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Low Calorie Meal Prep Teriyaki Tofu and Broccoli - Simple, Fresh, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Extra-firm tofu (2 blocks, 14 oz each), drained and pressed
  • Broccoli (6–8 cups florets, about 2 large heads)
  • Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (1/3 cup)
  • Water (1/2 cup, for sauce)
  • Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons)
  • Maple syrup or honey (1–2 tablespoons, to taste)
  • Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced)
  • Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
  • Cornstarch (2 teaspoons for sauce + 1 tablespoon for tofu)
  • Toasted sesame oil (1 teaspoon)
  • Neutral oil (1–2 tablespoons; avocado, canola, or olive oil)
  • Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional)
  • Scallions (2–3, thinly sliced)
  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (optional, for serving)

Method
 

  1. Press the tofu. Wrap tofu blocks in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, set on a plate, and place something heavy on top for 15–20 minutes. This improves texture and helps them crisp.
  2. Preheat and prep. Heat the oven to 400°F (205°C) or warm a large nonstick pan. Line a sheet pan with parchment if baking. Cut pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Cut broccoli into bite-size florets.
  3. Coat the tofu lightly. Toss tofu with 1 tablespoon neutral oil, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated. This gives the tofu a light crust without deep frying.
  4. Crisp the tofu. Bake on the sheet pan for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and firm at the edges. Or pan-sear in batches over medium-high heat, 3–4 minutes per side.
  5. Steam or roast the broccoli. For the brightest color and lightest texture, steam broccoli for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. If you prefer deeper flavor, roast on a separate pan with a light spritz of oil and a pinch of salt for 12–15 minutes.
  6. Make the lighter teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, garlic, and ginger.
  7. Thicken the sauce. Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sauce and stir constantly until glossy and thickened, 2–3 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen.
  8. Combine. Add the crispy tofu and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Taste and adjust with a splash more vinegar for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
  9. Portion for meal prep. Divide into 4–5 containers. Add cooked rice or cauliflower rice if you’d like, or keep it low-carb with just the tofu and broccoli. Top with scallions and sesame seeds.
  10. Cool and store. Let containers cool uncovered for 15–20 minutes before sealing. This helps prevent sogginess.