Name: Crispy Baked Teriyaki Tofu
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 package extra firm tofu (drained, pressed, and cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp vegetable oil ((or high heat oil of choice)); 1 tbsp cornstarch; 0.25 tsp white pepper ((or black pepper, if that's what you've got)); 0.25 cup water; 0.33 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp mirin ((or dry sherry)); 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 tsp freshly grated ginger; 1 clove garlic clove (minced); 2 tbsp chilled water; 1 tbsp cornstarch; null to_serve cooked rice; null to_serve steamed veggies; null to_garnish chopped scallions; null to_garnish toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

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1

To make the crispy baked tofu, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2

Place the extra firm tofu (1 package) into a medium bowl and add the soy sauce (1 tbsp), vegetable oil (1 tbsp), cornstarch (1 tbsp), and white pepper (0.25 tsp). Toss to coat the tofu.
3

Arrange the tofu pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet.
4

Bake for about 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and crispy.
5

While the tofu bakes, prepare the sauce. Stir water (0.25 cup), brown sugar (3 tbsp), soy sauce (0.33 cup), rice vinegar (2 tbsp), mirin (2 tbsp), toasted sesame oil (1 tsp), freshly grated ginger (1 tsp), and garlic (1 clove) together in small saucepan.
6

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer.
7

Lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes, until reduced by about 0.33.
8

Stir the chilled water (2 tbsp) and cornstarch (1 tbsp) together in a small bowl or cup. Stir the mixture into the sauce and allow it to simmer for about 1 minute more, until it thickens up a bit.
9

Remove the pot from the heat.
10

When the tofu is finished cooking, add it to the pot and stir to coat the tofu with sauce.
11

Divide onto plates with cooked rice and steamed veggies. Top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve.