A classic that we’re cooking up all summer – simple grilled BBQ tofu. Tangy, sweet, delectably tender tofu that I won’t ever get sick of. Pairs well with greens, mac and cheese, corn salad, etc… A good one to have in the back pocket for any and all summer barbecues.
This recipe is only 5 ingredients, and you probably already have them on hand! So heat up that grill, grab a cold brew (or lemonade), and get grilling!
This time around I used firm tofu, but I’ve also tried this recipe super firm tofu (the kind not packed in water), and extra firm. They all work well! I think the middle of the road is my favorite- extra firm.
With the variety of grills out there, keep in mind that every set up is different and you know what’s best for your grill! We use a charcoal chimney and Weber grill, which takes a while to heat up, but gives everything the best grill flavor (IMO!).
We got our steak rub in a gift bag from a wedding we attended in Austin. If you don’t have steak rub, try mixing your own. The rub we used has salt, pepper, garlic, onion, ancho chile, and sugar.
Cut tofu in 16 triangles 
Coat in avocado oil 
Cover in steak rub 
Put tofu on skewers 
Prep your butter/BBQ mix 
Get them on the grill
Grill first side dry- 5 min 
Flip and sauce 
Cooking other side dry 
Each side gets 5 dry, 5 wet mins grilled 
If they fall off the skewers, grill them as is 
Done when they are nicely charred
I like to serve the tofu with the leftover BBQ sauce on the side, so everyone can add as much as they please, but you can also coat them with more sauce fresh off the grill.
If you try this recipe, let me know what you think by commenting below, or tagging me in your photos on Instagram, @namasteandchow!
Grilled BBQ Tofu
Serves 2-4
Ingredients:
1 16 oz package firm or extra firm tofu, pressed
2 T vegan butter, melted
1/2 c BBQ sauce (our favorite is Stubbs original)
1 T steak rub (also Stubb’s)
1 T avocado oil (or other vegetable oil)
Method:
1. Press the tofu to get out all the excess water.
2. Heat your grill. We use a charcoal grill which takes a bit to heat, but do what works for your set up!
3. Cut the tofu into triangles. You should end up with 16.
4. Coat the triangles in avocado oil, then sprinkle the steak rub on both sides. Gently press the rub into the tofu so it sticks.
5. Carefully place the tofu on skewers. (You can skip this and grill it directly, if you prefer!)
6. In a small mixing glass, whisk the butter and bbq sauce together.
7. Grill the tofu dry on the first side for 5 minutes (no sauce yet). Flip each skewer, then brush with BBQ/butter mixture. Let this side grill for 5 minutes, then flip again. Add BBQ sauce to the other side, then flip one last time for a couple minutes. Times will vary based on how hot your grill is, but you’ll know its done when the tofu has nice grill marks and some blackened, caramelized sauce bits.
8. Serve as is, or coat with leftover BBQ sauce and enjoy!