Japanese Tofu and Vegetable Teriyaki Bowl

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Japanese-inspired bowl with marinated tofu, stir-fried vegetables, and rice in a sweet teriyaki sauce. This japanese-inspired vegan (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs tofu, broccoli, teriyaki sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press the 300g firm tofu between layers of paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1cm cubes. In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon mirin, and 1 teaspoon sugar, then submerge the tofu cubes in the marinade. Let sit for 15 minutes at room temperature, turning occasionally to ensure even coating.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (around 180°C). While the pan heats, prepare the vegetables: cut 1 cup broccoli into 1cm florets and julienne 1 cup carrots into 3mm strips. Add the broccoli and carrots to the skillet, stirring occasionally, and sauté for 5 minutes until the edges turn golden and the vegetables release a fragrant, slightly caramelized aroma.
  3. Step 3: Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside. Wipe the pan with a paper towel, then add 1 tablespoon of oil and return it to medium heat. Pat the marinated tofu cubes dry with paper towels, then add them to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, using a spatula to gently press down the tofu to ensure even browning.
  4. Step 4: Deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, swirling to lift the browned bits from the bottom. Add the sautéed vegetables back to the pan, along with the remaining 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce, and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and the tofu is fully coated in a glossy, bubbling glaze.
  5. Step 5: In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of uncooked rice, stir once, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork to separate the grains.
  6. Step 6: To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top each with the tofu and vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of the saucy elements. Drizzle an additional 1-2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce over each bowl, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a nutty aroma and vibrant color contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Japanese Tofu and Vegetable Teriyaki Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Japanese Tofu and Vegetable Teriyaki Bowl?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Japanese Tofu and Vegetable Teriyaki Bowl?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Japanese Tofu and Vegetable Teriyaki Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Japanese Tofu and Vegetable Teriyaki Bowl gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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