• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Cozy Peach Kitchen
  • home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Nutrition & Lifestyle
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Lifestyle & Nutrition
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Lifestyle & Nutrition
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes

    Baked BBQ Tofu

    Published: Mar 30, 2022 · Modified: May 10, 2022 by Cassidy Reeser · This post may contain affiliate links.

    33 shares
    jump to recipe

    Crispy-baked BBQ tofu is the perfect plant-based protein for weeknight meals. It comes together in just over 30 minutes using just 5 simple ingredients, and the tofu doesn't even have to be pressed!

    Overhead view of triangles of BBQ tofu.

    This crispy baked BBQ tofu combines two of my favorite foods: barbecue sauce and baked tofu. BBQ tofu is the perfect protein addition to bowls, baked potatoes, and mac and cheese.

    I've been making BBQ tofu sandwiches for years, so I don't know why I'm just now sharing this recipe! While the recipe is written for triangle-shaped tofu pieces, you can also make squares, rectangles, or even blocks of tofu for sandwiches.

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Recipe features
    2 Ingredients
    3 Step by step instructions
    4 Expert tips
    5 Recipe FAQ
    6 Serving suggestions
    7 Looking for more tofu recipes?
    8 Baked BBQ Tofu

    Recipe features

    • Quick & easy: Takes just over 30 minutes to make using 5 ingredients. No pressing required!
    • Easy to customize: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make homemade sauce. This recipe also includes instructions for air-fryer BBQ tofu.
    • Chewy and flavorful: Baked tofu is crispy and golden and takes on the flavor of the BBQ sauce that it's tossed with.
    • Perfect for dinner: This is a great protein option to serve alongside staples like vegan mac and cheese and broccoli. It's also great in these BBQ tofu bowls.

    Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients used to make BBQ tofu.
    • Tofu: Choose extra-firm or super firm tofu for the best texture. Technically this recipe does work with firm tofu, but it won't become as crispy.
    • BBQ sauce: I use sweet brown-sugar-based BBQ sauce. I have a recipe for homemade sweet and spicy vegan BBQ sauce that also works well.
    • Sambal oelek: This is a type of spicy chili sauce. It adds just a hint of spice to the tofu. You can find sambal oelek in the international aisle or in the condiment aisle at grocery stores. An equal amount of garlic chili sauce or harissa can be used for a similar result.
    • Soy sauce: This adds saltiness and depth to the tofu. I use reduced-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. Use an equal amount of tamari for a gluten-free option.
    • Neutral oil makes the tofu crispy. I use canola oil, but vegetable, avocado, or light olive oil work as well.

    Step by step instructions

    Prep the tofu by slicing it into triangles or squares. I like to slice the tofu into triangles because the edges cook more quickly than the center, resulting in a variety of textures in each tofu piece.

    Triangle of tofu being held up to camera.

    In a medium bowl, toss the tofu pieces with sambal oelek, soy sauce, and oil.

    Tofu triangles on parchment paper.

    Spread out the pieces of tofu on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. I use parchment paper for easier clean-up.

    For the crispiest BBQ tofu, make sure to evenly spread out the pieces of tofu on the baking sheet. Don't overlap the pieces of tofu.

    Bake at 420F for 15-20 minutes, until the tofu appears golden. It shouldn't be 100% done. Remove from the oven.

    Tofu in a glass bowl with BBQ sauce.

    Transfer tofu back to the bowl. Toss with ⅓ cup BBQ sauce, adding more as needed to evenly coat each piece of tofu.

    Baked triangles of tofu on parchment paper.

    Transfer back to the baking sheet to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Baking for 5 minutes yields golden, crisp tofu. Baking for 10 minutes yields almost blackened BBQ tofu.

    Expert tips

    • Making crispy tofu: When I make baked tofu without sauce I usually toss it in corn starch to make it extra crispy. You don't need to toss BBQ tofu with corn starch because the sugar in the BBQ sauce quickly cooks and creates a crispy layer.
    • Sugar content in BBQ sauce: Many BBQ sauces actually have sugar as the first ingredient on the label, so they are quite high in sugar. High-sugar BBQ sauces cause more caramelizing than low-sugar sauces. If using a low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce, the tofu may not become as crisp. I try to choose sauces that use cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.
    • Vegan BBQ sauce: Sometimes BBQ sauce is not vegan because it uses Worcestershire sauce or honey. Double-check ingredient labels to ensure the BBQ tofu is vegan. My sweet and spicy BBQ sauce is vegan.
    • Variations: This tofu is actually great on its own without the BBQ sauce. You can use this same method for most of the tofu recipes on my website, like General Tso's tofu, sesame tofu, and harissa tofu.

    Recipe FAQ

    How do you store and reheat leftovers?

    Keep leftover tofu refrigerated in a closed container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

    Can I make BBQ tofu in the air fryer instead?

    Yes, you can air-fry the tofu instead of baking it. Lightly spray the air fryer rack. Air fry the tofu for 6-8 minutes at 400F, until golden. Remove from the air fryer and toss with BBQ sauce. Bake another 2-4 minutes, until the tofu starts to blacken around the edges.

