Tofu is marinated in barbecue sauce then pan-fried and paired with creamy tahini coleslaw in this flavorful vegan BBQ tofu 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 who lives in Georgia.
Because yes, BBQ is still possible without meat (which is why I also love making this shredded BBQ tofu)!
It's actually so easy to make homemade BBQ tofu. And you can easily customize this recipe by using your favorite BBQ sauce, 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, which are like a deconstructed version of this BBQ sandwich.
Choose a 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.
This BBQ tofu sandwich works with any variety of BBQ sauce. When I'm not using my own homemade sauce, I like to use Sweet Baby Ray's or Kinder's honey hot BBQ sauce.
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 the 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.
- BBQ tofu works best with extra-firm or super firm tofu. Super firm tofu does not need to be pressed before marinating.
- 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.
- To make the tofu in the oven instead of on the stove, check out my baked BBQ tofu recipe.
- 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.
More vegetarian sandwiches
Want to learn more about how to cook tofu? Check out my tofu 101 guide for more tips and some of my favorite tofu recipes.
Recipe
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Easy BBQ Tofu Sandwich
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!
Notes
- This recipe makes two large tofu sandwiches or four regular-sized sandwiches.
- To make the tofu in the oven instead of on the stove, check out my baked BBQ tofu recipe.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce. I like sweet brown sugar and ketchup based sauces like Sweet Baby Ray's, but this recipe also works with vinegar-based sauces.
Alexandria Phillips says
Amazing!! My whole family loved it. Thank you!!
Cassidy Reeser says
Thanks for making it!! 🙂
Michael Sutton says
For a faster sandwich, slice raw extra firm tofu, place on whole grain bun, add barbeque sauce and pickles and celery !
Cassidy Reeser says
Sounds faster but like a different recipe!
Sarah Winner says
Yum! Mine didn't come out as crispy as I would like, so maybe I'll coat with cornstarch next time, slice it thinner, or cook for longer. I used your tahini coleslaw recipe too - you should hyperlink it in the ingredients section so people can find your recipe easily 😉
Thanks for an easy & tasty lunch!
Cassidy Reeser says
Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll definitely do that. Thanks again for the reviews!
Casey says
Does it have to be marinated at a specific temperature? Or can I leave it out on the counter until I'm ready?
Cassidy Reeser, RDN, LD says
Since it’s not being marinated for long you can leave it on the counter, but any longer than 30 minutes I’d recommend throwing in the fridge just to be safe.
Trae says
Good stuff
Cassidy says
Thanks Trae, glad you enjoyed it!