I’ve been on two specific quests lately: This smoky BBQ tofu recipe accomplishes both of those. It’s got a flavorful dry rub that infuses into the tofu while it cooks on the grill, and your favorite BBQ sauce to finish it off. I love making a batch of these skewers either to bring to BBQs with me or to have on hand for the vegans at the party (although they’re so good, don’t be surprised if the meat eaters steal a few!)
The ingredients are simple
Extra Firm Tofu: The star of the show, tofu is a fantastic plant-based protein source that’s known for its ability to absorb flavors. It takes on the smoky, spicy, and savory notes from the spices and BBQ sauce while providing a meaty texture. Oil: Oil is essential for grilling as it prevents the tofu from sticking to the grill grates and adds a touch of richness to the dish. It also helps distribute the spices evenly. Spices: Our dry rub is a quick combination of smoked paprika (my favorite spice) cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce is the star condiment here, delivering that classic barbecue tanginess and sweetness. It coats the tofu skewers in a rich, finger-licking glaze that makes them utterly irresistible.
How to make BBQ Tofu
Making BBQ tofu is super simple. You’ll basically just:
Tricks for Perfect Grilled Tofu
Prep In Advance: You can prep this BBQ tofu up to 2 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Once the tofu is on the skewers and brushed with dry rub, cover them well and refrigerate until ready to cook. No Grill? You can also make this tofu in the oven or air fryer. See out notes in the recipe card at the end of this post! Two Rounds of Grilling: Grill the tofu twice for the best results. First, grill it for 5 minutes on medium/high heat, flipping once, to develop those appealing grill marks. Then, brush on the BBQ sauce and continue grilling for another 1 minute per side. This dual grilling method ensures a crispy exterior with a flavorful BBQ glaze.
Fire up the grill
We love serving these burgers with other foods made on the grill! A few of our favorites are:
