Easy BBQ Tofu Sandwich

Marinated BBQ tofu is pan-fried and paired with creamy tahini coleslaw in this flavorful vegan sandwich.

With spring comes all things outdoors, and with that comes all things barbecue. Barbecue is a big deal in the south, so BBQ tofu is the natural answer for a vegetarian Southerner.

Because yes, BBQ is still possible without meat (which is why I also love making this shredded BBQ tofu)!

I'm lucky to have a few vegetarian barbecue options where I live, but there's nothing like making your own BBQ sandwich.

It's actually so easy to make homemade BBQ tofu. And you can easily customize this recipe to make it your own, just as barbecue should be.

The tofu is marinated in a simple 3-ingredient marinade that uses your favorite BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. That means your tofu will be sweet, tangy, and just a little bit spicy!

You'll also find this tofu in my BBQ tofu bowls (so good!).

Choose your barbecue sauce

Use your favorite sweet barbecue sauce for the marinade. Or try out my favorite homemade sweet and spicy vegan BBQ sauce for a classic brown sugar sauce.

Recipe tip: If you're vegetarian or vegan, check the label for Worcestershire sauce, which usually isn't vegan.

How to make

Press extra firm tofu for 10 minutes. You can use a tofu press, or place tofu between two plates. Weigh down the top plate with a bag of dry beans or a can.

Make your marinade. Coat the pressed tofu with the marinade in either a shallow dish or a plastic bag. Just as with barbecue meat, the longer you marinate the tofu the better.

Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.

In a medium skillet or cast iron, saute the tofu over medium-high heat. Flip when the tofu is crispy and blackened, about 5 minutes on each side.

Recipe notes

• This recipe makes two large tofu sandwiches or four regular-sized sandwiches.
• In true barbecue fashion, these sandwiches can get a bit messy! Keep a napkin at the ready.
• Swap out tofu for tempeh for an alternative protein.

Not in the mood for a sandwich? Make it a BBQ plate with creamy vegan macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, and a side of vegan tahini slaw.

Looking for more vegetarian barbecue-approved recipes? Here are a few of my favorites:

• Vegan Baked BBQ Tofu
• BBQ Pulled Portobello Tacos with Spicy Mustard Slaw
• Instant Pot Vegetarian Baked Beans
• Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad
• Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes
• Healthier Jalapeno Pimento Cheese

Want to learn more about how to cook tofu? Check out my roundup of easy tofu recipes for more tips and some of my favorite tofu recipes.

📖 Recipe

Print Recipe

4.75 from 4 votes

Easy BBQ Tofu Sandwich

Marinated and pan-fried tofu is paired with crunchy coleslaw in this vegan BBQ sandwich recipe.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Marinating Time30 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Author: Cassidy Reeser, MS, RD

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 block (14-16 ounces) extra firm tofu
• ▢ ½ cup barbecue sauce
• ▢ ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ▢ ¼ cup water
• ▢ 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
• ▢ 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• ▢ 2-4 whole wheat burger buns
• ▢ 1 cup tahini coleslaw
• ▢ optional toppings: lettuce, pickles, pimento cheese

Instructions

• Press the tofu for 10 minutes. To do this, use a tofu press or place tofu between two plates. Weigh down the top plate with a bag of beans or a can. 
• Cut the block of tofu lengthways into 5 slices. Place the rectangles in a shallow dish or plastic bag for marinating.
• Stir together the marinade ingredients in a small bowl: BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, hot sauce. Coat the tofu in the marinade. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
• Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the oil. Once hot, add the tofu (don't add the marinade). Saute each side for 5 minutes, or until browned and crispy. 
• This recipe makes 2-3 large sandwiches or 5 regular sandwiches. Add two blocks of tofu to one burger bun for a large sandwich or add one for a regular sized sandwich. Top with tahini coleslaw and optional burger toppings. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 996mgPotassium: 259mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 160IUVitamin C: 1.9mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 2.2mg