Think tofu is only for vegans? Think again. This easy BBQ tofu recipe is packed with bold flavor. It’s sweet, savory, and smoky…everyone will love it!
You can make this BBQ tofu recipe two ways: in the oven or on the grill. The oven version is an easy protein for vegetarian dinners year-round, while grilled BBQ tofu is perfect for summer cookouts. I’ve loved making this for our backyard get-togethers recently because it’s a) super simple to make, b) full of BBQ flavor, and c) a hit with everyone, including the tofu skeptics!
This BBQ tofu has a delightfully chewy texture with crisp edges and a slightly charred texture. A glossy layer of BBQ sauce coats each cube, giving it a wonderfully sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor. I love using my homemade BBQ sauce here so I can adjust the balance of flavors to my liking, but if you have a favorite store-bought sauce, feel free to break it up. This recipe is already easy, but the pre-made sauce will make it even easier.
How to Make BBQ Tofu: 2 Ways!
This BBQ tofu recipe has two simple ingredients: very firm tofu and barbecue sauce.
The first step in this recipe is pressing on tofu. Don’t skip it! Pressing the tofu gives it a firmer, chewier texture that’s great in this recipe, and it’s less likely to fall apart while you’re making it. If you think ahead, you can press the tofu overnight in the fridge, but 30 minutes before cooking does the trick too.
Do I need a tofu press?
I definitely recommend one! A tofu press is the simplest method of pressing tofu, which makes for easy cleanup and a low chance of cracked or collapsed tofu. Not sure which one to get? See my guide to best tofu presses!
But if you don’t have a tofu press, you can still make this recipe. Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel. put stronghold there are some heavy tins oa cast-iron pan on high. Let it sit for 30 minutes before continuing with the recipe.
As you press the tofu, do the BBQ sauce. My recipe calls for pantry basics like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, and smoked paprika, and it cooks in 20 minutes! If you want to get ahead, you can make it ahead of time—it keeps in the fridge for 2 weeks. Your favorite store-bought sauce will work here too.
Next, cut the tofu. Slabs and cubes both work great! Brush all sides with BBQ sauce.
For grilled bbq tofu, preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you are grilling cubes, thread them skewers. Spray the grill grates with cooking spray. Cook the tofu for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until well charred. Brush it with more BBQ sauce before serving!
For baked bbq tofu, preheat oven to 450°F. Place the tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are browned. Flip the tofu, and top with more BBQ sauce. Bake for another 5 minutes, or until well browned.
That’s it!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Serve BBQ Tofu
This BBQ tofu recipe is a super versatile plant-based protein. Here are some fun ways to use it:
Any leftovers? They will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More Favorite Tofu Recipes
If you love this BBQ tofu, try one of these delicious tofu recipes next:
BBQ Tofu
Serving 4
For the baked BBQ tofu:
-
Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Place the tofu on a plate and coat all sides with BBQ sauce. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
-
Bake for 20 minutes, or until edges are browned. Flip, top with more BBQ sauce, and bake for 5 minutes, or until browned. Serve with more BBQ sauce, if desired.
For the grilled BBQ tofu:
-
Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
-
Place the tofu on a plate and coat all sides with BBQ sauce. If grilling cubes, thread the tofu onto metal or wet wooden skewers.
-
Use cooking spray to oil the grill grates well, then place the tofu on the grill. Grill 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until well charred. Brush with more BBQ sauce and serve.