Vegan Fajitas
These vegan fajitas are bold, flavorful and easy enough for busy weeknights! With just 15 minutes of prep time before baking in the oven, you’ll have a healthy, plant-based dinner on the table in no time flat!
Category: Tofu Recipes
Sheet-Pan Succotash
This vegan sheet-pan dinner is so delicious! Succotash is baked in the oven along with flavorful, crispy baked tofu. A quick, healthy dinner highlighting your garden bounty!
BBQ Grilled Tofu
This smoky, sweet, and perfectly charred BBQ Grilled Tofu recipe will make you forget all about meat—it’s THAT good!
The post BBQ Grilled Tofu appeared first on Budget Bytes.
If you invite me to your cookout and I see you’re serving this BBQ Grilled Tofu, please break it to me gently that I can’t live with you forever… because I’ll try! Tofu is so versatile, but I personally feel like extra firm tofu is always the way to go. The texture is consistent and pleasant (especially if you freeze it first!), and it’ll adopt whatever flavor you tell it to. For this recipe, I add some sticky BBQ sauce and sexy grill marks to make it EXTRA smoky and delicious. Even the most discerning meat lover will want to dig into this budget-friendly veggie option!
This BBQ grilled tofu is excellent on salads in place of chicken, but it’s a showstopper however you choose to plate it. The soy sauce and smoked paprika give the tofu a savory edge, while the BBQ sauce chars and caramelizes on the grill. And because I press AND freeze the tofu, it always has the perfect bite and doesn’t fall apart when flipped.
What is Tofu Made Of?
Tofu is made from soybeans, water, and a coagulant (an ingredient that helps the tofu solidify) and dates back over 2,000 years ago to China. The soybeans are soaked, ground into a milk-like liquid, and then curdled with the coagulant to separate the curds from the soy milk—similar to how cheese is made. The curds are then pressed to create the tofu we know and love.
Tofu is high in protein and contains ALL the essential amino acids your body requires to function like a Baywatch lifeguard this summer! It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, the price (even when you’re buying it organic) can’t be beat!
Ingredients for BBQ Grilled Tofu
Here’s what you’ll need to make BBQ grilled tofu:
- Tofu: Extra firm tofu is the best option for grilling. It soaks up the marinade flavors and holds its shape well on the grill. Make sure to press and freeze the tofu before marinating to get the perfect texture!
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the tofu and stops it from sticking to the grill.
- Seasonings: Sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika give the tofu a smoky BBQ flavor before it even touches the grill!
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, salty flavor to the marinade. If you’re gluten-free, tamari will also work.
- BBQ Sauce: This is where you can have a little fun! Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own. Sweet, tangy, or spicy—any BBQ sauce will work for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Choose your favorite BBQ sides to serve with this grilled tofu. My go-to’s are grilled vegetables, stovetop baked beans, or grilled corn on the cob! Anytime I can save on dishes and make a full meal on the grill, I’m all for it.
Top Tip
Pressing the tofu is one of the most important steps for this recipe. However, you DON’T need a tofu press! By all means, if you have one—use it. But the classic clean towel-heavy book combo works just as well. Place the tofu block between two clean towels and pop a heavy object (like a book) on top for at least 30 minutes to remove excess liquid.
Storage Suggestions
Any leftover BBQ grilled tofu can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for sandwiches, wraps, and salads! If needed, you can reheat it on the grill or in a pan on the stovetop.
BBQ Grilled Tofu
This smoky, sweet, and perfectly charred BBQ grilled tofu will make you forget all about meat—it's THAT good!
Servings 2 servings
Calories 208kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large block of extra firm tofu $1.69
- 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.18
- 1 tsp smoked paprika $0.16
- ½ tsp sea salt $0.01
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.11
- ½ Tbsp soy sauce $0.03
- 2 Tbsp BBQ sauce, divided $0.13
Instructions
- Press 1 block of extra firm tofu between 2 clean kitchen towels with some heavy cookbooks or a hefty cutting board stacked on top for 30 minutes.
- Cut tofu in half and then diagonally to make 4 right triangles. Slice shallow marks into both sides to help the yummy flavors permeate.
- Whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and soy sauce.
- Brush the mixture over all 4 wedges of pressed tofu and transfer tofu to heavy duty freezer storage bag, or airtight container. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Remove from freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature or in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.*
- Preheat grill to 400 degrees. Remove tofu from fridge and brush all pieces of tofu with 1 Tbsp of BBQ sauce. Sear tofu for 4-5 minutes before flipping to sear the second side for an additional 4 minutes, basting with the leftover 1 Tbsp of BBQ sauce after the first flip.
