BBQ Grilled Tofu

If you invite me to your cookout and I see you’re serving this BBQ Grilled Tofu, please break it to me gently that I can’t live with you forever… because I’ll try! Tofu is so versatile, but I personally feel like extra firm tofu is always the way to go. The texture is consistent and pleasant (especially if you freeze it first!), and it’ll adopt whatever flavor you tell it to. For this recipe, I add some sticky BBQ sauce and sexy grill marks to make it EXTRA smoky and delicious. Even the most discerning meat lover will want to dig into this budget-friendly veggie option!

This BBQ grilled tofu is excellent on salads in place of chicken, but it’s a showstopper however you choose to plate it. The soy sauce and smoked paprika give the tofu a savory edge, while the BBQ sauce chars and caramelizes on the grill. And because I press AND freeze the tofu, it always has the perfect bite and doesn’t fall apart when flipped.

What is Tofu Made Of?

Tofu is made from soybeans, water, and a coagulant (an ingredient that helps the tofu solidify) and dates back over 2,000 years ago to China. The soybeans are soaked, ground into a milk-like liquid, and then curdled with the coagulant to separate the curds from the soy milk—similar to how cheese is made. The curds are then pressed to create the tofu we know and love.

Tofu is high in protein and contains ALL the essential amino acids your body requires to function like a Baywatch lifeguard this summer! It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, the price (even when you’re buying it organic) can’t be beat!

Here’s what you’ll need to make BBQ grilled tofu:

Tofu: Extra firm tofu is the best option for grilling. It soaks up the marinade flavors and holds its shape well on the grill. Make sure to press and freeze the tofu before marinating to get the perfect texture!
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the tofu and stops it from sticking to the grill.
Seasonings: Sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika give the tofu a smoky BBQ flavor before it even touches the grill!
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, salty flavor to the marinade. If you’re gluten-free, tamari will also work.
BBQ Sauce: This is where you can have a little fun! Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own. Sweet, tangy, or spicy—any BBQ sauce will work for this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Choose your favorite BBQ sides to serve with this grilled tofu. My go-to’s are grilled vegetables, stovetop baked beans, or grilled corn on the cob! Anytime I can save on dishes and make a full meal on the grill, I’m all for it.

Pressing the tofu is one of the most important steps for this recipe. However, you DON’T need a tofu press! By all means, if you have one—use it. But the classic clean towel-heavy book combo works just as well. Place the tofu block between two clean towels and pop a heavy object (like a book) on top for at least 30 minutes to remove excess liquid.

Storage Suggestions

Any leftover BBQ grilled tofu can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for sandwiches, wraps, and salads! If needed, you can reheat it on the grill or in a pan on the stovetop.

This smoky, sweet, and perfectly charred BBQ grilled tofu will make you forget all about meat—it’s THAT good!

Author: Jess – Budget Bytes

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1 large block of extra firm tofu ($1.69)
1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.18)
1 tsp smoked paprika ($0.16)
½ tsp sea salt ($0.01)
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.11)
½ Tbsp soy sauce ($0.03)
2 Tbsp BBQ sauce, divided ($0.13)

Press 1 block of extra firm tofu between 2 clean kitchen towels with some heavy cookbooks or a hefty cutting board stacked on top for 30 minutes.
Cut tofu in half and then diagonally to make 4 right triangles. Slice shallow marks into both sides to help the yummy flavors permeate.
Whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and soy sauce.
Brush the mixture over all 4 wedges of pressed tofu and transfer tofu to heavy duty freezer storage bag, or airtight container. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Remove from freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature or in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.*
Preheat grill to 400 degrees. Remove tofu from fridge and brush all pieces of tofu with 1 Tbsp of BBQ sauce. Sear tofu for 4-5 minutes before flipping to sear the second side for an additional 4 minutes, basting with the leftover 1 Tbsp of BBQ sauce after the first flip.
Serve grilled BBQ tofu just like you would a chicken breast with whatever sides you love the most.

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*It’s ok if the tofu isn’t completely frozen or completely thawed. The purpose of freezing is to affect the texture of the tofu to be denser and have a little more bite to it. The tofu will cook through on the hot grill, not to worry! (However, tofu can be eaten raw, so you’re just trying to heat it through to your liking and get those glorious grill marks and and flavor from the char.)

Serving: 1servingCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 15gFat: 11gSodium: 1139mgFiber: 1g

Read our full nutrition disclaimer here.

Sliced BBQ grilled tofu on a chopping board.

how to make BBQ Grilled Tofu – step by step photos

A block of tofu being pressed between two towels and cook books.

Place one block of extra firm tofu between two clean kitchen towels, then place some heavy cookbooks or a hefty cutting board on top to press the tofu and remove excess water. This will help the tofu hold its shape better when cooked. Leave the tofu to press for at least 30 minutes.

Cut the block of tofu in half and then cut each half diagonally to make 4 triangles. Using a sharp knife, lightly slice some shallow marks into both sides of the tofu triangles to help the yummy marinade absorb into the tofu better.

Marinade ingredients for BBQ tofu in a bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp sea salt, ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ Tbsp soy sauce.

Marinaded BBQ tofu triangles in a Ziploc bag for freezing.

Use a basting brush or spoon to generously coat each side of the pressed tofu triangles with the marinade. Place the coated tofu into a heavy-duty freezer bag or container. Pop this into the freezer for at least one hour. After that, let the tofu thaw at room temperature until you’re ready to cook it.* If it’s going to be more than 2 hours, place the tofu in the fridge to keep it fresh.