When my family first asked for Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes, I was a bit surprised. I hadn’t shared tofu in quite that form before, but one evening my teenage daughter wanted something plant-based that felt special for dinner. She had enjoyed pan-fried tofu cubes at a friend’s house and asked me to try making them with a homemade teriyaki tofu glaze. That simple request turned into a new staple for our family meals. It’s amazing how Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes can bring everyone to the table with smiles and appetites ready for seconds.
At first, I faced a challenge with this crispy tofu recipe. Tofu has a reputation for being tricky—sometimes soggy or lacking flavor. But learning to press the tofu well, marinate it just right, and get a perfect crisp on the outside made all the difference. Now, I make my Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes confidently, knowing they’ll hit the mark. Plus, this Asian tofu dish has become a demonstration of how accessible tofu is for home cooks juggling busy nights.
I’m excited to share this Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes recipe with you so your family can experience the same joy. Whether it’s a midweek dinner or a weekend treat, these cubes turn simple ingredients into a meal that feels shared and special. You’ll love how straightforward the process is, and how the crispy texture with the rich teriyaki tofu glaze gets everyone talking and reaching for more. For other meal wins alike, check out my crispy chilli beef recipe or the turkey medallions with orange teriyaki sauce for more ideas to warm your kitchen.
What You’ll Need

To make Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes that impress every time, gather these ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu: Pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon mirin (or substitute with a teaspoon of honey and a splash of rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for that crispy coating)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (for pan-frying)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
For the best Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes, I recommend extra-firm tofu because it holds its shape better during cooking, giving you those golden pan-fried tofu cubes you want. Press your tofu well to remove moisture; I like using a tofu press or wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel with a heavy book on top for at least 20 minutes.
You’ll find everything for this Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes at your regular grocery store. Many stores carry all these ingredients in the international aisle, but if you’re short on mirin, the substitution works well without changing the flavor too much. This Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes recipe is forgiving if you need to swap maple syrup for honey or brown sugar.
Here’s a Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes secret that makes all the difference: toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch just before frying to get that perfect crunch. My family prefers when I toast the sesame seeds lightly—it adds a little extra nuttiness that brings the Asian tofu dish to life.
How to Make It
Here’s how to make your Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes come to life in your kitchen:
- Press and cube the tofu. Removing moisture is key. After pressing, cut the tofu into even 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
- Prepare the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This homemade teriyaki tofu glaze is what gives your dish that balance of sweet and savory.
- Marinate the tofu cubes. Place the tofu in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour over the teriyaki tofu glaze. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. This allows the flavor to soak in without turning the tofu soggy.
- Coat with cornstarch. Remove the tofu cubes from the marinade carefully, letting excess drip off. Toss them gently in cornstarch until lightly coated. Don’t let too much cornstarch clump, as that can cause uneven cooking.
- Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer, careful not to crowd the pan. This is when the magic of pan-fried tofu cubes happens.
- Fry until crispy and golden. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently so the cubes get crispy on all sides. Your kitchen will smell amazing when these Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes are sizzling.
- Glaze the tofu. Once all sides are crispy, return the tofu to the pan, pour in any leftover teriyaki tofu glaze, and toss to coat evenly. Let it cook for another minute until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
This Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes typically takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including pressing the tofu. While your Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes cook, you can prepare a simple side like steamed rice or stir-fried veggies.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes—letting the tofu marinate too long or skipping the cornstarch. It made the texture mushy. Now, I always remember to keep the steps tight, and it delivers every time. If your Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes look a bit uneven in color at first, don’t worry. Turn them gently and they’ll finish crispy and golden.
Serving Ideas

Everyone reaches for seconds when this Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes comes out with perfectly crisp edges and a sticky, sweet glaze. My family usually enjoys this Asian tofu dish tossed over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried broccoli and snap peas. The contrast of textures keeps the meal exciting and balanced.
This Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying but also a bit lighter and plant-friendly. It also shines at weekend dinners when you want to treat your family to a homemade favorite that’s easy but special.
For a fresh twist, I like serving these pan-fried tofu cubes with a side of shredded carrot salad or pickled cucumber for some crunch and tang. Leftovers reheat well and can be tossed into a grain bowl with greens and avocado for lunch the next day.
This Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes reminds me of another family favorite I love making when I want a crispy, flavorful meal: crispy chicken tenders with dipping sauce. For more recipes that bring families together around the table, don’t miss those tenders or the crispy chilli beef for something with a bit of spice.
My family gave this tofu dish great feedback, saying the balance of sweet and savory in the teriyaki tofu glaze feels homemade and comforting without any fuss.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes ahead of time?
A: Definitely. You can press and marinate the tofu a few hours ahead or even the night before. Keep the tofu covered in the fridge and pan-fry just before serving for the crispiest results.
Q: What if I don’t have mirin for my Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes?
A: You don’t need to worry. Mirin adds sweetness and a bit of acidity. You can swap it with a mixture of honey and a splash of rice vinegar or just use extra maple syrup for sweetness.
Q: How do I store leftover Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet or oven to help the tofu stay crispy instead of microwaving, which can make it soggy.
Q: Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm?
A: You can, but extra-firm tofu holds up better when pan-fried crispy. If you use firm tofu, press it really well to remove moisture and be gentle when flipping.
Q: How do I make sure my teriyaki tofu glaze is flavorful?
A: Fresh grated ginger and garlic bring a punch of flavor. Take a moment to whisk the glaze well, and let the tofu soak up as much as possible during marinating.
Q: Is this Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes kid-friendly?
A: Yes! My kids love it because of its mild sweetness and crunchy texture. Adjust the garlic or ginger if your kids prefer milder flavors.
Q: Can I bake the tofu instead of pan-frying?
A: Yes, you can bake the tofu for a slightly different texture. Coat your tofu cubes in cornstarch and bake on a lined sheet at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss with the teriyaki glaze afterward.
For alternative takes on teriyaki tofu, check out the Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Recipe | Jessica in the Kitchen or the Fried Tofu With Teriyaki Sauce – Eating For Luu. Another favorite I like to revisit is the Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu – Eat With Clarity.
The Final Word
This Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes recipe has earned its place in my family’s recipe collection because it hits all the marks—easy enough for weeknights, flavors everyone loves, and brings us together around the table. It’s one of those recipes that feels special while keeping dinner simple.
My Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes Tips:
- Always press your tofu well ahead of time for the crispiest result.
- Toss in cornstarch just before pan-frying to lock in the crunch.
- Don’t skip marinating; the teriyaki tofu glaze is where the flavor shines.
I’ve tried variations like swapping maple syrup for honey, adding a pinch of chili flakes for heat, or serving with sesame noodles. My husband loves the spicy version, while my daughter sticks to the classic sweet glaze. This flexibility lets you make it your own.
I encourage you to give this Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes a try for your next family meal. It’s friendly for all skill levels, comes together quickly, and is a delicious way to add tofu to your week’s rotation. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does!
For more meal ideas that bring ease and flavor to the table, explore recipes like crispy chilli beef and turkey medallions with orange teriyaki sauce. Happy cooking!
Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes
Delight in these crispy teriyaki tofu cubes, perfectly golden and glazed with a savory-sweet sauce, ideal as a flavorful vegan snack or main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and water.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the tofu and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu evenly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra crunch, bake the tofu cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes before pan-frying. Serve over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

