• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Damn Tasty Vegan
  • Vegan Spring Recipes
  • Recipe index
  • Lifestyle
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Vegan Spring Recipes
  • Recipe index
  • Lifestyle
  • About
  • Contact
  • Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Vegan Spring Recipes
    • Recipe index
    • Lifestyle
    • About
    • Contact
  • Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Tofu, Tempeh and Seitan Recipes

    Easy BBQ Tofu Recipe

    Published: Dec 1, 2020 · Modified: Aug 16, 2024 by Maria · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    This easy BBQ tofu will take your tofu game to the next level. Baked to perfection in the oven. Made with minimal ingredients, this high-protein main dish recipe is a fantastic place to start if you're new to cooking tofu. Packed with flavor, this easy recipe is perfect for tofu skeptics and those looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.

    Baked tofu with BBQ sauce in a white bowl.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Substitutions
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Storing & Making Ahead
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Similar Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    If you're looking for some more easy tofu recipes, make sure to check out this Tofu Bolognase Pasta Sauce, Tofu Ground Beef Crumbles or this Crispy Veggie Tofu Wrap next.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Easy to Make: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this an easy recipe.
    • High in Protein: Made with extra firm tofu, which is a complete protein and a great meat replacement.
    • BBQ Flavor: Tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce, this tofu is loaded with flavor and pairs well with a variety of sides.
    • Versatile: Perfect for wraps, salads, or as a main dish with your favorite side dishes.

    Ingredient Notes

    • Tofu: Use a block of extra-firm tofu for the best results.
    • Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy outer layer when baked.
    • Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
    • BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own with simple ingredients like apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a spicy kick from hot sauce.

    Substitutions

    • Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
    • Cornstarch: Swap with arrowroot powder for a similar effect.
    • BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own homemade BBQ sauce. Make sure it doesn't contain honey to keep this recipe vegan.
    • Seasonings: Add some extra flavor by adding a dash of garlic powder, onion powder.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Block of tofu being pressed in a tofu press

    Step one: Press tofu for 15 minutes, then dice into 1" cubes. Toss tofu in a medium bowl with avocado oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch.

    Firm tofu pieces with corn starch on a baking sheet.

    Step two: Spread tofu on a lined sheet pan in a single layer and bake at 420°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.

    BBQ tofu cubes on a salad with vegan ranch dressing.

    Step three:Heat BBQ sauce in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add baked tofu, and cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce caramelizes and tofu firms up again. Add it to the top of salads, or have it with a baked potato or any of your favorite side dishes.

    Expert Tips

    Spacing: Ensure tofu pieces are not touching on the sheet pan to promote even crisping.

    Caramelization: Keep an eye on the tofu when tossing in BBQ sauce to avoid burning and to get those perfect grill marks.

    Don’t Add BBQ Sauce Until After Baking: Bake the tofu first on a sheet pan to get it crispy, then toss it in BBQ sauce on the stove over medium-high heat until it caramelizes.

    Chewy texture: Freeze the block of tofu in its package and then let it completely thaw. Squeeze the water out and then follow the recipe instructions. This will make the tofu even more chewy.

    Press Tofu to Remove Excess Water: Removing excess water is key to getting tofu crispy. If you don’t have a tofu press, wrap your tofu in paper towels and place heavy pans or books on top for 15 minutes.

    Season Before Baking: Toss tofu pieces in a large bowl with avocado oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch to create a flavorful base.

    If you need more help with cooking tofu, check out this article called how to cook with tofu for beginners.

    Storing & Making Ahead

    • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days.
    • Freezer: Tofu may become slightly softer after freezing, but it should still be tasty.
    • Making Ahead: Prep and bake the tofu in advance, then toss in BBQ sauce just before serving.

    Serving Suggestions

    • In Wraps: Add to your favorite wrap, like this Veggie Tofu Wrap, with shredded cabbage, vegan mayo, and your favorite side dishes.
    • With Sides: Pair with baked sweet potatoes, or this easy Air Fryer Baked Potato and roasted veggies for a complete meal. Make it a Southern meal by adding these Instant Pot Collard Greens.
    • On Salads: Top a fresh salad with BBQ tofu and enjoy with a drizzle of Vegan Ranch or your own BBQ sauce.

    Recipe FAQs

    What happens if you don't press tofu before cooking?

    If you don't press tofu before cooking, it will retain excess moisture, making it soggy and less able to absorb marinades or achieve a crispy texture when cooked. This can result in a softer, less flavorful dish. You will have to cook it longer to achieve a chewy texture.

    What tofu is good for grilling?

    For grilling, use extra-firm or super-firm tofu, which hold up well on the grill. Press and marinate the tofu beforehand, and oil the grill to prevent sticking.

    Similar Recipes

    • Tofu bolognese sauce with pasta on a white plate.
      Easy Vegan Tofu Bolognese Pasta Sauce
    • Baked Tofu ground beef crumbles in a white ceramic dish.
      Easy Tofu Ground Beef Crumbles
    • Air fryer tempeh cubes on top of a salad with a tahini dressing.
      Crispy Marinated Air Fryer Tempeh
    • BBQ vegan ribs on a wooden cutting board.
      Meaty Vegan Ribs

    If you loved this recipe, leave a 5 ⭐️ rating on the recipe card and comment below!

