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How to Make Crispy Grilled Tofu

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The perfect choice for BBQ lovers! Make this Crispy Grilled Tofu that's been marinated in a savory blend of coconut aminos, maple syrup, and spices. This tofu grills up with a smoky flavor and irresistible charred edges. Perfect for skewers and salads, tofu is an excellent protein option to add vegan flair to traditional grilling sessions.

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How to Make Crispy Grilled Tofu

If you love barbecue and are looking for a delicious vegan protein option, crispy grilled tofu is the perfect choice! This method gives the tofu a smoky flavor and irresistible charred edges, making it a fantastic addition to any outdoor cooking session. Marinated in a savory blend of coconut aminos, maple syrup, and spices, this tofu grills up beautifully and offers a meaty texture that’s sure to please everyone at your next barbecue. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, grilled tofu is a versatile and tasty option that you’ll love. Perfect for BBQs and summer time fun this vegan protein option is marinated in a savory blend of spices and grilled to perfection.

What You’ll Need

16 oz High Protein Super Firm Tofu
¼ cup Coconut Aminos
1 tbsp Maple Syrup
1 tbsp Vegan Worcestershire Powder
1½ tbsp Dried Rosemary
1 tsp Cayenne
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Black Pepper
½ tsp Salt
Grill
Thin Metal Spatula

Why Grilling is Perfect to Make Crispy Tofu

Never mind the deliciously charred edges! Using the BBQ is just fun, and if you live in the northern hemisphere – you probably don’t get to use the grill all year long. Grilling your tofu is a great way to experiment and try different recipes. The smokiness that comes from being on the grill is also amazing and adds a layer of complexity to your tofu and overall dish. The high heat of the grill sears the tofu quickly, locking in the marinade flavors and creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender interior. This method is perfect for outdoor cooking and adds a vegan flair to traditional grilling sessions, making it a versatile and crowd pleasing option!

How to Make Crispy Grilled Tofu

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. This step is crucial for ensuring that the tofu cooks evenly and achieves a nice, crispy exterior. A properly preheated grill helps to sear the tofu quickly, locking in the flavors and creating that perfect char on the outside.

Prepare the Marinade

In a medium container whisk all of your marinade ingredients. This flavorful blend provides a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy coating that penetrates the tofu. You can also add sauce afterwards if you don’t want to marinate.

Marinate the Tofu
Slice the high protein super firm tofu into 1″ thick slabs and add them to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. For the best flavor, marinate for longer—up to a few hours in the fridge—so the tofu can fully soak up the marinade. Pro Tip: The longer your tofu marinates the deeper the flavor!

Grill the Tofu

Place the marinated tofu slabs on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Use a thin metal spatula to flip the tofu carefully, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the grates. The tofu should have beautiful grill marks and a crispy exterior while remaining tender on the inside. For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the tofu over direct heat for a minute or two on each side before moving it to indirect heat to finish cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Method

You’ll love this method of making crispy grilled tofu because it’s so simple and delivers amazing results. The tofu absorbs the flavorful marinade, and the grill adds a smoky char that’s hard to resist. This recipe is perfect for those who love grilling and want to incorporate more plant-based options into their BBQ repertoire.

Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Crispy Grilled Tofu

Press the Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu well before marinating to remove excess moisture giving more space for the marinating and not diluting it. This also helps the tofu absorb the marinade better and achieve a crispier texture.
Use High Protein Super Firm Tofu: This variety holds up best on the grill without falling apart.
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 15 minutes is the minimum, marinating for a few hours or even overnight will infuse the tofu with more intense flavors.
Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is fully preheated before adding the tofu. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Serving Suggestions and Recipes to Try

Crispy Grilled Tofu can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as a main dish with a side of grilled vegetables, as a key ingredient on skewers or add it to salads, grain bowls, or wraps for a delicious protein boost! If you’re looking for more inspiration be sure to check out these recipes!

Kale Caesar Salad with Grilled Tofu

Grilled Tofu with Poblano Relish

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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grilled tofu strips with char marks on a wooden board

Jackie Akerberg

Crispy Grilled Tofu

5 from 1 vote

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Crispy Grilled Tofu is a robust choice for barbecue lovers. Marinated in a savory blend of coconut aminos, maple syrup, and spices, this tofu grills up with a smoky flavor and irresistible charred edges. It’s an excellent protein option for outdoor cooking, adding a vegan flair to traditional grilling sessions.

Prep Time 35

Cook Time 10

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Equipment

grill

Ingredients

16 oz high protein super firm tofu
¼ cup coconut aminos
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire powder
1½ tbsp dried rosemary
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt

Method

Preheat grill to medium heat.
Mix the ingredients above in a medium tupperware dish.
Slice high protein super firm tofu (be sure to use this variety for the best grillability and meatiest texture) into 1" thick slabs and add to the marinade. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, but the longer the better!
Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Be sure to use a thin metal spatula for flipping, so you none of the tofu sticks to the grates!

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

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How to Make Crispy Grilled Tofu

How to Make Crispy Grilled Tofu

What You’ll Need

Why Grilling is Perfect to Make Crispy Tofu