Grilled Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl with Broccoli and Vegetables
This grilled teriyaki tofu rice bowl combines golden, caramelized tofu with tender-crisp broccoli, cabbage, carrots and mushrooms. Everything is served over fluffy rice and finished with a sweet and savoury homemade teriyaki sauce. It is an easy vegetarian dinner that looks colourful, tastes satisfying and matches the bowl shown in the photo.
Pat the pressed tofu dry and cut it into approximately 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu with the oil, cornstarch and salt until lightly coated.
Make the teriyaki sauce.
Add the soy sauce, ¼ cup water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and garlic to a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Stir together the 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Pour the mixture into the simmering sauce and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes, until the teriyaki sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened. Remove it from the heat.
Grill the tofu.
Heat a lightly oiled grill pan or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning the cubes occasionally, until golden and lightly crisp on several sides.
Pour approximately one-third of the teriyaki sauce over the grilled tofu. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, gently turning the cubes until they are evenly glazed. Transfer the tofu to a plate.
Cook the vegetables.
Add the broccoli, mushrooms and carrots to the same pan. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cabbage and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, keeping the vegetables slightly crisp rather than overly soft.
Add a few spoonfuls of teriyaki sauce to the vegetables and toss until lightly coated. Do not add too much—the vegetables should look glossy without sitting in a pool of sauce.
Assemble the teriyaki tofu rice bowls.
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Add the broccoli, cabbage, carrots and mushrooms, then arrange the grilled teriyaki tofu over the top.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with the remaining teriyaki sauce on the side.
For the best grilled teriyaki tofu rice bowl, press the extra-firm tofu well and cook it in a single layer before adding the sauce. This helps the tofu turn golden and crisp instead of soft or soggy.
Notes
Use extra-firm tofu for the best grilled teriyaki tofu texture. Press it well before cutting so the cubes become golden and lightly crisp.
Cut the tofu into even 1-inch cubes so it cooks evenly and matches the hearty teriyaki tofu rice bowl shown in the photo.
Cornstarch creates a thin coating that helps the tofu brown and gives it a firmer exterior without deep-frying.
Cook the tofu in a single layer and leave space between the cubes. Crowding the pan can make the tofu steam instead of caramelize.
Add the teriyaki sauce near the end of cooking. This allows the sauce to glaze the tofu without burning from the sugar.
Keep the broccoli, carrots and cabbage slightly crisp for a colourful tofu and vegetable rice bowl with plenty of texture.
Slice the carrots thinly so they cook quickly alongside the broccoli, mushrooms and cabbage.
Add the cabbage last because it softens faster than the other vegetables.
White rice, jasmine rice or brown rice all work well in this easy vegetarian teriyaki tofu bowl.
Bottled teriyaki sauce can be used for a faster weeknight dinner. Choose a thick sauce that will cling to the grilled tofu and vegetables.
Store leftover tofu, vegetables and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the grilled teriyaki tofu rice bowl in a skillet or microwave, adding a small spoonful of water or extra teriyaki sauce if it seems dry.