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This flavor-packed BBQ tofu is first marinated in a mixture of vegan barbecue sauce, tamari, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika before being oven-baked and then smothered in more barbecue sauce. Perfect alone, over rice or quinoa, on a salad or grain bowl or in a wrap. Delicious hot or cold and great for meal-prepping! Super satisfying and easy to make with less than 10 ingredients!
I have a confession to make.
I think I am addicted to tofu.
Like, seriously.
I am constantly sneaking pieces of these baked tofu bites before bed even though they're supposed to be for the next day's lunch.
And now I find myself doing the same thing with this BBQ tofu.
I suppose there are worse things than eating too much tofu, right?
Anyway, what do you expect when it just tastes so darn yummy? 😉
So, get out your tofu press (or a large pot or heavy book) and a sheet pan and let's make some tofu!
How to make baked BBQ tofu - step by step
Step 1 - Press the tofu
Open the package of tofu and drain any excess water. If you have a tofu press, press the tofu for 20 minutes.
If you do not have a tofu press, place the block of tofu in the center of a clean, absorbent kitchen towel on a sturdy plate. Wrap the tofu with the towel.
Place a heavy object, such as a large pot or some books on top of the tofu and press for 30 minutes.
Step 2 - Make the marinade
While the tofu is pressing, whisk together barbecue sauce, tamari, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika in a mixing bowl.
Step 3 - Marinate the tofu
Cut the tofu into cubes, approximately 3/4"-1" thick.
Add the tofu to the marinade.
Carefully use a silicone spatula to evenly coat.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
While the tofu is marinating, preheat your oven to 400° F.
Step 4 - Bake the tofu
Place the tofu on a parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer.
Rinse out the mixing bowl and set it aside for future use.
Bake for 30 minutes at 400° F, carefully flipping once halfway through. I used tongs to flip each piece individually.
Step 5 - Coat the tofu
Add barbecue sauce to the mixing bowl.
Carefully use tongs to place each piece of hot tofu into the sauce.
Use the silicone spatula to coat the cooked tofu with the sauce.
Enjoy!
What's the best tofu to use?
Extra firm tofu works best for this recipe. Some of my favorite brands are Nasoya, 365 Everyday Value and Greenwise.
What's the best BBQ sauce to use?
You can use any store-bought barbecue sauce your heart desires, but be sure to check the label to ensure the ingredients are both vegan and gluten-free.
Some of my favorites are Annie's Original, Annie's Sweet & Spicy, Primal Kitchen Classic, Tessemae's Matty's style and Tessemae's Diggy's Sweet and Spicy style.
If you prefer, you can opt for a homemade barbecue sauce instead. Here are some options for basic vegan barbecue sauces from some of my favorite bloggers:
- Healthy BBQ Sauce from My Quiet Kitchen
- The Best Vegan BBQ Sauce from MOON and spoon and yum
- Easy Homemade Vegan BBQ Sauce by Veganosity
- Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce from Thyme & Love.
And if you'd like to change up the flavor, try this Blueberry BBQ Sauce from Make it Dairy Free or this Strawberry BBQ Sauce from Vegan Yack Attack.
Tessemae's also makes a chocolate version while Primal Kitchen has a mango jalapeno as well as a Hawaiian style.
Can I omit the oil?
Yes, you can leave out the oil, but please note that it does help to balance out the flavor of the marinade and to crisp up the edges of the tofu during the baking process.
Ideas for serving
Enjoy over rice or quinoa with some steamed broccoli on the side, as part of a salad or grain bowl, on a sandwich with some vegan coleslaw or in a wrap like this one I made with hummus, spring mix greens and tomatoes.
It's also great as a main with our:
- Cashew Mac and Cheese
- Vegan Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Vegan Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
- Vegan Potato Salad
- Vegan Macaroni Salad
- Hummus Pasta Salad
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Storing for later
You can store the tofu in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
If you love tofu, check out all of our tofu recipes.
Baked BBQ Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz.) block organic extra firm tofu
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. store-bought barbecue sauce, divided (*check label to ensure ingredients are vegan and gluten-free;use homemade if preferred)
- 1 tbsp gluten-free, reduced sodium tamari
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Open the package of tofu and drain any excess water. Press the tofu using a tofu press or the kitchen towel/heavy object method as described in the **notes below. Depending on the method used, the tofu will need to press for 20-30 minutes.
- While the tofu is pressing, add 2 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce, tamari, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika to a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Cut the tofu into cubes, approximately 3/4"-1" thick. Add the tofu to the marinade and carefully use a silicone spatula to evenly coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- While the tofu is marinating, preheat the oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the tofu out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Rinse out the mixing bowl and set it aside for future use. Bake the tofu for 30 minutes at 400° F, carefully flipping once halfway through (I used tongs to flip each piece individually).
- Add the remaining 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce to the mixing bowl and carefully use tongs to place each piece of hot tofu into the sauce. Use the silicone spatula to coat the cooked tofu with the sauce. Serve as desired.
(Please refer to the post above for instructional photographs for this recipe)
Notes
Nutrition
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Heidi | The Frugal Girls
Oh wow... what a great recipe, and this marinade looks incredible!!
Sherri Hall
Thank you so much, Heidi! It's one of our favorite ways to eat tofu in our house! 🙂
Christie
It looks so good and saucy Sherri! I really love that you adding more seasoning with the paprika to truly elevate the flavour profile of this dish. Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe!
Sherri Hall
Thank you so much, Christie! 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine
We are also huge tofu fans. Still do not have a proper tofu press but do the pan on top method and that works great too. Love how how crispy and saucy your delicious baked bbq tofu are. Need to make these soon. Pinned to all of our favorite boards.
Sherri Hall
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