Tofu Donburi (Vegan Teriyaki Rice Bowl)

5 from 2 votes

If you are looking for a hearty vegan dish, this tofu donburi is perfect! Enjoy the tasty pairing of rice, a flavorful sauce, and tofu for a filling dinner!

Looking for tofu dishes? Try my Agedashi Tofu, Tofu Katsu, or Veggie Tofu Burger Recipe!

A staple dish for lunch and dinner in Japanese cuisine is donburi, a renowned rice bowl. We highly suggest Tofu Donburi to vegans! Savor deliciously crispy tofu covered in a savory and sweet sauce served over freshly cooked rice. Try it out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to prepare, making it suitable for busy weeknight dinners.
The combination of rice, tofu, and flavorful sauce creates a comforting rice bowl.
You can easily personalize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables!

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Teriyaki Tofu Donburi:

Use either firm tofu (momen tofu) or extra-firm tofu because they hold their shape well during cooking and are easy to handle.
Potato starch adds a crispy texture to the tofu pieces. You can substitute it with corn starch or all-purpose flour.
Vegetable oil for pan-frying tofu. Sesame oil works well, too.
Mirin, soy sauce, sake, and sugar for the homemade teriyaki sauce. You can substitute sugar with maple syrup or honey.
For serving, use Japanese rice, shredded nori, and vegetables. I chose roasted broccoli and carrots, but feel free to add onions, green peas, green onions, bell peppers, or any vegetables you love.

How To Make Tofu Donburi: STEP BY STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

Step 1

Press the block of tofu and cut it into small chunks.

Step 2

Coat each piece of tofu with potato starch and pan-fry until crispy.

Step 3

Make teriyaki sauce and combine the crispy tofu with the sauce.

Step 4

Assemble cooked rice, shredded nori, teriyaki tofu, and roasted vegetables in a serving bowl.

Finally, garnish generously with sesame seeds on top of the tofu, and your teriyaki tofu bowl is ready to enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Make sure to get rid of the extra water from the tofu completely. This prevents it from being watery and helps it absorb the teriyaki sauce better. Follow a simple guide for pressing tofu.
You can adjust the teriyaki sauce to your liking; add more sugar and mirin for a sweeter flavor.
For the best experience, serve your teriyaki tofu on freshly steamed Japanese rice.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover teriyaki tofu in an airtight container in the fridge and consume it within two days. When you’re ready to eat, heat it in the microwave.

Your Questions were answered.

What can I serve with this tofu donburi recipe?

This recipe is excellent when served with Mushroom Miso Soup, Goma-ae, and Napa Cabbage Slaw.

What’s the difference between mirin and sake in teriyaki sauce?

Mirin adds sweetness and glossiness to teriyaki sauce, while sake contributes depth; however, if unavailable, a mix of soy sauce, sugar, and water can serve as a suitable substitute.

Is there a gluten-free teriyaki sauce option?

Yes, substituting gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in this recipe for regular soy sauce makes it gluten-free.

Get Your Free Vegetarian eBook!

Looking for healthy dinner ideas? I’ve got a free ebook with 10 delicious, easy Japanese vegetarian recipes! Sign up for our newsletter below to get it now!