This smoky tofu can be baked or pan-fried, and the smoky and gently spicy marinade uses just a few ingredients!
Inspired by the flavors in my go-to smoky tempeh recipe, and by the comfort of baked BBQ tofu, this smoky tofu recipe came to be!
The tofu is marinated in a smoky and gently spice marinade, then baked until firm. Serve drizzle with BBQ sauce or as is for the perfect side with vegan mac and cheese and collard greens!
Recipe highlights
- Smoky flavors: A dash of liquid smoke, scoop of smoked paprika, and pinch of chipotle chili powder combine to create a smoky flavor that's balanced with a few pantry staples like soy sauce and apple cider vinegar.
- Texture: The tofu is pressed then baked, resulting in a firm texture. It can also be pan-fried for a crispier result.
- Versatile: Pile the tofu high on a bun, wrap it in a tortilla with romaine, or serve on a plate alongside your favorite BBQ sides.
Ingredients
- Extra firm or firm tofu: The tofu needs to be pressed before marinating so that it soaks up as much marinade as possible. If using super firm tofu, you can skip the pressing step.
- Liquid smoke: This is available in the condiments aisle by ketchup and BBQ sauce. A little bit goes a long way! Start small and add more to taste. I use Colgin brand.
- Smoked paprika: The second smoky ingredient, this adds a rich flavor to the marinade.
- Chipotle chili powder: This ingredient is more spicy than anything, but it does contribute a bit to the smokiness. Omit chipotle chili powder for a less spicy marinade.
- Brown sugar: Like in BBQ sauce, sweetness helps balance out the other strong flavors. An equal amount of maple syrup also works here.
How to make
- Slice the pressed tofu into triangles. I like to use a container with a lid to make the marinade, as I can add the tofu and shake it to fully coat each piece in marinade.
- Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes and ideally overnight. Remove the tofu from the marinade with a slotted spoon, reserving the marinade.
- See below for skillet instructions. To oven bake the tofu, transfer it to a parchment-paper-lined or greased baking dish. Leave space between pieces of tofu.
- Bake at 400F for 30-35 minutes, or until the tofu pieces are firm and golden. Halfway through, baste the tofu with the marinade (or just drizzle it across the pieces.) Enjoy!
Cassidy's tips
- To make in a skillet instead of the oven, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle with a thin coating of oil. Once hot, add pieces of the tofu. You will need to work in batches. Flip when the tofu is golden on one side. Note that skillet tofu is less firm than oven-baked tofu, but it has a crispier exterior.
- If you prefer saucy tofu, I recommend drizzling the tofu with BBQ sauce before serving.
- The smoky tofu also works well in burritos with romaine and salsa. I have also served it drizzled with BBQ sauce and a side of air-fried broccoli and garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes.
More easy tofu recipes
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Smoky Baked Tofu
Tofu is marinated in a simple smoky & gently spicy sauce then baked until golden. This is a great recipe if you're craving BBQ flavor that doesn't require turning on the grill!
Ingredients
- 14 ounce block extra firm tofu firm or super firm also work
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup
- ½ to 1 teaspoon liquid smoke *adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder regular chili powder also works; chipotle adds spice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- BBQ sauce for serving
Instructions
- Press the tofu for at least 5 minutes by using a tofu press or by weighing it down with a heavy skillet.
- Slice the pressed tofu into 1-inch triangles.
- In a container with a lid or in a shallow dish, whisk together the marinade: soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon liquid smoke, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Taste and add the remaining ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke, if desired.
- Add the tofu, tossing to fully coat in the marinade. Let marinate at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
- When the tofu is almost done marinating, preheat the oven to 400F.
- Remove the tofu from the marinade with a slotted spoon, reserving the marinade. Transfer the tofu to a parchment-paper-lined or greased sheet pan. Leave space between pieces of tofu.
- Bake at 400F for 30-35 minutes. At the halfway point (15 minutes), remove the pan from the oven and baste or drizzle with the reserved marinade. Return to the oven, baking until the tofu is firm and golden, another 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and serve with BBQ sauce for dipping. I also like to serve it on grits or over quinoa with veggies.
Notes
Skillet option: To make in a skillet instead of the oven, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle with a thin coating of oil. Once hot, add pieces of the tofu. You will need to work in batches. Flip when the tofu is golden on one side. Note that skillet tofu is less firm than oven-baked tofu, but it has a crispier exterior. When the tofu is golden on both sides, add the reserved marinade. Continue cooking until reduced.
Nutrition
Calories: 148kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 16gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 715mgPotassium: 405mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 396IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 3mg
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