Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 (16 oz / 454 g) package extra-firm tofu
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) pineapple juice
- 4 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch (divided)
Coating
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable, canola, sunflower, etc.)
- 5 pineapple rings, chopped (optional)
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped green onion (for garnish)
- Rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Press the Tofu: Drain the tofu and wrap it in paper towels, then in an absorbent tea towel. Place it under something heavy to press for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, light brown sugar, finely chopped ginger, finely chopped garlic, and 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Stir well to mix and set aside.
- Cube the Tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into small cubes about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) in size.
- Coat the Tofu with Cornstarch: Place the tofu cubes in a container and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Put the lid on and shake well to evenly coat the tofu. If the coating is insufficient, add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch and shake again.
- Fry the Tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Pineapple and Sauce: Lower the heat to low, add the chopped pineapple to the pan, then stir the teriyaki sauce mixture to dissolve the cornstarch fully. Pour it into the pan and cook briefly until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve the tofu and pineapple teriyaki over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Pressing tofu properly is essential for achieving a crispy texture when frying.
- Pineapple juice adds natural sweetness and tang, balancing the salty soy sauce.
- Adjust cornstarch quantity to achieve desired coating crispness.
- Optional: add chopped pineapple rings for extra fruitiness and texture.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as tofu may soften if left too long in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan