Description
Smoky bbq tofu brings bold flavors from Korean and American grilling traditions. Crispy edges, tangy sauce, and protein-packed cubes make this dish a satisfying meal for plant-based eaters who crave intense barbecue experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block extra firm tofu (pressed and drained)
- 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
- ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (vegan option)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Moisture Extraction: Press tofu between clean towels, applying gentle pressure to remove excess liquid for 15-20 minutes.
- Preparation Setup: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cube Formation: Cut pressed tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking and texture.
- Seasoning Blend: Drizzle olive oil over tofu cubes, then generously coat with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Initial Roasting: Spread seasoned tofu in a single layer on prepared baking sheet, ensuring spacing for proper browning, and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping midway to achieve golden edges.
- Sauce Creation: Simultaneously, craft barbecue sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan.
- Sauce Development: Simmer sauce over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until it thickens and develops a glossy, rich consistency.
- Final Glazing: Remove tofu from oven, thoroughly coat with freshly prepared barbecue sauce, and optionally return to oven for 5-7 minutes to caramelize and intensify flavors.
- Serving Presentation: Plate immediately, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for enhanced visual appeal and fresh flavor accent.
Notes
- Press Tofu Thoroughly: Remove maximum moisture to achieve crispy, golden-brown texture that absorbs marinades and sauces perfectly.
- Space Matters: Arrange tofu cubes with room between each piece to guarantee even browning and prevent steaming instead of roasting.
- Customize Sauce Heat: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spice level, making the barbecue sauce mild or fiery according to personal preference.
- Caramelization Tip: Extra oven time after saucing creates delicious sticky edges and intensifies flavor profile, transforming basic tofu into a restaurant-quality dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg