Easy Tofu Teriyaki Skewers

I’ve always been a teriyaki fan, even before I was vegan. When I lived in Seattle there was a place in Belltown—at Third and Bell, I believe—called Mom’s. They were a very “meaty” establishment with not the best cuts. But the sauce was insane. Thick, sweet, and a little salty, just like teriyaki sauce should be. I haven’t been back to Seattle since I left for New York in 2003, and after a quick Google search I’ve learned that Mom’s—like many establishments in the Belltown I remember—is no more. That’s OK though, because I’ve created my own teriyaki recipe that I think Mom would approve of.

Mine is delivered as a marinade for tofu on these Teriyaki Tofu Skewers. It’s the second stick-based dish I made for the site (Hawaiian Seitan Skewers were the first), and it won’t be the last. I love skewers because they’re so simple: stab the food, throw it on a grill. And the result is usually a really versatile recipe which can be used in a bunch of ways. In this case, teriyaki tofu is perfect on its own, right on the skewer, or it can be pulled off and mixed with vegetables and put over a bed of rice. It can be put into a wrap or chopped up and added to a salad. I love all the options.

You can cook the tofu without the skewers, too, if you want. I used them here because I see this dish mostly as a finger food or appetizer. However you make them, I think you’ll be a fan.

Tell Me What You Think

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe if you make it. So drop me a comment below, and be sure to tag @nutfreevegan on social media if you’re posting photos. It’s always super fun to see these dishes out in the wild!

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3.42 from 17 votes

Easy Tofu Teriyaki Skewers

These Teriyaki Tofu Skewers are super versatile and make a great finger food on their own or a as a tasty protein in your vegetable dish.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time12 minutes mins

Total Time32 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer or Entree

Cuisine: Japanese

Yield: 16 skewers

Author: The Nut-Free Vegan

Ingredients

• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 Tbsp. ground ginger
• ½ tsp. minced garlic
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp. agave
• 3 Tbsp. corn starch
• 2 14 oz. packages firm tofu, pressed and dried
• 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients except tofu in a large mixing bowl.
• Slice each brick of tofu into 8 strips and place in marinade. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
• Put skewer in one end of each tofu strip and grill tofu for 3 minutes on each side.
• Top with sesame seeds and serve.

Notes

This recipe can be made gluten-free with the proper soy sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g