EASIEST VEGAN TERIYAKI TOFU
Now, I prize easy dishes over delicious one when I’m the one doing the cooking and washing of dishes. If I had to pick between an easy but average dish versus a more complicated and delicious dish, I’d go for the easy one. I don’t even need to think. Time and energy are precious resources and I’m not going to use a huge chunk on it for an experience that is over in 15 minutes – so don’t judge!
You might be wondering why didn’t I marinate it (or not). Marinating extra firm tofu is not very efficient, in my opinion. The firmer your tofu, the less likely your marinade is going to absorb anyway. It’s extra work (although not much!) and I don’t think the trade-off is worth it in this case. If you have a very strong marinade, maybe it’s worth it. But for this? Nah.
Easiest Vegan Teriyaki Tofu
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Ingredients
1 block extra firm tofu extra firm
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon brown rice syrup
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Slice the block of tofu length-wise into approximately 1/4" thick pieces.
Heat the vegetable oil on medium to high heat in a frying pan. While the oil is heating up, sprinkle some salt on the tofu and rub it (gently) on each surface before placing it into the frying pan. The salt helps the tofu to brown.
Pan fry the tofu at medium to high heat until it browns on both sides. Meanwhile, combine soy sauce and rice syrup to make the teriyaki sauce.
When the tofu is done, turn down to low heat (or even turn off the heat if your pan is very hot) and pour in the sauce.
Flip and move your tofu around to make sure that the sauce coats all the tofu.
Let the liquid reduce and as it reduces, the liquid will turn into a sticky sauce that adheres to the tofu. That's when you know it's done!
Notes
One block of tofu should yield 8-10 slices depending on how thick you want it to be.