Summer is all about sunshine, good friends, and delicious food. And what's a summer gathering without something sizzling on the grill? Picture this: you’ve got a plate of colorful summer vegetables, maybe some grilled corn on the side, and something smoky that everyone is clamoring to try. Enter this BBQ Tofu recipe.
It’s a delightful dish to pair with all your favorite summer foods, offering a satisfying, plant-based option that even your meat-loving friends won’t be able to resist.
I never thought I’d be so enchanted by tofu until I started experimenting with flavors and cooking methods. This BBQ Tofu recipe will transform firm or extra-firm tofu into a deliciously charred dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Coated in a rich homemade barbecue sauce with a kick of smoky spices, this dish is perfect for turning backyard barbecues into unforgettable feasts. Trust me; once you've tried it, you’ll be making it over and over again.
The secret to this delectable BBQ Tofu lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. We’re talking about firm tofu, which holds its shape beautifully while soaking up all those delicious flavors. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a splash of soy sauce give that perfect base for seasoning. The star players here are smoked paprika and garlic powder, which bring depth and satisfaction without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust the level of salt and pepper to suit your taste. To kick things up a notch, I like to add a touch of maple syrup for sweetness—this will harmonize splendidly with the barbecue sauce and add a beautiful glaze.
- 16 ounces firm or extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (feel free to adjust!)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for added sweetness)
- Optional garnish: Chopped scallions and sesame seeds
Ingredients From : theplantbasedschool.com
Ready to get started? This BBQ Tofu recipe comes together easily and is perfect for meal prepping or whipping up for a cookout. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to barbecue bliss.
First things first—decide whether you’re using the oven or air fryer and preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything will cook evenly and get that crispy texture we all love.
Grab your 16 ounces of firm tofu and gently pat it dry with some kitchen paper. This step is essential; you want to remove excess moisture to ensure it crisps up beautifully. Now, using your hands, pull the tofu apart into bite-sized pieces (no need to be perfect here!). The rustic look adds character to the dish.
In a large bowl, combine the torn tofu pieces with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring each piece of tofu is coated with the lovely spices and condiments. Your kitchen will start smelling fantastic—trust me!
Transfer the marinated tofu onto a baking sheet, arranging the pieces in a single layer. This allows for even cooking and prevents them from steaming each other. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or in the air fryer for approximately 15 minutes. You want the edges to look slightly charred and crispy. Don’t skip this step; it makes all the difference in texture!
Once your tofu is beautifully roasted, pull it out of the heat and drizzle about ½ to ¾ cup of barbecue sauce over the pieces. Feel free to add more if you like your tofu on the saucier side! Using a spatula, gently toss the tofu to coat it evenly with that sweet, smoky goodness.
Pop the baking sheet back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This step marries the flavors and caramelizes the edges just right. After 5 minutes, remove the tofu and give it a quick taste. If it needs more sauce, don’t hesitate to add it! Serve it hot and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for that extra flair.
- Tofu Quality Matters: Opt for firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture.
- Sauce Selection: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to tailor the flavor profile.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Serving: The flavors improve as it sits; consider making it a day in advance for gatherings.
- Customization: Feel free to mix in your favorite spices or hot sauce if you like some heat!
If you happen to have leftovers (which I seriously doubt, but just in case!), store the BBQ tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to three days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It can also be enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches, adding a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
- On a Bun: Serve the BBQ tofu on a toasted bun with coleslaw for a delicious sandwich.
- With Rice: Pair it with brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Wrap It Up: Use it as a filling for a hearty wrap with your favorite veggies and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.
- On a Salad: Toss the BBQ tofu with mixed greens, corn, and avocado for a refreshing salad.
- Skewers: Thread BBQ tofu onto skewers with bell peppers and onions for a fun grilling experience.
- Seitan: For a chewy texture, consider using seitan instead of tofu.
- Tempeh: This fermented alternative also offers great protein and has a nuttier flavor.
- Cauliflower: Use cauliflower florets for a gluten-free option that still roasts beautifully.
- Jackfruit: For a pulled ‘pork’ texture, try young green jackfruit instead of tofu.
- Mushrooms: Portobello or shiitake mushrooms can add a rich, meaty flavor.
I can’t emphasize enough how this BBQ Tofu recipe can elevate your summer meals or weeknight dinners. Its combination of smoky spices and sweet barbecue flavor will win over even the most skeptical eaters. Don't hesitate—make this dish soon, and watch it disappear faster than you can say "BBQ"! Happy cooking!
I never thought I’d be so enchanted by tofu until I started experimenting with flavors and cooking methods. This BBQ Tofu recipe will transform firm or extra-firm tofu into a deliciously charred dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Tofu Quality Matters: Opt for firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture.
- Sauce Selection: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to tailor the flavor profile.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Serving: The flavors improve as it sits; consider making it a day in advance for gatherings.
- Customization: Feel free to mix in your favorite spices or hot sauce if you like some heat!
Barbara Brito is a Florida-based registered dietitian and the creator of Great Meal Recipes, where she shares nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make meals for home cooks of all skill levels. With a passion for creating wholesome dishes that don’t sacrifice flavor, Barbara draws inspiration from her love of family, food, and simple cooking. Her blog focuses on accessible recipes that bring joy and balance to the kitchen.