Name: Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu, cubed; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, julienned; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce; Sesame seeds and green onion for garnish

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Looking for a weeknight dinner that dazzles with color, flavor, and easy plant-based goodness? This Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry is pure magic—impossibly crisp tofu, a rainbow of vibrant veggies, and a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce that ties everything together. Even meat lovers are going to ask for seconds! Whether you pile it over fluffy rice or a tangle of noodles, you’ll have a dish that’s both hearty and fresh, making dinner a true highlight of your day.

Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry is just how simple, yet essential, each ingredient is. Every component brings something special to the table, from irresistible crunch to deep umami. Gather these fresh items for a meal that looks fancy but takes only minutes to pull off.

Firm tofu (14 oz): Delivers that dreamy crispy-on-the-outside, pillowy-on-the-inside texture; be sure it’s pressed dry for maximum crunch.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a foundation of savory depth while seasoning the tofu from the inside out.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): The magic touch for giving your tofu that golden, crave-worthy crust.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for quick, even frying without overpowering flavor.
Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings vivid color and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the teriyaki.
Broccoli florets (1 cup): Adds crunch, vibrant green color, and a boost of nutrients to every bite.
Carrot (1, julienned): Thin strips blend seamlessly into the stir fry and provide a pop of orange and sweetness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A little bit goes a long way to infuse the oil and vegetables with warm, aromatic flavor.
Teriyaki sauce (3 tablespoons): The luscious, sticky-sweet sauce that brings everything together and makes this dish sing.
Sesame seeds and green onion (for garnish): Sprinkled over the top, they add crunch, freshness, and a finished look.

How to Make Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep and Season the Tofu

Start by draining your firm tofu, then pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels—this step makes all the difference for a crisp exterior! Cut your tofu into bite-sized cubes, then gently toss them with soy sauce. The soy soaks in, seasoning each cube. Finish by coating with cornstarch so you’ll get that magical, golden crust once they hit the pan.

Step 2: Fry the Tofu to Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and spread them out so they’re not crowded. Let them fry, turning every couple of minutes, until all sides are irresistibly golden and crisp. Remove the cooked tofu from the pan and set aside—this keeps the texture perfect for tossing in the sauce later.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies

Add your minced garlic to the leftover oil in the pan and sauté for just a few seconds until fragrant, but not browned. Then toss in the red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir fry for a few minutes, keeping the veggies moving so they get a little char yet stay tender-crisp. You want them vibrant and just cooked, so the dish remains bright and full of life.

Step 4: Combine Everything with the Teriyaki Sauce

Return the crispy tofu to the pan with the veggies. Pour the teriyaki sauce over everything and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure each piece is glistening and coated. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling to every bite. Give it another minute or so to warm through, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry to a large serving dish or directly onto fluffy rice or steamy noodles. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for that classic final flourish. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds brings a nutty fragrance and light crunch, while fresh green onion delivers a hit of color and brightness. For an extra special finish, a dash of chili flakes or ribbons of nori (seaweed) can add a fun twist and a hint of heat or umami. Don’t skip these—they elevate your Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry from great to show-stopping!

Side Dishes

Pile the stir fry high over a steaming bowl of rice—white, brown, or even fragrant jasmine—or slide it alongside springy soba or udon noodles for a slurp-worthy bowl. Want something lighter? Serve with a crisp cucumber salad or a simple miso soup to round out the meal without weighing things down.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry in individual rice bowls, garnished with microgreens and a lemon wedge for extra zing. Or, for meal prep, portion it into lunchboxes layered over quinoa with pickled veggies on the side. You can even roll leftovers into nori sheets with a bit of avocado for a fun vegan sushi spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will happily keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors get even deeper as they mingle, making for fantastic next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry, though the vegetables may soften a touch upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. For best texture, freeze the tofu and veggies separate from the rice or noodles, if you plan to add those later.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to loosen things up. The tofu will re-crisp slightly, and the veggies will warm through beautifully. Microwave reheating works too—just use short bursts and stir occasionally for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of tofu?

Absolutely! Firm tempeh, seitan, or even chickpeas can substitute for tofu if you’re looking to mix things up, but you’ll want to keep the same season-and-crisp method for that fantastic texture.

What vegetables work best in Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry?

Feel free to swap in whatever you have on hand—snap peas, baby corn, zucchini, or mushrooms can all shine in this recipe. The key is to use a mix of colors and keep the veggies crisp-tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make your Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry gluten-free, simply opt for gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and ensure your teriyaki sauce is also certified gluten-free.

Can I double this recipe for meal prep?

Yes, this stir fry doubles beautifully! Use a larger pan so you don’t overcrowd the ingredients, and store portions separately for grab-and-go lunches all week.

What’s the best way to keep the tofu crispy?

Make sure the tofu is well-pressed and dry before frying, coat it evenly in cornstarch, and don’t overcrowd the pan—these tricks guarantee a shatteringly crisp exterior, even after tossing with sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in need of a quick, nourishing dinner that hits all the right notes, Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry is about to become your new go-to recipe. Every bite is vibrant, flavorful, and delightfully satisfying—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo. Give it a whirl tonight, and prepare to fall in love!