Pan-Seared Tofu with Teriyaki Glaze

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

Crispy tofu coated in a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce for a simple weeknight meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Pour soy sauce mixture over tofu and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats tofu evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Tofu with Teriyaki Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Tofu with Teriyaki Glaze?

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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Tofu with Teriyaki Glaze?

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 Pan-Seared Tofu with Teriyaki Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Seared Tofu with Teriyaki Glaze vegetarian?

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

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