This BBQ tofu recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a plant-based meal with a smoky, savory flavor. Perfect for summer grilling, these tofu cubes are marinated in a blend of spices and then glazed with a rich BBQ sauce, making them a crowd-pleaser for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to visit the supermarket for a few key ingredients. Extra firm tofu is essential for achieving the right texture and can usually be found in the refrigerated section. Smoked paprika adds a unique depth of flavor and can be found in the spice aisle. Make sure to pick up a good quality BBQ sauce to ensure the best taste.
Ingredients for 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.
Technique Tip for BBQ Tofu
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.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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.
Other Alternative Recipes to Try
How to Store or Freeze Your Dish
- 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.
How to Reheat Leftovers
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.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
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.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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.
BBQ Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Extra firm tofu pressed and cut into cubes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Add tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss to coat.
- 4. Place tofu on a baking sheet and grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- 5. Brush BBQ sauce onto the tofu and grill for another 10 minutes, until caramelized and slightly charred.
- 6. Remove from grill and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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