FREE DINNER EBOOK! Get your copy!

Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Tofu Flavorful Plant-Based Dish

by on August 19, 2025
Save It Jump to Recipe

Looking for a bold, tasty dish that’s also plant-based? Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Tofu is your answer. This exciting recipe combines crispy tofu with sweet and spicy sauces for a meal that satisfies your taste buds and your body. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, you’ll love how simple and delicious this dish is. Get ready to impress yourself with something truly flavorful!

- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and diced - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred) - 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 3 green onions, chopped - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Cooked rice - Quinoa When I create Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Tofu, I focus on the main ingredients. Firm tofu is key. It holds up well and absorbs flavors nicely. I use low-sodium soy sauce for a savory kick without too much salt. Teriyaki sauce adds sweetness and a hint of umami. Garlic and ginger are my go-to aromatics. They bring warmth and depth to every bite. For a hint of sweetness, I often add maple syrup or honey. If you like heat, red pepper flakes can spice things up. For garnishing, I love using green onions and sesame seeds. They give a pop of color and crunch. Serving this dish over cooked rice or quinoa makes it hearty and satisfying. Both options soak up the delicious sauce well. You can mix and match these ingredients to fit your taste. Get creative and enjoy the cooking process! First, you need to press the tofu. This step removes excess moisture so the tofu will crisp well. Wrap the block of firm tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. Next, whisk the sauce ingredients together. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey. Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Mix well and set it aside for later use. Now, it’s time to sauté the tofu. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced tofu cubes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the cubes occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. After the tofu is crispy, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Then, pour the sauce over the tofu in the skillet. Stir gently to coat all the pieces evenly. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize on the tofu. For a great presentation, serve the spicy garlic teriyaki tofu in a colorful bowl. You can garnish it with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. For the base, consider using fluffy rice or colorful quinoa. This adds texture and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your meal! Tofu needs pressing to get the best texture. Pressing removes excess water. This helps it absorb more sauce. To press tofu, wrap it in a clean towel. Place a heavy object on top for about 20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This gives you a crispy outside and soft inside. If you want more or less heat, red pepper flakes are easy to adjust. Start with a teaspoon. If you like it spicy, add more. You can also mix in other spices like cayenne or chili powder. Always taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat for your palate. Adding spices can make your dish even better. Try using five-spice powder for a warm flavor. You might also like a splash of sriracha for extra kick. If you're a fan of sweetness, add more maple syrup or honey. You can even mix in lime juice for a zesty twist. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite! {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, try using tempeh instead of tofu. Tempeh has a nutty taste and a firmer texture. It holds flavors well and offers a great protein boost. You can also use chicken if you prefer meat. Chicken absorbs the teriyaki sauce nicely, creating a delicious dish. Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. I love to toss in bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Broccoli and snap peas add color and nutrition. You can also use carrots for a bit of sweetness. Just remember to add them when you sauté the tofu to cook them just right. If you're out of teriyaki sauce, don’t worry! You can use hoisin sauce for a sweet and tangy twist. A splash of sriracha can spice things up if you like heat. Mixing soy sauce with a bit of brown sugar gives a nice flavor, too. Each option adds a unique taste to your meal. To keep your spicy garlic teriyaki tofu fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the tofu in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to separate the tofu from sauces if possible. This helps maintain the texture and flavor. When you reheat the tofu, do it gently. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help steam the tofu. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. This method helps keep the tofu's crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tofu soggy. You can freeze leftover tofu, but it changes the texture. To freeze, place the tofu in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will last for about three months. To thaw, move the tofu to the fridge overnight. Once thawed, you may want to press it again to remove excess moisture before cooking. Yes, you can use extra-firm tofu. Extra-firm tofu has less moisture than firm tofu. This makes it denser and chewier. It will also hold its shape better when cooking. If you use extra-firm tofu, press it for a shorter time. Pressing helps improve texture and flavor absorption. Aim for about 10 minutes. This change will still give you a great dish! The spice level can vary based on your taste. The recipe uses one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This amount gives a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes. You can start with half a teaspoon. For those who love spice, add more! You can always adjust to your liking. This dish is packed with nutrients. Each serving has about 200 calories. It contains protein from the tofu, fiber from the garlic, and healthy fats from the sesame seeds. Nutritional Breakdown (approx. per serving): - Calories: 200 - Protein: 15g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Fiber: 2g - Fat: 12g This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious! It's a great choice for a healthy meal. This article covered how to make Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Tofu. We explored key ingredients like tofu, sauces, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and serving the dish. You learned tips for perfecting tofu texture and how to enhance flavor. We discussed storage options and alternatives for proteins and veggies. Now, you can create a tasty meal that fits your taste and needs. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and diced

– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

– 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Optional Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

– 3 green onions, chopped

– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Suggested Serving Options

– Cooked rice

– Quinoa

When I create Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Tofu, I focus on the main ingredients. Firm tofu is key. It holds up well and absorbs flavors nicely. I use low-sodium soy sauce for a savory kick without too much salt. Teriyaki sauce adds sweetness and a hint of umami.

