BBQ Tofu

This BBQ tofu is the most delicious meat-free alternative. A bold, smokey homemade BBQ sauce hugs crisp and chewy tofu bites perfectly.

You might also like our coleslaw, broccoli salad, grilled tofu, and creamy pasta salad.

BBQ Tofu (oven + air fryer)

Our readers told us again and again how much they love our tofu recipes, especially the fried tofu, air-fried tofu, and marinated tofu.

So today, Louise and I are excited to bring you an updated version of one of our personal favorites: BBQ tofu.

As the creators behind a plant-based food blog with over 45 tofu recipes (and counting!), we’ve tested just about every method of preparing tofu (crispy, saucy, smoky, and everything in between).

Our goal is always the same: make tofu so good that even picky eaters ask for seconds. And this BBQ tofu does exactly that 😛.

“Awesome!! I made this tonight for my kids (8yrs and 10yrs) and I, paired with vegan mashed potatoes and a side of peas.
We all LOVED it! My kids said it tastes just like BBQ chicken.” – reader comment.

These small tofu bites are tossed in a rich BBQ sauce, then baked until chewy, meaty, and packed with flavor.

It’s the perfect high-protein, meatless main that you can pile into sandwiches, layer onto grain bowls, or serve alongside your favorite sides.

Quantities are in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

• Tofu: Use firm or extra firm tofu. Pressing the tofu is unnecessary; pat it dry with kitchen paper. This recipe won’t work with soft or silken tofu.

• Olive oil or extra virgin olive oil: are healthy oils that withstand high temperatures well, thanks to their high content of polyphenols.You can substitute avocado oil or other vegetable oils for olive oil.

• Soy sauce: adds flavor and color to the tofu. We use reduced-sodium soy sauce here. Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.

• Smoked paprika: adds a wonderful smokey aroma to this BBQ tofu recipe. You can substitute liquid smoke or chipotle powder if you have any in your pantry.

• Garlic powder: Substitute onion powder for garlic powder.

• BBQ sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own. Here’s the full recipe for our easy homemade BBQ sauce.

US cups + grams measurements in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

Preheat the oven or the air fryer to 400°F or 200°C. Take the tofu out of the package, drain it, and pat it dry with kitchen paper.

With your hands, pull the tofu apart into bite-size pieces and add it to a large bowl.

Note: The tofu’s rugged and porous surface will make the condiment and the sauce stick. Avoid cutting the tofu with a knife.

Toss the tofu with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Each piece should be fully coated with the condiments.

Tip: if you have chipotle powder, add a teaspoon of that, too, for a smokey, spicy kick.

Transfer the tofu onto a baking sheet and arrange it on a single layer.

Bake in the oven at 400°F or 200°C for 25 minutes or in the air fryer for about 15 minutes. The tofu should be slightly charred and crisp on the edges.

Note: we don’t use parchment paper or a silicone mat for this recipe, but feel free to do so if you want.

Add about 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce (or more to taste), toss with a spatula until coated, and bake for five more minutes.

Finally, take the tofu out of the oven, add more BBQ sauce to taste and enjoy.

Optionally, you can garnish with chopped scallion tops and sesame seeds.

For a vegetarian BBQ spread:

• With toasted buttery buns with creamy and crisp coleslaw, vegan mayo, and tangy BBQ tofu.
• Serve with creamy salads, such as creamy cucumber salad, dill potato salad, and macaroni salad.

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