- Serve grilled BBQ tofu just like you would a chicken breast with whatever sides you love the most.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Notes
*It’s ok if the tofu isn’t completely frozen or completely thawed. The purpose of freezing is to affect the texture of the tofu to be denser and have a little more bite to it. The tofu will cook through on the hot grill, not to worry! (However, tofu can be eaten raw, so you’re just trying to heat it through to your liking and get those glorious grill marks and and flavor from the char.)
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1139mg | Fiber: 1g
how to make BBQ Grilled Tofu – step by step photos
Place one block of extra firm tofu between two clean kitchen towels, then place some heavy cookbooks or a hefty cutting board on top to press the tofu and remove excess water. This will help the tofu hold its shape better when cooked. Leave the tofu to press for at least 30 minutes.
Cut the block of tofu in half and then cut each half diagonally to make 4 triangles. Using a sharp knife, lightly slice some shallow marks into both sides of the tofu triangles to help the yummy marinade absorb into the tofu better.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp sea salt, ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ Tbsp soy sauce.
Use a basting brush or spoon to generously coat each side of the pressed tofu triangles with the marinade. Place the coated tofu into a heavy-duty freezer bag or container. Pop this into the freezer for at least one hour. After that, let the tofu thaw at room temperature until you’re ready to cook it.* If it’s going to be more than 2 hours, place the tofu in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Preheat your grill to 400°F and brush the tofu pieces with 1 Tbsp BBQ sauce. Place the tofu onto the hot grill and sear for 4-5 minutes.
Flip the tofu and sear for a further 4 minutes. As it cooks, bast each piece with the remaining 1 Tbsp BBQ sauce.
Serve the grilled BBQ tofu with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
This smoky, sweet, and perfectly charred BBQ grilled tofu recipe will make you forget all about meat—it’s THAT good!
More Easy Tofu Recipes
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Vegan Berry Tart
This creamy Vegan Berry Tart is perfect for summer entertaining! Made with lemony vanilla filling and gluten-free almond crust, topped with fresh summer berries.
Air Fryer Tofu
If you’re looking to fire up a Meatless Monday tradition, this Air Fryer Tofu is super easy and tastes great.
The post Air Fryer Tofu appeared first on Budget Bytes.
This budget-friendly protein-packed tofu is begging to be the center of attention at your dinner table. If you’re looking to fire up a Meatless Monday tradition, or you’ve been on the tofu train for a long time, this Air Fryer Tofu is super easy and tastes great. I toss extra firm tofu in a simple soy sauce marinade and then drizzle with honey, sesame seeds, and green onions after it’s crisped up in the air fryer. The texture comes out perfect and the flavor profile is an easy hit with tofu experts and novices alike!
I remember when my relationship with tofu first started about 20 years ago. Tofu could be found in a big bucket of water in the bottom of a cooler at the health food store, and I had to fish it out with tongs. I remember thinking, “What IS this stuff?!” The various options for firm, extra firm, soft, or silken were hard to come by back then, but now tofu is experiencing a much-deserved Renaissance!
You can find tofu everywhere– and the variety! (Swoon.) Already marinated, soft, extra firm, cut into chicken-like shapes, you name it. Even your local Walmart or Aldi probably has it. We don’t have to break the bank at luxury grocery stores to find it any longer and thank goodness that container full of tofu and water is a thing of the past.
What is Air Fryer Tofu?
Delightfully crispy on the outside with a delightfully chewy center, this Air Fryer Tofu is good enough to convert anyone into a tofu lover. The freezing step of the tofu is one you won’t want to skip! It gives it a dense texture that holds up great with all kinds of sauces. I attempted many different recipes for Air Fryer Tofu, trying to keep things as easy and inexpensive as possible. This recipe yielded the best result every time!
You can add whatever herbs or seasonings you like to this recipe, but the soy sauce and sesame oil are keepers; they add umami and savory notes to otherwise bland tofu. Tofu is so versatile and easy to add flavor to with whatever marinade ingredients you like best.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make crispy air fryer tofu:
- Extra Firm Tofu: This type of tofu holds up best to air frying. It holds its shape well, and it has a chewier texture than firm or regular tofu.
- Soy Sauce: Adds tons of umami flavor to the tofu.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a hint of nuttiness to the tofu and helps it brown in the air fryer.
