BBQ Tofu Recipe

Extra firm tofu: This type of tofu holds its shape well and is ideal for grilling. BBQ sauce: A rich, flavorful sauce that will caramelize beautifully on the tofu. Olive oil: Used to coat the tofu and help the spices adhere. Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor. Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a subtle sweetness. Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that complements the BBQ sauce. Salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the other spices.

When grilling tofu, ensure it is pressed thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu absorb the marinade better and achieve a firmer texture. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes.

• extra firm tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a firm texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a great alternative to tofu in BBQ recipes.

• extra firm tofu - Substitute with seitan: Seitan has a meaty texture and can hold up well to grilling and BBQ sauces.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that can complement the dish similarly to BBQ sauce.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a rich, tangy flavor that can mimic the taste of BBQ sauce in recipes.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in cooking.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point, making it a good alternative to olive oil.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can be a good substitute for garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion provides a similar flavor and texture to onion powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder has a mild onion-like flavor that can be used as a substitute for onion powder.

• smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika can be used if smoked paprika is unavailable, though it lacks the smoky flavor.

• smoked paprika - Substitute with chipotle powder: Chipotle powder adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, making it a good alternative to smoked paprika.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish, replacing the need for salt.

• salt - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that can provide a similar salty and umami flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a substitute for black pepper.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a slight peppery flavor, making it a good alternative to black pepper.

• Allow the tofu to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the tofu soggy.
• Transfer the cooled tofu to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers of tofu, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The BBQ tofu will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
• For freezing, place the cooled tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pieces are not touching each other.
• Freeze the tofu cubes for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This step prevents the tofu from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the tofu cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the tofu in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• To maintain the best texture, avoid microwaving the tofu, as it can make it rubbery. Instead, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil for a crispy exterior.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the BBQ tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the tofu with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the tofu's texture and flavor.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the BBQ tofu cubes in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.

• Microwave Method: Place the BBQ tofu in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. This is the quickest method but may slightly alter the texture.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the BBQ tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give the tofu a nice, crispy exterior.

• Steaming Method: Place the BBQ tofu in a heatproof dish that fits inside a steamer basket. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the steamer basket over the pot, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes until the tofu is heated through. This method keeps the tofu moist and tender.

• Grill: Used to cook the tofu cubes, giving them a smoky flavor and charred texture.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper with the tofu cubes.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the tofu cubes on before grilling to ensure they are evenly spaced and cooked properly.

• Tongs: Used to turn the tofu cubes on the grill to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

• Basting brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce onto the tofu cubes during grilling.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Knife: Used to cut the tofu block into cubes.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to cut the tofu block into cubes.

Press tofu ahead: Press the tofu in advance to remove excess water, making it ready to absorb flavors quickly.

Pre-mix spices: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a jar for easy use.

Use a grill pan: A grill pan can save time by allowing you to cook indoors without waiting for an outdoor grill to heat up.

Marinate overnight: Let the tofu cubes marinate in the spice mixture overnight to enhance flavor and reduce prep time.

Preheat grill: Always preheat your grill to ensure even cooking and save time.