, and your choice of sauce.
💡 Top tip
To ensure your Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Puffs turn out perfect every time, be sure to press the tofu well, removing as much moisture as possible. Properly pressed tofu will absorb the marinade better and result in a crispier texture when air-fried or baked. For the best results, use a tofu press or place the tofu between layers of paper towels and apply a heavy weight on top for at least 15 minutes, ideally 30 minutes.
📚 More tofu recipes
Master the art of preparing tofu with our comprehensive guide, perfect for both tofu beginners and seasoned cooks looking to elevate their tofu game.
Satisfy your morning cravings with our delicious and protein-packed Tofu Scramble recipe. Don't miss out on this vegan breakfast favorite.
Reinvent your classic pesto with our creamy, protein-rich Tofu Pesto recipe. Don't miss this delicious and nutritious twist on a beloved sauce.
reat yourself to our sweet and savory Maple Glazed Tofu, perfect for a delightful dinner or holiday feast.
Explore the endless possibilities of tofu with our collection of over 25 scrumptious Chinese-inspired tofu recipes.
Savor the rich and hearty flavors of our Tofu Pasta Bolognese, a vegan twist on the classic Italian dish.
Delight your taste buds with our Tofu Stuffed Polenta recipe, a unique and satisfying combination of creamy polenta and savory tofu filling.
Impress your guests with our elegant Baked Onions with Tofu Stuffing, a delicious and sophisticated dish perfect for any occasion.
⭐ If you try this puffed tofu recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
📋 Recipe
Vegan Crispy Teriyaki Tofu (Air fried & Baked Methods)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm Tofu organic
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 5 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
- 3 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 clove garlic or 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced, or ginger powder
Optional
- vegetable oil spray
- 2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil or any other vegetable oil (sesame, peanut, avocado oil)
- ¼ teaspoon hot chili flakes or ground black pepper
- sesame seeds to garnish
- scallion finely chopped
Directions
- Press the extra firm tofu between paper towels, placing a heavy object on top, for at least 15 minutes (preferably 30 minutes or even overnight) before cutting it into cubes.
- Combine all tofu marinade ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes, place them in a ziplock bag, add the marinade, and ensure they're fully coated; refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Coat the marinated tofu in cornstarch in a flat pan, reserving leftover marinade for later use.
Air fryer method:
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and evenly arrange tofu cubes with space between each.
- Bake at 400ºF (200ºC) for 10 minutes, shaking the basket or carefully flipping the tofu puffs with tongs halfway.
Oven-baked method:
- Arrange seasoned tofu cubes on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake at 425ºF (250ºC) for 25 minutes or until golden to your liking, then serve in a Buddha bowl, stir fry, as an appetizer with dipping sauce, or atop a salad.
- Serve with the remaining marinade or on top of salads.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
🌡️ Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
Taly says
I absolutely loved the Vegan Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Puffs! The tofu had the perfect crispy texture, and the teriyaki glaze was incredibly flavorful. It was a delicious and satisfying vegan alternative to traditional teriyaki chicken. I will definitely be making this recipe again and again!
Gus says
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you loved our Vegan Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Puffs! We put a lot of effort into perfecting the crispy texture of the tofu and creating a flavorful teriyaki glaze, so we're delighted that it paid off. 🙂
Choclette says
My husband and I adored this tofu puff recipe. In fact I made it twice in quick succession it was so good. We just ate it as a snack the first time, but I managed a bit of restraint the second time and incorporated them into a buddha bowl.
Gus says
Thank you for your glowing review! We're thrilled that you and your husband adored our tofu puff recipe. It's fantastic that you enjoyed it so much that you made it twice in quick succession. Incorporating the tofu puffs into a buddha bowl sounds like a delicious idea. We appreciate your feedback and are glad that our recipe brought you such enjoyment. If you have any other questions or need more recipe suggestions, feel free to reach out. Happy cooking!
Holly says
Excellent flavor and the tofu was perfectly crisp. I served this over scallion rice for dinner and we all loved it.
Gus says
Thanks for your feedback, Holly! I loved your scallion rice pairing!