Tofu “Chicken” Teriyaki

Step 1

Slice your block or blocks of tofu into 3/4 to 1-inch thick slabs. Place on a tray and then leave to freeze at least overnight to harden. No need to press the tofu or squeeze out the liquid before freezing (because you’ll want the water inside the tofu to crystallise and create the amazing texture!)

Step 2

After freezing the tofu, leave it to thaw in room temperature. When soft, carefully squeeze out the water from the tofu. I did this by carefully placing a slab of tofu between my palms and flattening it to squeeze out the liquid. The tofu will be very delicate at this point so be careful not to over squeeze it since it can easily break apart. Squeeze out the liquid from the remaining tofu.

Step 3

After draining the liquid from the tofu, season the tofu with some pepper and a pinch of salt on each side. Rub the salt and pepper on the tofu. Place some flour or cornstarch on a plate. You can start with 2 tbsp of flour or cornstarch and just add more, if needed.

Step 4

Place the slabs of tofu in the flour or cornstarch mix and then coat well. Set aside.

Step 5

Heat a large non-stick pan or skillet over high heat. Add some oil. Once hot, place the slabs of tofu and leave to cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until lightly golden.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium and then add in the teriyaki sauce. I started with 1/4 cup and just added more as I went along. Leave the tofu to cook in the sauce. It’ll absorb the sauce and the teriyaki sauce will slowly thicken as it cooks down. Be careful not to cook the tofu in too high heat because the sugars from the teriyaki sauce can easily burn. Scoop up some teriyaki sauce from the base of the pan to pour over the tofu so all sides can be evenly coated.

Step 7

Flip over the tofu as needed and leave to cook until the teriyaki sauce has been absorbed by the tofu and has thickened into a glaze. Turn off the heat and then slice the tofu into thin 1/2-inch strips, if desired.

Step 8

I prepared some slice mushrooms, carrot, and cabbage to cook down in the sauce. I used the same pan as the tofu and simple added a bit of water to deglaze the pan then before adding some sliced enoki mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms. I added a bit more teriyaki sauce and cooked down the mushrooms.

Step 9

Afterwards, I cooked some cabbage and carrot separately and also added more teriyaki sauce.

Step 10

I served the tofu with rice and the vegetables, and then added poured more teriyaki sauce. Topped mine with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, too. Enjoy!