Smoky Baked Tofu

White bowl with triangles of orange-brown tofu.

5 from 2 votes

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!

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Marinade Time30

Total Time1 15

Course: Sides

Cuisine: Southern

Diet: Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 241kcal

Author: Cassidy Reeser, MS, RD

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 light 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.

Video

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