Meaty and tender with crispy, charred edges, this 2-ingredient BBQ Tofu Recipe is so flavorful even meat-eaters love it. It does require pressing and marinating, but the steps are straightforward and mostly hands-off. Grill it (or use a stovetop grill pan) or roast it in the oven for perfectly caramelized tofu with a sticky, smoky barbecue glaze that transforms simple plant-based meals.
Tofu was common in my dad’s semi-vegetarian home, and as a vegan I still cook with it several times a week. Over the years I’ve tried many preparations—from marinades and sofritas to scrambles and nuggets—but one simple recipe never fails to impress: BBQ tofu. With only tofu and BBQ sauce and easy cooking methods, it becomes meaty, tender, and delightfully crisp at the edges with a tangy, smoky coating.
This tofu shines as a snack right off the skewer, but it also works as a main dish that even non-vegans enjoy. Add it to grain bowls, sandwiches, tacos, or salads. Because you can grill or bake it, this is a year-round recipe that’s easy to make anytime.
Ingredients
Extra-firm tofu: Use extra-firm tofu for the best texture. It’s widely available, budget-friendly, and holds up well because it contains less moisture. Super-firm tofu also works and needs less pressing.
Vegan BBQ sauce: Use homemade or store-bought vegan BBQ sauce. Check labels for non-vegan ingredients like Worcestershire sauce (contains anchovies), honey, or anchovy paste. Making your own BBQ sauce is easy and gives you control over sweetness and smokiness.
How to Make BBQ Tofu
We’ll press and marinate the tofu, then choose either grilling (outdoor or stovetop) or baking in the oven.
Press and Marinate the Tofu
- Press tofu. Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain. Wrap it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate or small baking sheet, and weigh it down with a heavy pot, pizza stone, or a tofu press. Press 15–30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut tofu. Slice the pressed tofu into 1/2-inch-thick squares or triangles.
- Marinate. Pour 1/2 cup of vegan BBQ sauce into the bottom of a flat container, layer the tofu slices, then pour the remaining sauce over them. Turn or shake the container (or use a spatula) so every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Pro tip: If you don’t have time to marinate overnight, simmer the pressed tofu in BBQ sauce over medium heat for 10 minutes to quickly infuse flavor, then continue with the recipe.
Grill or Bake the Tofu
Grilling
- Prepare tofu. Preheat the outdoor grill to medium or heat a stovetop grill pan over medium. Remove tofu from the marinade and thread slices on skewers. If you don’t have skewers, use a grill basket or place the pieces directly on the grill pan.
- Grill. Grill 5–10 minutes until grill marks form, flip, baste with additional BBQ sauce, and grill another 5 minutes. Remove and serve hot.
Baking
- Prepare tofu. Preheat the oven to 425°F. If using a cast iron skillet or baking pan, place it in the oven to heat. Remove tofu from the marinade and transfer pieces to the hot skillet or a parchment-lined baking sheet. You may skewer the tofu before baking if you prefer.
- Bake. Bake about 15 minutes, flip and baste with remaining BBQ sauce, then bake another 5 minutes until caramelized and meaty. Serve hot.
Jenné’s Recipe Tips
- Double up. This tofu disappears fast—double or triple the recipe for meal prep, larger gatherings, or potlucks.
- Prepare ahead. For best texture and flavor, press 15–30 minutes and marinate at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Skewer prep. Metal skewers are fine as-is; soak wooden skewers 10–15 minutes before using to prevent burning. Metal skewers retain heat—handle with care.
- Less mess. Thread tofu onto skewers before marinating and place skewers in a storage container with BBQ sauce for easy transport and grilling.
Storage Directions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled BBQ tofu in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Texture may change slightly after thawing; it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheat: Warm in a 375°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave on medium for 1–2 minutes. Remove metal skewers before microwaving.
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ tofu is versatile and pairs well with many dishes:
- Cookout style: Serve with pasta salad and a bright vegetable salad for classic cookout vibes.
- BBQ plates: Pair with corn ribs, vegan mac & cheese, baked beans, and cornbread for a hearty spread.
- Sandwiches or wraps: Add slices to sandwiches or wraps for extra protein and flavor.
- Bowls: Use in burrito or grain bowls with rice or quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, greens, and pickled veggies.
- Tacos: Fill tortillas with tofu, slaw, and lime for flavorful tacos.
- Salads: Top green salads for a protein boost and satisfying texture.
- Meal prep: Portion tofu with grains and vegetables for easy grab-and-go meals.
BBQ Tofu FAQs
Extra-firm or super-firm tofu is best for BBQ because these varieties contain less moisture and hold their shape during pressing and cooking. Avoid silken or soft tofu for this preparation.
If you use extra-firm tofu, pressing is important to remove excess moisture and achieve a meatier, crisper texture. Super-firm tofu is often already pressed and may require less or no pressing.
Cut tofu into 1/2-inch-thick slices. This thickness yields a substantial, meaty bite while allowing the tofu to cook through and absorb flavor efficiently.
More Easy Tofu Dinner Recipes
- Tofu Stir-Fry
- Crispy Tofu Tacos
- Maple Teriyaki Tofu and Veggies
- Hearty Tofu Chili
- Vegan Buffalo Wings
Easy BBQ Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 14-oz block extra-firm tofu
- 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Press and marinate the tofu the night before for best results. See notes for quicker alternatives if needed.
- To press: drain tofu, wrap in paper towels or a clean towel, place on a plate or baking sheet, and weigh down with a heavy pan or press for 15–30 minutes.
- Slice pressed tofu into 1/2-inch-thick pieces.
- Pour 1/2 cup BBQ sauce into a flat container, layer tofu, then pour remaining sauce on top. Turn or shake to coat. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
Grilling
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium. Thread tofu on skewers or place in a grill basket or directly on the pan.
- Grill until marks form, about 5 minutes, flip, baste with extra BBQ sauce, and cook another 5 minutes. Remove and serve.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Place marinated tofu on a hot cast iron skillet or parchment-lined baking pan. Bake 10–15 minutes, baste, then bake another 5 minutes until caramelized and tender.
Notes
- Double up: Make extra for meal prep or larger groups.
- Prepare ahead: Press 15–30 minutes and marinate at least 8 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Marinating alternative: If short on time, simmer pressed tofu in BBQ sauce over medium heat for 10 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Skewers: Soak wooden skewers 10–15 minutes before using; metal skewers retain heat—handle carefully.
- Less mess: Thread tofu onto skewers before marinating and store them in a container with sauce.
Storage directions
- Refrigerate: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container; texture may change slightly after thawing.
- Reheat: Warm in a 375°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave on medium for 1–2 minutes; remove metal skewers before microwaving.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 38 g
| Protein: 11 g
| Fat: 3 g