    Can I make this on the grill?

    I have not tested this recipe on the grill, but I imagine it would work. I will update the post when I try it out.

    Why is the tofu not pressed in this recipe?

    There are a few reasons that tofu doesn't need to be pressed for this recipe. First, super firm tofu is lower in moisture which makes it become crispy more quickly than firm or even extra-firm tofu. Second, high heat and time in the oven eventually dry out tofu enough that pressing it really isn't necessary.

    Side view of triangles of BBQ tofu.

    Serving suggestions

    • Southern-style bowls: Pair BBQ tofu with homemade vegan buttermilk biscuits, creamy vegan mac and cheese, vegan collard greens, and a side of peach cobbler. You won't regret it.
    • Tacos: Add to cauliflower tacos or BBQ portobello tacos for a source of protein. Or just pair tofu with coleslaw and a corn tortilla for BBQ tofu tacos.
    • Baked potatoes: Trust me when I say that this tofu is the perfect addition to loaded baked potatoes. Just add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chives, and green onions for a comforting meal.
    • Salads: Add to chef's salads or ranch pasta salad for additional protein.
    Close up of BBQ tofu triangle with blackened edges.

    Looking for more tofu recipes?

    If you're new to cooking with tofu, make sure to check out my complete guide to tofu.

    • Vegetarian BBQ Tofu Pizza
    • Tofu Stir Fry with Noodles
    • Vegan Stuffed Shells with Tofu Ricotta
    • How to Make Air Fryer Tofu

    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!

    Overhead view of triangles of BBQ tofu.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Baked BBQ Tofu

    This crispy tofu is tossed in simple seasonings and BBQ sauce then baked until almost blackened. It is the perfect protein addition to weeknight dinners.
    Prep Time8 mins
    Cook Time25 mins
    Total Time33 mins
    Servings: 4 servings
    Author: Cassidy Reeser, MS, RD

    Ingredients

    • 14 ounce block super firm tofu extra firm also works
    • 1 tablespoon Sambal oelek see note #1
    • 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce see note #2
    • 1 tablespoon neutral oil canola, vegetable, or avocado
    • ⅓ cup BBQ sauce see note #3

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 420 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper (optional).
    • Prep the tofu: Drain off liquid from the tofu. Pat dry with a clean dishtowel or paper towel. Slice tofu into one-inch triangles or squares.
    • In a medium bowl, toss the tofu pieces with sambal oelek, soy sauce, and oil.
    • Spread out the pieces of tofu on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, careful not to overlap any tofu pieces.
    • Bake at 420F for 15-20 minutes, until the tofu appears golden. It shouldn't be 100% done. Remove from the oven.
    • Transfer tofu back to the bowl. Toss with ⅓ cup BBQ sauce, adding more as needed to evenly coat each piece of tofu.
    • Transfer back to the baking sheet to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Bake for 5 minutes for golden, crisp tofu. Bake for 10 minutes for almost blackened tofu. Remove from the oven and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    1. Sambal oelek adds a light amount of spice. Find it in the international aisle or condiments aisle. An equal amount of garlic chili paste or harissa can be used for a similar result.
    2. Soy sauce: An equal amount of regular soy sauce can be used. Tamari can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
    3. BBQ sauce: Any kind of BBQ sauce will work in this recipe, but high sugar BBQ sauces result in crispier tofu
    4. Leftovers: Keep leftover tofu refrigerated in a closed container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
    5. Air fry option: Lightly spray the air fryer rack. Air fry the tofu for 6-8 minutes at 400F, until golden. Remove from the air fryer and toss with BBQ sauce. Bake another 2-4 minutes, until the tofu starts to blacken around the edges.
    Check out my BBQ tofu YouTube video for more tips and step-by-step video instructions.

    Instagram icon

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cozypeachkitchen on Instagram and hashtag
    #cozypeachkitchen

     
    Calories: 154kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 729mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gCalcium: 125mgIron: 1mg

    More Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

    • Baked Sweet Potato Bowls with Tempeh
    • One Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac
    • Rice and Bean Casserole with Sweet Potatoes
    • Vegetarian Red Curry Noodles (One Pot)
    33 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Smiling portrait of a woman holding a bowl of grits and tofu.

    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.

    More about me →

    Trending now

    • Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta
    • Stovetop Gouda Mac and Cheese
    • Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls with Almond Dressing
    • Vegetarian Black Bean Quinoa Casserole (Dump and Bake!)
    • Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Chickpeas
    • Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

    Vegetarian meal prep

    • Quinoa Edamame Salad with Peanut Sauce
    • Vegan Breakfast Egg Sandwiches
    • Vegan Lentil Bowls with Lemon Tahini Dressing
    • Easy Vegetarian Bean Burritos
    • One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti
    • Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice (Vegan)
    • Southwest Quinoa Taco Salad
    • Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls with Almond Dressing

    Footer

    Logos

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy and Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Cassidy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Cozy Peach Kitchen®. All rights reserved.