Grilled BBQ Tofu is bursting with smoky and tangy flavors thanks to the gluten free BBQ marinade. Once they’re grilled to perfection, enjoy the sauce-covered tofu as part of an epic summer meal!
Grilled BBQ Tofu is so much more than barbecue sauce brushed over slabs of tofu. Every bite is elevated with a custom barbecue sauce marinade and the natural smokiness of the grill. The marinade also happens to be naturally gluten free, meaning you can serve these sauce-covered slabs to anyone.
The trusty marinade in this recipe is my go-to when I’m grilling more elaborate vegan steaks or grilled tofu steaks. The blend of vinegar, tamari, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar is perfectly balanced and punctures right through tofu or vegan meat, ensuring every bite is bursting with bold flavors.
This BBQ tofu recipe is a must for summer! Serve each slab next to my Vegan Pasta Salad and Baked Beans for the ultimate meal at the backyard barbecue or potluck.
Jump to:
What is BBQ tofu marinade made of?
Plain barbecue sauce is the base of the tofu marinade, however, it can’t give the slabs of grilled tofu a variety of flavors on its own. That’s where the BBQ marinade comes in!
To make tofu BBQ marinade, you’ll need:
- Barbecue sauce - I recommend Kansas City-style Bull’s-Eye Bold original for this recipe, but if you can’t find it, use another favorite of yours.
- White vinegar
- Tamari - Or soy sauce if you aren’t gluten free.
- Vegan Worcestershire sauce - Or HP sauce. Most vegan Worcestershire sauce is naturally gluten free, but check the label just in case!
- Garlic
- Water
- Oil
- Brown sugar
How to grill BBQ tofu
I always recommend pressing the liquid out of tofu before grilling, baking, or frying. Pressed tofu becomes so much crispier when all of the extra moisture has been drained.
Once that’s done, the process is easy:
- Make the BBQ marinade: Whisk the barbecue sauce and the rest of the marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
- Marinate the tofu: Add the slabs of tofu to a ziplock bag and pour the marinade inside. Seal the bag, place it in the fridge, and leave the tofu to marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Grill: Grill the tofu on an outdoor grill or grill pan pre-heated to medium heat. Cook on each side until you start to see grill marks.
- Serve and enjoy: Brush extra marinade on each slab, then serve! For full ingredients and instructions see printable recipe card below.
Baking instructions
Marinate the tofu as normal before laying the slabs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a 400ºF oven for 30 minutes, flip halfway through and baste generously.
Air fryer instructions
Place the marinated BBQ tofu in a single layer in a lightly oiled air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary). Spray the tops of the tofu with cooking spray if you like them extra crisp. Cook at 375ºF for 15 minutes or until crisped to your liking, flipping halfway through. Baste generously.
Serving suggestions
Just like a grilled veggie burger, grilled BBQ tofu makes for a delicious dinner for summer. Pair each piece with grilled vegetables, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, or a baked potato on the side.
It also works as a protein-packed addition to grain bowls, green salads, and vegetable wraps. Just slice up the barbecue sauce-covered slabs, pile them into the dish, and enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
Leave the tofu in the marinade for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
Yes, you can grill the tofu in a lightly oiled non-stick skillet over medium-high heat instead.
Yes, you can use the leftover marinade as a dressing over the BBQ tofu or store it in a container in the fridge for later.
The leftover grilled tofu will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 or 4 days. Reheat the pieces on the grill until warmed through or in a skillet on the stove.
More delicious ways to use tofu
Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
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Print
Grilled BBQ Tofu
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Grilled BBQ Tofu is bursting with smoky and tangy flavors thanks to the gluten free BBQ marinade. Once they’re grilled to perfection, enjoy the sauce-covered tofu as part of an epic summer meal!
Ingredients
- 1- lb package extra firm tofu, pressed
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½ cup bbq sauce (see notes*)
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¼ cup distilled white vinegar
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2 tablespoons tamari, I use reduced sodium
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3 tablespoons water
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1 tablespoon oil, plus more for grilling
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1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, packed
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2 teaspoons vegan worcestershire sauce or HP sauce
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1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare tofu: Press tofu with tofu press or wrap in layers of paper towel or clean dish towel. Weigh down with a heavy object such as a cast iron frying pan with a couple tins of canned goods on top and press for at least 30 minutes. Cut into 4 or 6 (or more) even slabs, thick or as thin as you like.
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Make bbq marinade: while tofu is pressing, whisk the rest of ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
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Marinade tofu: In a large ziplock bag place tofu slabs in a single layer, pour the marinade over the tofu so it is all coated. Squeeze air out of the bag and seal. Refrigerate and marinate tofu for at least an hour preferably longer for more flavor -up to 24 hours.
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Grill and enjoy: Remove tofu from the marinade, set tofu slabs on a plate and reserve marinade in a small bowl. Heat an outdoor bbq to 350°- 400°or an indoor grill pan to medium heat (or skillet). Once hot, brush the grill with some oil and or brush tofu. Grill tofu for 3-5 minutes on each side until nice char marks form. Generously baste as you go (before and after you flip tofu) with some of the reserved bbq marinade. Season with a little salt and pepper if you like. Serve and enjoy with the leftover bbq sauce and your favorite sides. For step by step photos, FAQ, suggestions (baking and air fry methods) see above post.
Notes
- Bbq sauce: Bull’s-Eye Bold original is one of my go to’s (I recommend for this recipe). It's like a Kansas City style type of bbq sauce or use homemade bbq sauce.
- To Store: leftovers will keep in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Category: Mains, Gluten free
- Method: Outdoor grill
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
Rita
This is so easy and delicios
Verna
So glad you enjoyed it , thanks 🙂
Hannah
Really delicious! My kids gobbled down a whole piece of tofu each. Thank you for sharing your recipes ❤️
Verna
Yay!! thanks for your wonderful review so glad you all enjoyed the tofu.