Grilled Tofu Steaks

Name: Grilled Tofu Steaks
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb extra firm tofu, pressed; 2 tablespoons tamari; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons oil, not olive oil; 1 and 1/2 tablespoons vegan worcestershire sauce; 1 and 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed; 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard; 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic (powder); 1 small clove garlic, finely chopped; Pinch of salt and cracked black pepper; Oil (for grilling tofu)

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Celebrate grilling season the right way with these Grilled Tofu Steaks! Tofu slabs soak up the sweet and savory marinade before being grilled to perfection. It’s a delicious plant protein to enjoy as a main or side.

tofu steaks marinated and grilled in a grill pan

Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a smoky, juicy steak! Whether it’s my Vegan Seitan Steak or these Grilled Tofu Steaks, vegan steak recipes can be a filling main to enjoy with classic steakhouse side dishes or sliced and topped on a salad or grain bowl for extra protein.

In this tofu steak recipe, extra firm tofu slabs are first marinated in a savory, smoky sauce before they’re grilled to perfection. Tofu is like a sponge and soaks up all of the flavors in the marinade after just a few hours. Take my Marinated Tofu recipe for example! It’s made with a similar marinade as these “steaks” and tastes just like real meat.

I know you’re going to love these tofu steaks! They’re:

A protein-packed main or side
So easy to prepare ahead of time
Naturally gluten free
Packed with flavor
Similar to real grilled steaks

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Does tofu steak taste like meat?
Ingredients and substitutions
How to make grilled tofu steaks
Ways to use tofu steaks
Frequently asked questions
More fun ways to use tofu
Grilled Tofu Steaks

Does tofu steak taste like meat?

The secret to making tofu taste like meat is in the marinade and cooking method. The tofu steak marinade features most of the ingredients you’d find in a classic marinade for meat, like tamari, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and herbs. Once the sauce-covered tofu hits the grill, the outside becomes caramelized while the tofu takes on all of the smoky and savory flavors.

And if you like the "steak" to have a chewier texture freeze and defrost the block of tofu right in the package before pressing it.

Ingredients and substitutions

These grilled tofu steaks are easy to put together using extra firm tofu and a gluten free marinade:

Tofu - Only extra firm or firm tofu will work for this recipe. Make sure to press the tofu before you get started or else the steaks won’t be as firm or tender.
Tamari - Or use soy sauce if you don’t need the tofu marinade to be gluten free.
Vegan Worcestershire sauce - Make sure the brand you use is gluten free.
Oil - Mixing vegetable oil into the marinade helps the outside of the tofu steaks crisp up. Feel free to leave it out to make this recipe oil free.
Brown sugar - It’s the secret to a perfectly caramelized crust!
Seasonings - Like Italian seasonings, garlic powder, and fresh garlic.

slabs of tofu marinating in vegan steak marinade in a ziplock bag

How to make grilled tofu steaks

There’s some patience required in this recipe as the tofu needs time to soak up the delicious flavors in the marinade. Being patient is so worth it in the end and the 4-step process is practically foolproof:

Press the tofu: Wrap the brick of tofu in layers of paper towel or a kitchen towel and balance a heavy pot on top. Leave the tofu to press for at least 30 minutes, then slice the brick into slabs.
Make the marinade: Whisk all of the tofu marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
Let the tofu marinate: Place the tofu slabs in a ziplock bag and pour in the marinade. Place the bag in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
Grill and enjoy: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat. Place the marinated tofu on the hot grill and cook until you see those gorgeous grill marks, then flip. Brush the steaks with the reserved marinade, then serve and enjoy. For full ingredients and instructions see printable recipe card below.

step by steps how to make grilled tofu steaks

Ways to use tofu steaks

With a dollop of vegan garlic butter, creamy horseradish, or chimichurri sauce on top.
Next to mashed potatoes or baked potatoes and green beans.
Sliced and topped on a grain bowl or green salad.
Stuffed into vegetable wraps or vegan gyros.
In vegan steak sandwiches with melted vegan mozzarella and sautéed peppers and onions.
Beside vegan potato salad and corn on the cob!!

Frequently asked questions

Can you make this without a grill pan or outdoor grill?

Yes, you can grill tofu steaks in a regular non-stick skillet instead. The grill marks will be missing but the tofu will be just as delicious.

Can you bake tofu steaks instead?

To bake, lay the steaks on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake in a 350ºF oven for about 40 minutes (flipping halfway).

How long can you marinate tofu?

Tofu can be left to marinate for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

Can I reuse the tofu marinade?

Absolutely! Just pour the leftover marinade into a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for later.

How do you store tofu steaks?

Store the leftover steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 or 4 days.

More fun 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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