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Teriyaki, a traditional Japanese cooking style, has captivated taste buds around the world with its harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. This technique, which involves marinating and glazing proteins with a soy sauce-based mixture, elevates even the simplest of ingredients to culinary excellence. As the world shifts towards healthier, plant-based diets, tofu has emerged as a superstar in the realm of vegetarian and vegan cuisines. Its versatility, combined with its ability to absorb flavors, makes it an ideal candidate for a myriad of dishes, including the star of today’s recipe: Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes.

Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes

Discover the delicious world of plant-based cooking with Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Cubes! This recipe showcases firm tofu, marinated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, and complemented by garlic and ginger. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these tofu cubes make for a delightful meal. Pair them with rice or fresh stir-fried vegetables for a complete, nutritious dish that satisfies both vegans and meat-lovers alike. Enjoy this easy, healthy, and tasty culinary treat!
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Ingredients
  

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

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey for non-vegan option)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu:

    - Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and set a heavy object on top (like a skillet) for 15-30 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

      Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

        - In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined. Set aside.

          Coat the Tofu:

            - In a large bowl, gently toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help achieve a crispy exterior when frying.

              Heat the Oil:

                - In a large non-stick skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, increase the heat to high.

                  Fry the Tofu:

                    - Carefully add the coated tofu cubes to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy (total of about 12-15 minutes). You may need to fry in batches, adding more oil if necessary.

                      Incorporate the Teriyaki Sauce:

                        - Once the tofu is crispy, reduce the heat to medium. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the tofu in the skillet. Gently toss to coat the tofu cubes in the sauce and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

                          Garnish and Serve:

                            - Remove from heat and sprinkle the sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the tofu. Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

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