Teriyaki Tofu with Broccoli

There's something magical about the sizzle of crispy tofu hitting a hot wok, the vibrant green of fresh broccoli florets, and the sweet snap of tender peas—all coming together in a glossy, savory teriyaki glaze. This Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Snap Peas is a celebration of plant-based cooking at its finest, delivering bold Asian-inspired flavors in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned vegan cook or simply looking for a healthier weeknight dinner option, this colorful stir-fry promises crispy textures, fresh vegetables, and a homemade sauce that's infinitely better than anything from a bottle.

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The key to this dish lies in the preparation: pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to crisp up beautifully when coated with cornstarch and pan-fried. Meanwhile, the homemade teriyaki sauce—a harmonious blend of soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and garlic—transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency, coating each piece of tofu and every vegetable with rich, umami flavor. Serve this stir-fry over fluffy jasmine rice or slurp-worthy soba noodles for a complete, satisfying dinner that proves healthy eating never has to be boring.

Ingredients

• Tofu: 400 g (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Vegetables: 1 medium head broccoli, cut into florets (about 300 g / 10 oz); 150 g (5 oz) snap peas, trimmed; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 2 spring onions, sliced
• Teriyaki Sauce: 60 ml (1/4 cup) soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free); 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
• Garnish (optional): 1 tbsp sesame seeds; fresh cilantro or green onion, chopped; lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Cut the tofu into 2 cm (3/4 inch) cubes. Toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 2: Fry the Tofu

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 8–10 minutes, turning to brown all sides until crispy. Transfer tofu to a plate.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add broccoli florets, snap peas, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While vegetables cook, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the tofu to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the tofu and vegetables.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds, spring onions, and herbs if desired. Serve hot, with steamed rice or noodles.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in 2 tbsp soy sauce for 10 minutes before coating with cornstarch—this adds an extra layer of savory depth. Make sure your tofu is well-pressed and dry before coating; excess moisture prevents that coveted crispy exterior. Use a large nonstick skillet or wok to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the tofu—work in batches if needed to achieve maximum crispiness. Keep your vegetables crisp-tender by stir-frying over high heat for just a few minutes; they should retain their vibrant color and slight crunch.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute broccoli or snap peas with your favorite seasonal vegetables such as bok choy, baby corn, mushrooms, or zucchini. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. If you prefer a spicier kick, add 1 tsp chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. Swap maple syrup for honey if you're not strictly vegan, or try agave nectar for a different sweetness profile. You can also add cashews or peanuts for extra crunch and protein.

Serviervorschläge

This teriyaki tofu stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal. For a more traditional Asian presentation, serve over soba noodles or rice noodles. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds, sliced spring onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for brightness and visual appeal. Consider serving alongside a simple cucumber salad or miso soup for a well-rounded dinner. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.

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This Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Snap Peas proves that plant-based cooking can be just as satisfying and flavorful as any traditional dish. With its crispy tofu, vibrant vegetables, and luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, this recipe delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience. It's the perfect answer to busy weeknights when you want something healthy, delicious, and ready in half an hour. Once you experience the difference of homemade teriyaki sauce and perfectly crisped tofu, you'll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. Gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I get crispy tofu in this dish?

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then coat with cornstarch before frying in hot oil until golden and crispy on all sides.

→ Can I substitute the vegetables?

Yes, you can swap broccoli or snap peas for other seasonal vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or bok choy for a different twist.

→ Is there a way to make the sauce thicker?

Stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and cold water towards the end of cooking and simmer briefly until the sauce thickens evenly.

→ What’s a good accompaniment for this dish?

Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or soba noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce and complete the meal.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

→ Can I marinate the tofu beforehand?

Yes, marinating tofu in soy sauce for 10 minutes before coating with cornstarch enhances its flavor and texture.