Garlic and ginger are my go-to aromatics. They bring warmth and depth to every bite. For a hint of sweetness, I often add maple syrup or honey. If you like heat, red pepper flakes can spice things up.

For garnishing, I love using green onions and sesame seeds. They give a pop of color and crunch. Serving this dish over cooked rice or quinoa makes it hearty and satisfying. Both options soak up the delicious sauce well.

You can mix and match these ingredients to fit your taste. Get creative and enjoy the cooking process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Tofu

First, you need to press the tofu. This step removes excess moisture so the tofu will crisp well. Wrap the block of firm tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly.

Making the Sauce

Next, whisk the sauce ingredients together. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey. Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Mix well and set it aside for later use.

Cooking the Tofu

Now, it’s time to sauté the tofu. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced tofu cubes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the cubes occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Combining and Finishing

After the tofu is crispy, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Then, pour the sauce over the tofu in the skillet. Stir gently to coat all the pieces evenly. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize on the tofu.

Serving Suggestions

For a great presentation, serve the spicy garlic teriyaki tofu in a colorful bowl. You can garnish it with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. For the base, consider using fluffy rice or colorful quinoa. This adds texture and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Tofu Texture

Tofu needs pressing to get the best texture. Pressing removes excess water. This helps it absorb more sauce. To press tofu, wrap it in a clean towel. Place a heavy object on top for about 20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This gives you a crispy outside and soft inside.

Adjusting Spice Levels

If you want more or less heat, red pepper flakes are easy to adjust. Start with a teaspoon. If you like it spicy, add more. You can also mix in other spices like cayenne or chili powder. Always taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat for your palate.

Enhancing Flavor

Adding spices can make your dish even better. Try using five-spice powder for a warm flavor. You might also like a splash of sriracha for extra kick. If you’re a fan of sweetness, add more maple syrup or honey. You can even mix in lime juice for a zesty twist. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite!

Variations

Different Protein Options

If you want to switch things up, try using tempeh instead of tofu. Tempeh has a nutty taste and a firmer texture. It holds flavors well and offers a great protein boost. You can also use chicken if you prefer meat. Chicken absorbs the teriyaki sauce nicely, creating a delicious dish.

Adding Vegetables

Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. I love to toss in bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Broccoli and snap peas add color and nutrition. You can also use carrots for a bit of sweetness. Just remember to add them when you sauté the tofu to cook them just right.

Sauce Substitutions

If you’re out of teriyaki sauce, don’t worry! You can use hoisin sauce for a sweet and tangy twist. A splash of sriracha can spice things up if you like heat. Mixing soy sauce with a bit of brown sugar gives a nice flavor, too. Each option adds a unique taste to your meal.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your spicy garlic teriyaki tofu fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the tofu in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to separate the tofu from sauces if possible. This helps maintain the texture and flavor.

Reheating Instructions

When you reheat the tofu, do it gently. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help steam the tofu. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. This method helps keep the tofu’s crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tofu soggy.

Freezing Options

You can freeze leftover tofu, but it changes the texture. To freeze, place the tofu in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will last for about three months. To thaw, move the tofu to the fridge overnight. Once thawed, you may want to press it again to remove excess moisture before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use extra-firm tofu instead of firm?

Yes, you can use extra-firm tofu. Extra-firm tofu has less moisture than firm tofu. This makes it denser and chewier. It will also hold its shape better when cooking. If you use extra-firm tofu, press it for a shorter time. Pressing helps improve texture and flavor absorption. Aim for about 10 minutes. This change will still give you a great dish!

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can vary based on your taste. The recipe uses one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This amount gives a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes. You can start with half a teaspoon. For those who love spice, add more! You can always adjust to your liking.

What is the nutritional value of Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Tofu?

This dish is packed with nutrients. Each serving has about 200 calories. It contains protein from the tofu, fiber from the garlic, and healthy fats from the sesame seeds.

Nutritional Breakdown (approx. per serving):

– Calories: 200

– Protein: 15g

– Carbohydrates: 10g

– Fiber: 2g

– Fat: 12g

This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious! It’s a great choice for a healthy meal.

This article covered how to make Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Tofu. We explored key ingredients like tofu, sauces, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and serving the dish. You learned tips for perfecting tofu texture and how to enhance flavor. We discussed storage options and alternatives for proteins and veggies.

Now, you can create a tasty meal that fits your taste and needs. Enjoy your cooking journey!

- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and diced - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred) - 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 3 green onions, chopped - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Cooked rice - Quinoa When I create Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Tofu, I focus on the main ingredients. Firm tofu is key. It holds up well and absorbs flavors nicely. I use low-sodium soy sauce for a savory kick without too much salt. Teriyaki sauce adds sweetness and a hint of umami. Garlic and ginger are my go-to aromatics. They bring warmth and depth to every bite. For a hint of sweetness, I often add maple syrup or honey. If you like heat, red pepper flakes can spice things up. For garnishing, I love using green onions and sesame seeds. They give a pop of color and crunch. Serving this dish over cooked rice or quinoa makes it hearty and satisfying. Both options soak up the delicious sauce well. You can mix and match these ingredients to fit your taste. Get creative and enjoy the cooking process! First, you need to press the tofu. This step removes excess moisture so the tofu will crisp well. Wrap the block of firm tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. Next, whisk the sauce ingredients together. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey. Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Mix well and set it aside for later use. Now, it’s time to sauté the tofu. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced tofu cubes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the cubes occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. After the tofu is crispy, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Then, pour the sauce over the tofu in the skillet. Stir gently to coat all the pieces evenly. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize on the tofu. For a great presentation, serve the spicy garlic teriyaki tofu in a colorful bowl. You can garnish it with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. For the base, consider using fluffy rice or colorful quinoa. This adds texture and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your meal! Tofu needs pressing to get the best texture. Pressing removes excess water. This helps it absorb more sauce. To press tofu, wrap it in a clean towel. Place a heavy object on top for about 20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This gives you a crispy outside and soft inside. If you want more or less heat, red pepper flakes are easy to adjust. Start with a teaspoon. If you like it spicy, add more. You can also mix in other spices like cayenne or chili powder. Always taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat for your palate. Adding spices can make your dish even better. Try using five-spice powder for a warm flavor. You might also like a splash of sriracha for extra kick. If you're a fan of sweetness, add more maple syrup or honey. You can even mix in lime juice for a zesty twist. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite! {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, try using tempeh instead of tofu. Tempeh has a nutty taste and a firmer texture. It holds flavors well and offers a great protein boost. You can also use chicken if you prefer meat. Chicken absorbs the teriyaki sauce nicely, creating a delicious dish. Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. I love to toss in bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Broccoli and snap peas add color and nutrition. You can also use carrots for a bit of sweetness. Just remember to add them when you sauté the tofu to cook them just right. If you're out of teriyaki sauce, don’t worry! You can use hoisin sauce for a sweet and tangy twist. A splash of sriracha can spice things up if you like heat. Mixing soy sauce with a bit of brown sugar gives a nice flavor, too. Each option adds a unique taste to your meal. To keep your spicy garlic teriyaki tofu fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the tofu in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to separate the tofu from sauces if possible. This helps maintain the texture and flavor. When you reheat the tofu, do it gently. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help steam the tofu. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. This method helps keep the tofu's crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tofu soggy. You can freeze leftover tofu, but it changes the texture. To freeze, place the tofu in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will last for about three months. To thaw, move the tofu to the fridge overnight. Once thawed, you may want to press it again to remove excess moisture before cooking. Yes, you can use extra-firm tofu. Extra-firm tofu has less moisture than firm tofu. This makes it denser and chewier. It will also hold its shape better when cooking. If you use extra-firm tofu, press it for a shorter time. Pressing helps improve texture and flavor absorption. Aim for about 10 minutes. This change will still give you a great dish! The spice level can vary based on your taste. The recipe uses one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This amount gives a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes. You can start with half a teaspoon. For those who love spice, add more! You can always adjust to your liking. This dish is packed with nutrients. Each serving has about 200 calories. It contains protein from the tofu, fiber from the garlic, and healthy fats from the sesame seeds. Nutritional Breakdown (approx. per serving): - Calories: 200 - Protein: 15g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Fiber: 2g - Fat: 12g This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious! It's a great choice for a healthy meal. This article covered how to make Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Tofu. We explored key ingredients like tofu, sauces, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and serving the dish. You learned tips for perfecting tofu texture and how to enhance flavor. We discussed storage options and alternatives for proteins and veggies. Now, you can create a tasty meal that fits your taste and needs. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Tofu

Discover a burst of flavor with this spicy garlic teriyaki tofu recipe that's perfect for any meal! Made with firm tofu, fresh garlic, and a zesty teriyaki sauce, this dish is both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. In just 30 minutes, you can have a stunning, healthy meal ready to impress friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking with this mouthwatering dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and diced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce

1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

3 green onions, chopped

Cooked rice or quinoa for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel, placing a heavy object on top for about 20 minutes. Once pressed, cut into 1-inch cubes.

    Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, maple syrup (or honey), ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

      Sauté the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced tofu cubes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides.

        Add Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

          Combine Sauce and Tofu: Pour the prepared sauce over the sautéed tofu and stir gently to coat all pieces evenly. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and caramelizes on the tofu.

            Finish with Toppings: Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the tofu. Toss gently to combine.

              Serve: Serve the spicy garlic teriyaki tofu over cooked rice or quinoa if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the tofu in a colorful bowl, garnished with additional sesame seeds and a few green onion slices on top. Options for bottom layers include fluffy rice or colorful quinoa to bring more texture and flavor to your dish.