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Think tofu is boring? With a flavorful dry rub and zingy BBQ sauce, this BBQ tofu has layers of smoky flavor you’ll love! Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect addition to your summer BBQ spread.
save this recipe!I’ve been on two specific quests lately:
- to prove that tofu isn’t boring, and
- to prove that vegan BBQ food *can* be tasty
This smoky BBQ tofu recipe accomplishes both of those. It’s got a flavorful dry rub that infuses into the tofu while it cooks on the grill, and your favorite BBQ sauce to finish it off.
I love making a batch of these skewers either to bring to BBQs with me or to have on hand for the vegans at the party (although they’re so good, don’t be surprised if the meat eaters steal a few!)
The ingredients are simple
- Extra Firm Tofu: The star of the show, tofu is a fantastic plant-based protein source that’s known for its ability to absorb flavors. It takes on the smoky, spicy, and savory notes from the spices and BBQ sauce while providing a meaty texture.
- Oil: Oil is essential for grilling as it prevents the tofu from sticking to the grill grates and adds a touch of richness to the dish. It also helps distribute the spices evenly.
- Spices: Our dry rub is a quick combination of smoked paprika (my favorite spice) cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce is the star condiment here, delivering that classic barbecue tanginess and sweetness. It coats the tofu skewers in a rich, finger-licking glaze that makes them utterly irresistible.
Which type of tofu?
Extra firm tofu is best here because it’s sturdy and easy to find, although if you can find super firm tofu, that tofu variety holds up best on the grill (super firm tofu is typically vacuum sealed instead of packed in water). For a soy-free version of this recipe, use chickpea tofu!
How to make BBQ Tofu
Making BBQ tofu is super simple. You’ll basically just:
- Prep the skewers by soaking them in water to prevent them from burning
- Press the tofu so it can soak up more flavor
- Assemble the tofu onto the skewers
- Brush with dry rub
- Grill until charred!
Tricks for Perfect Grilled Tofu
- Prep In Advance: You can prep this BBQ tofu up to 2 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Once the tofu is on the skewers and brushed with dry rub, cover them well and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- No Grill? You can also make this tofu in the oven or air fryer. See out notes in the recipe card at the end of this post!
- Two Rounds of Grilling: Grill the tofu twice for the best results. First, grill it for 5 minutes on medium/high heat, flipping once, to develop those appealing grill marks. Then, brush on the BBQ sauce and continue grilling for another 1 minute per side. This dual grilling method ensures a crispy exterior with a flavorful BBQ glaze.
Fire up the grill
We love serving these burgers with other foods made on the grill! A few of our favorites are:
Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs
55 minutes
How To Make Grilled Romaine
25 minutes
30-Minute Black Bean Burgers (No Oats!)
30 minutes
Or serve these tofu skewers with our roasted BBQ chickpeas–they’re packed with smoky BBQ flavor!
Easy BBQ Tofu Recipe (Grilled or Baked)
Ingredients
- 1 14-oz package extra firm tofu
- 2 Tbsp oil, 30 mL
- 1 tsp each smoked paprika, cumin, chili, garlic powder
- ½ tsp each salt and pepper
- ½ to 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prep Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least an hour before grilling.
- Press: Press tofu for at least 15 minutes, using either a tofu press or by wrapping it in a clean towel and setting a heavy pan on top of it, letting the moisture drain.
- Assemble: Cut tofu into squares. Assemble tofu onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.
- Brush: In a small bowl, combine oil and spices. Brush onto all sides of the tofu.
- Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium/high. Use cooking spray to oil the grill grates. Cook the tofu for 5 minutes, flipping once, until char lines develop. Brush with the BBQ sauce and continue cooking for another 1 minute per side. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
Will this recipe work on a George Foreman type grill???
Yes it should! 😀
Just a hint….for years I did the plate and can to press tofu. Then, later, pick the can up off the floor. A few years ago I found a plastic, spring loaded press from Healthy Express on Amazon…20 bucks. Do yourself a favor.
Im not normally a fan of tofu, but this was pretty unique. The spices and BBQ sauce really gave it a wonderful flavor.
I’m so happy to hear it! 😀
This is a great side recipe. The best thing about it is that if you are using the grill anyway you can just throw a few skewers on the side and you have a side that goes with about anything on the grill. I think some non-vegetarians just don’t like the texture of tofu, but hey that just means I can take the skewer off their plate and double up. The spice combination is wonderful. I saved leftovers and put them in a wrap for lunch with other veggies. No other seasoning was needed the tofu took over the whole flavor.
I pressed the tofu with my cast iron skillet for about an hour before preparing (I was worried because I didn’t have the extra firm tofu). The spices were perfect though I was a little stingy with the barbeque sauce – my mistake. They cooked well on the grill – didn’t fall off the skewer as I feared. Next time I’ll add more sauce but overall a great dish!
Delicious- did in the air fryer, grill I’m sure would be amazing! At awe that you can make these taste like BBQ with a few spices.