Why Barbecue Tofu Is a Must-make BBQ Recipe
When summer rolls around and the grill is fired up, I can’t help but think of barbecue tofu as a must-make dish.
It’s incredibly versatile, soaking up flavors while providing a hearty, satisfying base for any meal. I love how it’s a delicious option for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Grilling it adds that smoky flavor, creating a perfect balance with the tangy barbecue sauce. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a hassle-free choice for gatherings.
Trust me, once your friends taste it, they’ll be asking for the recipe—it’s that good!
Ingredients of Barbecue Tofu
When it comes to whipping up some delicious barbecue tofu, the right ingredients make all the difference. You want flavors that blend perfectly and create that mouthwatering experience. Luckily, this recipe is straightforward and uses ingredients that are easy to find.
Trust me, you’ll be surprised at how satisfying tofu can be when marinated and grilled just right. Plus, you can easily customize the spice levels to suit your taste—whether you like it mild or with a little kick!
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delightful dish:
- 1 lb firm tofu (extra-firm regular)
- 2 tablespoons no-added-salt tomato paste
- 4-5 teaspoons blackstrap molasses
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tamari (soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cayenne and black pepper, to taste
Isn’t that a manageable list? The beauty of barbecue tofu is that it’s not just about the tofu itself; it’s the marinade that brings everything to life.
You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have handy. No blackstrap molasses? Try regular molasses or even maple syrup for a different twist. And if you’re out of tamari, soy sauce works just as well.
Just remember, the key is to let that tofu soak up those flavors. If you have a little patience to let it marinate longer, you’ll be rewarded with an even tastier dish.
How to Make Barbecue Tofu
Let’s plunge into making some mouthwatering barbecue tofu that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
First things first, grab your 1 lb of firm tofu. You want to rinse it off and pat it dry—no one wants soggy tofu, right? Then, slice it horizontally into five long rectangular slabs. Here’s a little tip: wrap those slabs in a dishtowel and press gently all over to remove any excess moisture. Don’t go full-on Hulk mode here; we just need to squeeze out the water, not turn it to mush!
Once you have your tofu nicely dried, stack those slabs up again and slice them diagonally in half, so you end up with 10 triangular pieces.
Now, here comes the fun part—marinating! In a 9-by-13 baking dish, mix together 2 tablespoons of no-added-salt tomato paste, 4-5 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses (or whatever sweetener you prefer), 2 tablespoons of water, 1 1/2 tablespoons of tamari, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Add in that 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and don’t forget about the ground cinnamon, cayenne, and black pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well combined.
Now, lay your tofu slabs in the dish and turn them carefully to coat all sides in that delicious sauce. Let them rest for about 15 minutes. If you have a bit more time, you could even marinate them longer for a flavor explosion.
After they’ve soaked up all that goodness, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the tofu for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through to make sure they’re evenly cooked.
If you’re feeling adventurous and decide to grill them instead, just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn (because we want tasty, not charcoal). Baste them occasionally with leftover sauce, and soon you’ll have a scrumptious barbecue tofu ready to serve alongside baked potatoes, fries, or even grilled veggies. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Barbecue Tofu Substitutions & Variations
While experimenting with barbecue tofu, I love to explore different substitutions and variations to suit my taste or dietary needs.
For a smoky flavor, I might add liquid smoke or chipotle powder. If I’m looking for a gluten-free option, I swap tamari with coconut aminos.
Sometimes, I replace balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a brighter taste. To kick up the heat, I sprinkle in some sriracha or red pepper flakes.
I also enjoy using maple syrup instead of blackstrap molasses for a sweeter twist. Each variation brings a unique flair, making my barbecue tofu experience versatile and exciting!
What to Serve with Barbecue Tofu
To enhance your barbecue tofu experience, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the entire meal.
I love serving my barbecue tofu alongside baked potatoes or crispy fries for that satisfying crunch.
Steamed or grilled veggies add a fresh touch, while a crisp salad brings balance and brightness.
Sometimes, I throw together a tangy coleslaw for a delightful contrast.
If I want something heartier, I’ll whip up some quinoa or brown rice.
And don’t forget about leftovers! Crumbling the tofu into a sandwich with a little mayo (or a vegan version) makes for a delicious next-day treat.
Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although grilling tofu may seem intimidating, I’ve found that a few simple tips can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
First, always press the tofu well to remove moisture; it helps the marinade stick better. Don’t rush the marinating process—letting it sit longer enhances the flavor.
When grilling, keep the heat moderate to avoid burning; a grill basket can help prevent sticking.
Finally, experiment with different marinades to find your favorite flavor. If you have leftovers, crumble them into salads or sandwiches for a quick meal.
Trust me, grilled tofu can be a delicious and easy addition to your menu!