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Grilled Tofu topped with an easy BBQ Sauce is a quick and easy vegetarian meal. Grilled Tofu is an incredible way to add texture and flavor to an otherwise flavorless ingredient. The secret to this grilled tofu recipe is to use extra-firm tofu, making sure the water is pressed out, grilling it hot and fast, then finishing it with a delicious BBQ sauce glaze.
Table of Contents
Occasionally we want a vegetarian BBQ recipe for guests who don’t eat meat. Sometimes we will go with Grilled Cauliflower Steaks, and sometimes we go with grilled tofu. And this Grilled Tofu recipe is all about the proper preparation, and then finished with a BBQ glaze using our red wine BBQ sauce.
Ingredients for Grilled Tofu
- Extra Firm Tofu – Look for extra firm so you get the right texture. Don’t use soft tofu for this grilled tofu recipe. If you can only find firm, that’s fine. Just make sure to press out the excess liquid.
- Olive oil – This helps the seasoning adhere to the tofu, and also keep the tofu from sticking to the grill. We use extra-virgin olive oil.
- Seasoning – We use our chicken seasoning – it’s savory and herbal without sugar. The key is avoiding sugar that may burn while over direct heat.
- BBQ Sauce – We use our Red Wine BBQ Sauce, which is both savory and sweet. When cooked it takes on a rich flavor. You can also make your own red wine BBQ sauce or purchase ours online (available only in the US).
Tools
See our full list of the best grilling tools to have in your collection.
You want to be sure you have long tongs. Grilled tofu steaks are smaller, and having long tongs are important, preventing your arms and hands from being burned over a direct grill at 500 degrees. Also consider investing in a good silicone basting brush for applying any sauces.
Preparing Tofu For Grilling
Two hours before cooking, remove the tofu from the container and water. Because it’s soaked with water it needs to be pressed and drained. Cut the tofu in half, lengthwise, creating two equal sized “steaks”.
Key Prep Tip – Cut the large brick of tofu in half lengthwise to make it easier to grill. If you don’t, the texture of the interior will still be gummy. By cutting it in half lengthwise you make it easier to drain and for better texture throughout the tofu when it’s grilled.
You can use a tofu press if you have one. If not, create a “press” using two long flat items (like a cookie sheet or pizza pan) and something heavy (like a cast iron pan or brick).
- Using a sheet tray, place a towel down and then place the tofu halves directly on the towel. Place another towel on top of the tofu halves, and then, on top of that towel, place another sheet try, then add a heavy item on top of the sheet tray to press down on the tofu, allowing the excess liquid to seep into the towels. I find a cast iron pan works well for this. Alternatively you can use a brick, a hand weight, or a large can of tomatoes. You need the weight to press the liquid out of the tofu halves.
- After 2 hours, the tofu halves are ready to prepare for the grilled tofu.
How to Grill Tofu
- Prepare your grill for direct grilling using charcoal. We prefer lump charcoal. Target 500 degrees Fahrenheit (F) on the grill’s dome thermometer. As the grill warms up, season the prepared tofu. Coat each side with olive oil and liberally apply the seasoning.
- Place the tofu halves over direct heat. Close the lid and grill for 5 minutes. Then open the lid and flip again for 5 minutes. You’ll start to see some color form but it’s not done yet.
- Flip the tofu again and then add sauce to the side facing you. Flip again after 5 minutes and sauce the other side. Grill for 3-5 additional minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize, then remove and serve the grilled tofu warm.
Chef Tip
Make sure the grill is hot, but not scorching, to get the right texture. If the heat is too low the tofu will be gummy. If the grill is too hot the tofu will burn. So get the target temperature of the grill to 500 degrees F.
How long to grill tofu? In the case of tofu it’s likely to take up to 20 minutes at 500 degrees F to achieve the right texture. Times may vary based on how hot or cool your grill is. Be sure you are cooking to the right texture. I like to touch the tofu and make sure it has some crispiness to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, soft or extra soft tofu are both going to have terrible texture when grilled on a live fire. It’s best to use extra-firm or firm tofu in order to create a crispy (grilled) exterior and a soft interior.
Yes, draining the tofu is important to remove excess water from the storage of the tofu and get the right crispy texture. If you don’t drain, or press, out the water it will lead to a gummy texture.
Make sure your grill grates are clean and hot. Like 500 degrees Fahrenheit. And make sure you use extra firm or firm tofu that has been pressed of any liquid. Liberally coat with olive oil and seasoning.
Then when you place on the grill you should hear it sear. Let it sit so the tofu sears and it should easily lift off with a good spatula.
The flavor of tofu will take on any seasoning, marinade, or sauce you use. When properly grilled the exterior should be crispy and the interior should be soft. The overall flavor of the tofu is creamy and rich.
Make Ahead Suggestions
You don’t want to make the full grilled tofu too early because it will soften over time. The best prep is to press and season the tofu the day prior. Then on the day you want to eat it’s ready to grill and then glaze.
If you have leftovers, you can reheat in the oven using the broiler for one minute per side.
Other Vegetarian Recipe Ideas
We have a whole category of vegetarian recipes, or you can check out some of our favorites below.
- Pan con Tomate – A grilled Spanish tomato bread that is a delicious appetizer during tomato season.
- Grilled Corn and Poblano Salad – If you have the grill going, this side dish is one of our favorites to make. It can double as salsa with chips.
- Crispy Grilled Potato Wedges – Crispy on the outside and soft interior these potato wedges are where it’s at.
- Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream and Honey – If a dessert is in your plans than this is simple to make and lovely to eat.
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Grilled Tofu Recipe with BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Silicone Brush
- Good spatula
Ingredients
- 1 14-ounce extra firm tofu, (See notes for preparation)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning, (or your favorite grilling seasoning)
- ¼ cup Red Wine BBQ Sauce, (Purchase the Vindulge Red Wine BBQ Sauce or use your favorite BBQ sauce)
Instructions
- Preparation: Prepare your grill for direct grilling. We prefer lump charcoal. Target 500 degrees Fahrenheit (F) on the grills dome thermometer. As the grill warms up season the prepared tofu.
- Season Tofu: Coat each side of the tofu with olive oil and liberally apply the seasoning.
- Grill Direct: Place the tofu halves over direct heat. Close the lid and grill for 5 minutes. Then open the lid and flip and continue cooking for 5 minutes. You'll start to see some color form but it's not done yet. Flip again then glaze with the BBQ sauce and continue grilling 5 minutes. Flip once more and sauce the top side and continue grilling 3-5 additional minutes, or until the sauce has started to caramelize. Remove and serve.
Notes
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- Using a sheet tray, place a towel down and then place the tofu halves directly on the towel. Place another towel on top of the tofu halves, and then, on top of the top towel, place another sheet try. Add a heavy item on top of the sheet tray to press down on the tofu, allowing the excess liquid to seep into the towels. I find a cast iron pan works well for this. Alternatively you can use a brick, a hand weight, or a large can of tomatoes. You need the weight to press the liquid out of the tofu halves.
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- After 2 hours, the tofu halves are ready to prepare for the grill.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Even meat eaters will love this flavor and texture. You can use any sweeter style BBQ sauce and glaze.