Japanese Style Tofu

Elevate your plant-based cooking with this irresistible Japanese Style Tofu recipe, featuring crispy pan-fried tofu coated in a luscious soy sauce glaze. Perfectly seasoned with the harmonious balance of soy sauce, sweet mirin, and a hint of sesame oil, this dish delivers authentic Japanese flavors in every bite. The tofu is coated in cornstarch for an ultra-crispy texture before being tossed in a silky, umami-rich sauce. Garnished with fresh green onions and optional sesame seeds, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it the ideal weekday dinner or a standout addition to a Japanese-inspired meal. Serve it with steamed rice for a wholesome, satisfying experience that’s vegan-friendly and filled with flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 400 grams firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 stalks green onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (like a skillet) on top for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2

Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 3

In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch to coat them evenly. Shake off any excess cornstarch.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side or until the tofu is golden and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6

Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.

Step 7

Transfer the tofu to a serving plate and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Step 8

Serve immediately with steamed rice or as part of a Japanese-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	603.6 grams (603.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1053

Total Fat 73.80g	95%
Saturated Fat 10.20g	51%
Polyunsaturated Fat 31.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1809mg	79%
Total Carbohydrate 63.10g	23%
Dietary Fiber 6.40g	23%
Total Sugars 31.40g
Protein 47.90g	96%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 678mg	52%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 839mg	18%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.9%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 22.8%