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    Home » Recipes » Tofu

    Baked BBQ Shredded Tofu

    Published: Mar 7, 2023 by Cassidy Reeser · This post may contain affiliate links.

    11 shares
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    Shredded BBQ tofu is a flavorful but simple filling that's perfect in tacos, sandwiches, and quesadillas. All you need is a cheese grater, 6 ingredients, and just about 30 minutes to make shredded tofu!

    White bowl filled with shredded BBQ tofu.

    Unlike baked BBQ tofu, which is cut into triangles, this shredded BBQ tofu has a more "meaty" texture, similar to the jackfruit used in these BBQ jackfruit tacos.

    Grating tofu with a box grater, then baking it yields an amazing texture. Baking the tofu dehydrates it, resulting in some pieces of tofu that are firm and others that are almost chewy.

    This creates a more realistic BBQ experience because a variety of textures is what you would expect in something like shredded barbecue chicken or pork.

    You can use shredded tofu in bowls, tacos, and sandwiches (though might I recommend my BBQ tofu sandwich?). If you're looking for a new way to serve tofu, this is it!

    Jump to:
    • Recipe features
    • Ingredients
    • Step by step instructions
    • Variations and cooking tips
    • Storage Tips
    • Looking for more tofu recipes?
    • 📖 Recipe

    Recipe features

    • Texture: The tofu is grated and baked until firm. This results in a chewier, more complex texture than baked tofu. The tofu is then tossed with barbecue sauce and seasonings and baked again to further enhance the flavor and texture.
    • Ingredients: Shredded tofu use just six simple ingredients. I use my favorite store-bought sweet BBQ sauce, but homemade vegan BBQ sauce also works.
    • Time: Shredding tofu is the most time-intensive part of this recipe, and it only takes a few minutes. Overall, this recipe is ready in just over 30 minutes.

    Want to learn more about how to cook tofu? Check out my guide to tofu for more tips and tofu recipes.

    Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients used to make shredded tofu.
    • Tofu: This recipe works best with super firm tofu. I tried it with extra firm tofu that was pressed for 15 minutes and the shreds were much more crumbly, resulting in less texture overall. I recommend sticking to super-firm tofu for the best results.
    • BBQ sauce: I prefer sweet BBQ sauce, but you can really choose any kind of sauce here.
    • Smoked paprika and chili powder add extra depth and smokiness.
    • Cooking oil: I usually use olive oil or canola oil. Oil helps to crisp and brown the shredded tofu.

    Step by step instructions

    Tofu being grated onto a white plate using a red cheese grater.

    The first and most important step is to grate, or shred, the tofu. You will need a box grater for this step. Use the side that is used to make shredded cheese. It looks like this grater.

    Grate along the short edge of the tofu, starting at the top holes and pulling toward the bottom ones for the most consistent grated tofu pieces.

    Shredded tofu on a baking sheet before baking.

    Once fully shredded, toss with oil and salt. Spread the tofu out into as thin a layer as possible onto a lightly oiled or parchment-paper-lined half-sheet pan.

    The shredded tofu pieces will overlap, that's okay.

    Golden shredded tofu on a baking sheet.

    Bake at 375F for 12-15 minutes. At this point, the pieces closest to the edges will be turning golden.

    Shredded tofu tossed with BBQ sauce on a half sheet pan before baking.

    To the pan, add the BBQ sauce and seasonings. Gently toss until all of the tofu is coated.

    Golden brown shredded tofu on a gray half sheet pan.

    Return to the oven to bake for an additional 6-8 minutes. The tofu is ready when the edge-most pieces are dried out and the center-most pieces are sticky instead of wet.

    Variations and cooking tips

    • This recipe makes 2-3 servings of shredded tofu, depending on your appetite. I use a half sheet pan for a single batch and a full sheet pan for a double batch.
    • This method also works without BBQ sauce. Add any herbs or seasonings at the beginning and cook the shredded tofu until it is slightly dehydrated and firm.
    • Any other sauce can be used in place of BBQ sauce. Teriyaki sauce would work especially well!
    Sandwich on a burger bun with coleslaw and shredded tofu.

    Storage Tips

    Leftovers are best within 3-4 days. Let cool before transferring to a closed container in the fridge.

    Reheating: The tofu loses most of its original baked texture when reheated in the microwave. To keep some of the crispiness and texture, reheat it on the stove over medium heat.

    Freezing: I have not tried freezing shredded tofu but I imagine that it works well. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

    Half of a burger bun topped with shredded BBQ tofu.

    Looking for more tofu recipes?

    • Honey Garlic Tofu
    • Garlic Herb Tofu
    • How to Make Air Fryer Tofu
    • Vegan Chorizo-Style Tofu Crumbles

    Did you try this recipe? You can leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in the recipe card or a review down in the comments section. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow along on my YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest or sign up for my newsletter!

    📖 Recipe

    White bowl filled with shredded BBQ tofu.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Baked BBQ Shredded Tofu

    Shredded tofu is the perfect filling for tacos, sandwiches, and quesadillas. All you need is a cheese grater and a few simple ingredients.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time22 mins
    Total Time27 mins
    Servings: 3 servings
    Author: Cassidy Reeser, MS, RD
    • 1 cheese grater (or box grater)
    • half sheet pan

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounce block super firm tofu see note #1
    • 1 tablespoon canola oil or other neutral cooking oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅓ cup sweet BBQ sauce
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375F. Using the large holes on a cheese grater, shred the tofu along the short edge. Start at the top of the grater and pull downwards to create long shreds similar to farm-style cheese.
    • In a bowl, toss the tofu with 1 tablespoon olive oil and ¼ teaspoon salt.
    • Spread into a thin layer on a parchment-paper lined half sheet pan. Lightly oil the sheet pan if not using parchment paper. It's okay if some of the tofu pieces overlap.
    • Bake on the middle oven rack at 375F for 12-15 minutes, until golden and starting to crisp around the edges.
    • Remove from the oven. Use a spatula to toss the tofu with BBQ sauce, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
    • Return to the oven for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the tofu is firm and sticky. The result is sweet and smoky, almost chewy shreds of tofu.
    • Serve in tacos, quesadillas, or sandwiches. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    1. Tofu: I tested this recipe with extra firm tofu and did not like the result as much as super firm. Extra firm tofu, even when pressed, was more crumbly. I recommend sticking to super firm tofu.
    2. BBQ sauce: Any sweet BBQ sauce goes best. I use Trader Joe's or my homemade vegan BBQ sauce.
    3. This method of shredded baked tofu works without BBQ sauce. Just add any blend of seasonings at the same time as the salt and bake until firm and golden.
    4. Leftovers are best within 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.
    5. If doubling the recipe, use a full sheet pan instead of half.

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    Calories: 226kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 14gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 538mgPotassium: 94mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 433IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 203mgIron: 2mg

    More Vegetarian Tofu Recipes

    • Veggie Subs with Seasoned Tofu
    • Vegetarian Grit Bowls with Maple Tofu
    • Vegetarian Soyrizo Burritos
    • Baked BBQ Tofu
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    Hi, I’m Cassidy! I’m the registered dietitian behind Cozy Peach Kitchen, a food and nutrition blog sharing easy vegetarian recipes for every occasion.

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