002: AIR FRYER: TERIYAKI TOFU KEBAB

🌊 Teriyaki Tofu Kebab — The Glaze of Calm

Archetype: The River Artisan — sweet-salty harmony, patient lacquer, gentle fire.

💡 Why This Works

Pressed tofu drinks in a quick teriyaki, then the air fryer’s focused heat caramelizes sugars to a glossy lacquer. You get skewer-char without a grill.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Active: 10 min • Total: 25–40 min (incl. marinate)
• Effort: Low (RPE 3/10)
• Gear: Air fryer (default), skewers optional, small saucepan

🎭 Flavor & Mood

Glossy, umami, gently sweet — calm river energy with ember-kissed edges.

🥣 What It Is

Firm tofu cubes marinated in a classic teriyaki (soy–mirin–sugar), air-fried on or off skewers, finished with sesame and scallion.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 2)

• Tofu: 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu, pressed 20–30 min, cut into 1 in / 2.5 cm cubes
• Veg (optional): Bell pepper chunks • red onion petals • zucchini rounds
• Teriyaki Marinade/Glaze: 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce • 3 tbsp (45 ml) mirin • 1.5 tbsp (20 g) brown sugar or honey • 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar • 1 tsp grated ginger • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• Finish: Toasted sesame seeds • sliced scallions • lime or yuzu wedge (optional)

✍️ Method (Air Fryer default)

1. Make teriyaki: Simmer soy, mirin, sugar, vinegar, ginger 2–3 min until slightly syrupy; stir in sesame oil. Cool 5 min.
2. Marinate: Toss tofu (and veg) with half the teriyaki. Rest 15–30 min (or up to 8 hrs chilled).
3. Skewer (optional): Thread tofu + veg. Loose in basket also works.
4. Air fry: Preheat to 375°F / 190°C for 3 min. Arrange in single layer on parchment/foil sling. Cook 10–12 min, turning at 6 min.
5. Glaze & finish: Brush with remaining teriyaki; air-fry 1–2 min more to set the lacquer. Sprinkle sesame + scallion; add citrus if you like.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Extra gloss: If glaze over-thickens, whisk in 1–2 tsp hot water.
• Crisp factor: For sturdier edges, dust tofu with 1 tsp cornstarch before marinating.
• Other devices: Oven 425°F / 220°C 15–18 min (flip & baste once) • Grill med-high 8–10 min, turning/basting.

📦 Storage & Reheat

• Refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat air fryer 350°F / 175°C for 3–4 min; brush a touch of teriyaki to revive shine.

📜 Lore / Origin

Teriyaki is the art of light on water — “teri” (shine), “yaki” (grill). Here, air is the quiet flame, giving tofu a river’s mirror and a hearth’s warmth.

🌺 Benefits

• Plant protein: steady, satisfying fuel
• Low-oil caramelization: lacquered edges without deep frying
• Weeknight ease: simple ingredients, fast ritual

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Ease & Gadget Efficiency: 20/20
• Texture & Authenticity: 20/20
• Time & Cleanup: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — River-gloss, ember-heart.