- Cornstarch: Absorbs excess moisture to create a super crispy coating. My recipe calls for much less than other recipes I have seen and this helps the texture big time!
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness!
- Sesame Seeds: Add a great crunch to the tofu.
- Green Onion: Adds a pop of fresh onion flavor.
Serving Suggestions
My favorite way to serve this crispy air fryer tofu is over this delicious coconut rice! The slightly sweet and nutty flavor pairs so well with the savory, crispy tofu! For dipping, I love this sweet chili sauce (pictured) or homemade sweet and sour sauce.
Tips and Notes
- Extra firm or super firm tofu works best. Firm tofu will also work, but the texture won’t be quite as dense. I do not recommend regular or silken tofu for this recipe, as neither holds up well.
- Don’t skip freezing the tofu! It creates a denser, spongier texture that has a meatier chew.
- If you like your tofu crunchier (and less chewy), you can press it between clean kitchen towels using a tofu press, a stack of books, or a heavy pan for 30-60 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Air Fryer Tofu
If you’re looking to fire up a Meatless Monday tradition, this Air Fryer Tofu is super easy and tastes great.
Servings 2 (1/2 block or 8 oz. of tofu per serving)
Calories 234kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz. extra firm tofu $1.69
- 1/4 cup soy sauce $0.59
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil $0.33
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch $0.06
- 1 tsp honey $0.05
- 1/4 tsp sesame seeds $0.14
- 1 green onion, sliced $0.16
Instructions
- Pat dry and freeze 1 block of extra firm tofu for 1 hour, minimum.* Remove the tofu from the freezer and allow it to thaw to the point where it can be cut with a knife.
- Dice the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Gather soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- Toss the cubed tofu with soy sauce and sesame oil. Then, lightly dust the dressed tofu with cornstarch, tossing or stirring until each piece is lightly covered.
- Transfer to an air fryer basket and fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish with a drizzle of honey, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of white rice.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Notes
*I did not press my tofu for this recipe, but you can if you would like it to be more crunchy and less chewy.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5block | Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1765mg | Fiber: 1g
how to make Air Fryer Tofu – step by step photos
Pat dry and freeze 1 (16-oz.) block of extra firm tofu for 1 hour, minimum.* Remove the tofu from the freezer and allow it to thaw to the point where it can be cut with a knife. (Notice the difference in texture with the frozen tofu on the left and the unfrozen on the right.)
Dice the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Gather 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp cornstarch.
Toss the cubed tofu with soy sauce and sesame oil. Then, lightly dust the dressed tofu with cornstarch, tossing or stirring until each piece is lightly covered.
Transfer to an air fryer basket and fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Garnish with 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp sesame seeds, and 1 sliced green onion. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of white rice.
Wonderfully chewy and crisp, this air fryer tofu is sure to be a hit!
More Tofu Recipes
The post Air Fryer Tofu appeared first on Budget Bytes.
High Protein Meatless Meals
Looking for high-protein vegan and vegetarian meals? Prioritizing protein is key to feeling satiated and building muscle on a plant-based diet. Here is a selection of easy protein-packed, plant-based recipes for dinner, meal-prep, lunch or breakfast!
Tempeh Salad
This healthy tempeh salad recipe is made with crispy blackened tempeh, avocado, kale and creamy vegan cajun ranch dressing. Vegan.
Easy Tofu Sofritas
This easy sofritas recipe will make you want to skip Chipotle’s! Savory, Mexican-spiced tofu crumbles are full of flavor and high in protein, and ready in 10 minutes flat!
Green Curry Noodles
This simple Thai-inspired Green Curry Noodle recipe uses a creamy coconut sauce with tofu, Thai green curry paste, and vegetables. It’s vegan, gluten-free and anti-inflammatory. Thai Green Curry Noodles These vegan Green Curry Noodle Bowls are so…
This simple Thai-inspired Green Curry Noodle recipe uses a creamy coconut sauce with tofu, Thai green curry paste, and vegetables. It’s vegan, gluten-free and anti-inflammatory. Thai Green Curry Noodles These vegan Green Curry Noodle Bowls are so good and comforting. This dish is perfect for any anti-inflammatory diet since it’s high in protein, gluten-free, and […]
Tempeh Reuben Sandwich
This toasty Tempeh Reuben Sandwich is so delicious! Made with melty cheese, flavorful seared tempeh, and Sauerkraut, keep it vegetarian or use vegan cheese for a vegan reuben!
