Japanese-Style Donburi with Teriyaki Tofu Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 2
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Savor the comforting flavors of Japan with this Japanese-Style Donburi with Teriyaki Tofu — a hearty rice bowl layered with perfectly seared tofu glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Served over warm steamed rice and topped with sautéed vegetables, this wholesome meal captures the essence of Japanese home cooking. It’s vegan-friendly, protein-packed, and ideal for a quick yet satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients
    For the Teriyaki Sauce:
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • 2 tbsp mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine, optional but recommended)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1.5 tbsp brown sugar (or honey for a milder sweetness)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp grated ginger (freshly grated for best flavor)
  • 1 tsp 1 cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (for thickening)
    • For the Tofu:
  • 400 g firm tofu (pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
  • A pinch of salt
    • For the Donburi Base:
  • 2 cups steamed Japanese short-grain rice (warm and fluffy)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (to season rice lightly, optional)
    • For the Vegetables (Toppings):
  • ½ cup carrot (julienned)
  • ½ cup bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • ½ cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed or sautéed)
  • ¼ cup edamame (optional, for protein and color)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (for stir-frying vegetables)
    • For Garnish:
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion (finely chopped)
  • Pickled ginger (optional, for serving)
Instructions
    Prepare the Tofu
  1. 1
    Pat the tofu dry with a clean towel and press it for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into bite-sized cubes. Lightly coat each piece with cornstarch and a pinch of salt to create a crispy texture when fried.
    2. Cook the Tofu
  2. 2
    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 180°C). Place tofu cubes evenly in the pan and sear each side until golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the tofu and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
    3. Make the Teriyaki Sauce
  3. 3
    In the same skillet, add soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. When the sauce begins to bubble, add the cornstarch-water slurry. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
    4. Glaze the Tofu
  4. 4
    Return the fried tofu to the pan and toss it in the teriyaki sauce until each cube is evenly coated and glossy. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes to soak up the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
    5. Prepare the Vegetables
  5. 5
    In another pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli, and stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add a pinch of salt for seasoning. If using edamame, toss it in at the end.
    6. Assemble the Donburi
  6. 6
    Spoon warm rice into serving bowls. Lightly drizzle a bit of rice vinegar if desired. Arrange the teriyaki tofu on top, followed by sautéed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and pickled ginger.
    7. Serve and Enjoy
  7. 7
    Serve immediately while warm. Pair with miso soup or a light cucumber salad for a complete Japanese-inspired meal.
Note

Tofu pressing tip: The more moisture removed, the crispier your tofu will be.

Storage: Store leftover teriyaki tofu separately from rice to prevent sogginess. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to reactivate the sauce’s glaze.

Variations:

  • Substitute tofu with tempeh or seitan for variety.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or snap peas for extra texture.
  • For a spicier twist, mix a little chili paste into the teriyaki sauce.

Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.

Keywords: easy, healthy, Japanese donburi, tofu recipe, vegan-friendly
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/japanese-style-donburi-with-teriyaki-tofu-recipe/