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.
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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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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📖 Recipe
Easy BBQ Tofu
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 piece1 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 much3 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
Nutrition
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.
Melanie Bertram
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.
Maria
Great ideas! I love that tofu is so versatile like that. So glad you loved the recipe!