Enjoy the sweet, smoky BBQ flavors with this easy vegan tofu recipe.
When most people think of barbecue-style food, they probably think of meat on the grill. While it’s true that the flavors of barbecue pair deliciously with so many kinds of meat, they can certainly work the same magic on vegetarian options too, like tofu. It almost makes you think… maybe what makes barbecue so great is not the meat, but rather the sauce.
Sweet, tangy, smoky, savory, and sometimes spicy, BBQ sauce packs such a fantastic array of flavors in each drop. This recipe for BBQ tofu can easily be made with store-bought BBQ sauce, as outlined below in the ingredient list. But if you want to take things up a notch, you can also try flavoring your tofu with homemade BBQ sauce. This recipe details how to make classic BBQ sauce, but there are so many spins you could put on your own sauce. Bring some classic American flair to the table with variations like Bourbon BBQ Sauce, Kansas City BBQ Sauce, and Texas BBQ Sauce, or look to the other side of the world and try Asian-style iterations like Korean BBQ Sauce or Japanese BBQ Sauce.
Whichever BBQ sauce you decide to opt for, this recipe is quite simple. All you’ll need is extra-firm tofu, olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and your BBQ sauce of choice. I also like to chop up some green onions as a vibrant garnish. It takes a decent amount of cooking time (35 minutes) to get this BBQ tofu just right in the oven, but it’ll be well worth the wait. Plus, no need for a grill!
Is BBQ Tofu Healthy?
Tofu is a great source of vegan protein and essential amino acids, making it a healthy choice for many. However, the use of BBQ sauce may be an area of concern for some health-conscious individuals, since store-bought BBQ sauce can potentially be high in sugar and preservatives. So, if you really want to be in control of the healthiness of this recipe, try making your own sauce. Most BBQ sauce, homemade or not, contains some form of sugar, but at least at home, you’ll be able to adjust it according to your health concerns. Overall, this recipe can be considered healthy, especially when consumed as part of a balanced meal that includes veggies, too.
Why Should I Press Tofu?
There’s nothing like the chewy-on-the-inside and crispy-on-the-outside texture of tofu. But if you want to achieve that perfect balance with your tofu, there’s more to cooking it than just taking it out of the package. If you’ve never pressed your tofu before, well, it’s time to start.
For this recipe, for example, I recommend pressing the tofu for 15 minutes. To do so, you’ll need to place a paper towel both underneath and on top of your block of extra-firm tofu, push down on the tofu with your hands to press out what water you can, then place a heavy object on top to further drain out any water. You can also replace the paper towel at any point to aid with the water absorption. By removing excess water from the tofu, you’ll help ensure that the texture remains chewy and firm throughout the cooking process, plus help the tofu to develop the beloved crispy outer layer. It also helps the flavors—in this case, BBQ sauce—better absorb into the tofu, too.
How do I store leftovers?
BBQ tofu keeps super well as leftovers in the fridge: just store it in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days. I don’t recommend storing it in the freezer, however.
Serving suggestions
Not sure what to pair your BBQ tofu with? In my opinion, you can never go wrong with a classic serving of rice. A long-grain white rice is one of my favorites, like Basmati. You could also try adding more flavor to your rice with these recipes for Garlic Rice or Coconut Rice. And, if you prefer brown rice, there’s a recipe for that, too.
If you’re looking for ideas to up your veggie intake alongside this recipe, there are so many great pairings that work with BBQ tofu. Since you’ll already have your oven on, why not try Roasted Green Beans or Roasted Snap Peas? Or, if you want to reinforce the BBQ vibes, Coleslaw can also be a great option, especially with so many varieties out there. Some of my favorite spins on coleslaw include Mexican Coleslaw, Southern Coleslaw, or Coleslaw With Asian Dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu (14 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce of choice
- Chopped green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess water. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with olive oil, cornstarch, and salt until evenly coated. Arrange the tofu in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Take the tofu out of the oven and place it into a large bowl. Mix well with the BBQ sauce. Put the tofu back on the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce has set.
- Transfer the BBQ tofu to a serving plate. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired and serve hot. If using, sprinkle with green onions for garnish.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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