    📖 Recipe

    Bbq tofu cubes in a white serving bowl.

    Easy BBQ Tofu

    How to cook delicious bbq tofu. Easy recipe that you will fall in love with.
    4.75 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Asian
    Prep Time: 16 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 41 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 269kcal
    Author: Maria
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 block firm or extra firm tofu
    • 3 tablespoons corn starch
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 cup BBQ sauce (check ingredients for no honey or animal products)

    Instructions

    • Heat oven at 420 degrees
    • Take tofu out of package and press for 15 minutes - don't skip this, it will make the tofu crispier. If you don't have a tofu press, wrap in a towel, and put heavy pans or books on top.
      1 block firm or extra firm tofu
    • Dice tofu up into 1" cubes. In a large bowl mix the oil with soy sauce. Throw tofu in the bowl and gently toss to cover each tofu piece
      1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • Sprinkle on corn starch and gently toss until most of the corn starch absorbs into the tofu and you don't see it as much
      3 tablespoons corn starch
    • Place tofu on a lined baking sheet, making sure the pieces are spaced out and not touching. Bake for 20-25 minutes until tofu looks golden brown and crispy
    • Take tofu out of the oven and set aside. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add a little bit of oil, the BBQ sauce and a splash of water if needed. Stir the sauce, while it warms u for about two minutes.
      1 cup BBQ sauce
    • Add in the baked tofu cubes and stir until they are well coated. Simmer on medium low heat for 1-2 minutes or until the BBQ sauce starts to caramelize and tofu firms up again.
    • Remove from heat and serve on a salad, in a wrap or on the side with a baked potato and vegetables

    Video

    Notes

    Recommended Products: Tofu press

    Nutrition

    Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 1242mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today!Mention @DamnTastyVegan or tag #DamnTastyVegan!

    The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    More Tofu, Tempeh and Seitan Recipes

    • Close up of a vegan egg salad sandwich made with tofu on a plate with lettuce.
      Easy Vegan Tofu Egg Salad Sandwich
    • Piece of vegan steak on a plate with broccoli and a baked sweet potato.
      Vegan Steak (Seitan Steak)
    • Plate of vegan pot roast with potatoes, carrots, mushrooms and onions.
      Vegan pot roast (seitan & jackfruit)
    • Hand holding a seasoned tofu wrap cut in half.
      Crispy Veggie Tofu Wrap with Quick Vegan Ranch

    About Maria

    Maria is the creator of the blog and YouTube channel Damn Tasty Vegan. She has been a vegetarian since 2005 and vegan since 2015. She loves showing new vegans how easy and delicious living a vegan lifestyle can be. She is passionate about animal welfare and strives to help change the way animals are viewed and treated, by helping people transition to a vegan lifestyle.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Melanie Bertram

      June 05, 2024 at 11:25 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe-makes eating vegan super easy. I am thinking if you add green onion, broccoli and sesame seeds, it would be similar to something like general tso’s chicken or orange chicken.

      Reply
      • Maria

        June 07, 2024 at 4:39 pm

        Great ideas! I love that tofu is so versatile like that. So glad you loved the recipe!

        Reply
    4.75 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Woman with sunglasses sipping a green juice with a straw.

    Hi, I'm Maria Rose! I'm a professional singer by night, and recipe developer by day. I run this blog and am also the creator of the One Month (30 minute) Meal Plan. I love helping people learn how to cook easy and delicious plant based meals.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Fresh Spring Recipes

    • Israeli couscous salad in a serving dish.
      Israeli couscous salad (pearl couscous)

    • Overhead view of large mixing bowl filled with rainbow salad.
      Crunchy rainbow salad

    • Roasted asparagus on a plate
      Easy air fryer asparagus

    • Orzo with cashew cream and roasted vegetables in a bowl.
      Creamy vegan orzo with chickpeas and roasted vegetables

    • Couscous stuffed peppers topped with melted vegan cheese in a casserole dish.
      Vegan Chickpea and Couscous Stuffed Peppers

    • Instant pot sweet potato curry in a bowl over quinoa.
      Easy Instant Pot Sweet Potato Curry with Chickpeas and Kale

    Popular Posts

    • Sticky glazed maple miso tofu in a pink bowl on top of rice.
      Sticky Glazed Maple Miso Tofu

    • Vegan Jackfruit Nachos
      Easy jackfruit nachos

    • Piece of bread dipped in vegan fondue
      Easiest vegan fondue (dairy free cheese fondue)

    • Crispy tofu cubes in a glass bowl.
      How To Make Crispy Tofu (Baked & Pan Fried)

    • Baked potato without foil on a plate topped with butter.
      Perfect baked potato (without foil)

    • Close up of banana protein pancakes with bananas and strawberries on top.
      Banana Protein Pancakes without Eggs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Information

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Get your free Vegan High Protein Grocery List Download!

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 Damn Tasty Vegan on the Foodie Pro Theme

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    Bbq tofu recipe

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.