Golden Teriyaki Crusted Tofu

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the tofu from the package and place it between two clean kitchen towels or several layers of paper towels. Place a heavy object on top, such as a cast iron skillet or a cutting board with a few heavy cans, to press out excess liquid for at least 30 minutes. This step is important to achieve the desired crispy texture.

Once pressed, cut the tofu into evenly sized cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.

In the mixing bowl, combine the tofu cubes with tamari or low-sodium soy sauce, black pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and cornstarch, ensuring every piece is well coated.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the tofu cubes, making sure they are not touching.

Bake the tofu for 25-30 minutes or until the cubes are golden brown and crispy.

During the final 15-20 minutes of baking, heat the teriyaki sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until it slightly thickens.

Remove the tofu from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a bowl.

Add 2/3 of the teriyaki sauce to the bowl with the tofu, reserving the rest for drizzling over rice and vegetables, if desired. Toss gently to coat the tofu in sauce.

Serve the Golden Teriyaki Crusted Tofu immediately and enjoy!