BBQ Tofu Slabs are a delicious and satisfying twist on classic barbecue flavors, featuring thick, hearty pieces of tofu slathered in tangy, smoky barbecue sauce. These slabs have a wonderful texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully, making each bite full of bold taste and a little bit of charred goodness. They’re a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy something plant-based that still feels hearty and comforting.
I love making BBQ Tofu Slabs when I want something quick but special. The tofu is super easy to prepare, and I like to let it marinate a bit so it absorbs all the delicious sauce. I usually grill or bake them to get a nice caramelized crust, which just makes the flavors pop even more. It’s one of those meals that always surprises friends who don’t expect tofu to be so tasty and satisfying.
My favorite way to eat BBQ Tofu Slabs is piled high on a bun with crisp lettuce, slices of tomato, and a little bit of crunchy coleslaw on the side. It makes for a complete meal that’s both filling and fresh. Whenever I serve this, people keep going back for seconds—BBQ Tofu Slabs really make any cookout or dinner feel like a special occasion without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Extra Firm Tofu: This type of tofu holds its shape well and absorbs the marinade nicely. If you can’t find extra firm, press regular firm tofu longer to remove moisture. Avoid silken tofu as it’s too soft.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a thick, flavorful BBQ sauce you enjoy. If you want to make it at home, mix ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and a splash of soy sauce for a quick version.
Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a lovely smoky depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work but add a tiny pinch of cumin or liquid smoke to bring in that smoky note.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Adds a salty umami boost. Tamari is great if you want gluten-free. Coconut aminos can be a mild substitute for soy sauce too.
How Do You Make Tofu So Flavorful and Firm for BBQ Slabs?
Pressing and marinating tofu are key to getting great texture and flavor. Here’s how:
- Pressing: Wrap tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for 20+ minutes. This squeezes out water so tofu absorbs sauce better and gets firmer when cooked.
- Marinating: Cut tofu into thick slabs so it holds up well on the grill or in the oven. Marinate for at least 30 minutes so the sauce seeps in. Longer (up to 2 hours) is even better.
- Cooking: Grill or bake tofu slabs at a hot temperature (around 400°F/200°C). This caramelizes the sauce and creates a nice char. Don’t forget to turn and baste them with extra marinade for maximum flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife – I recommend these for slicing the tofu into even slabs so everything cooks uniformly.
- Heavy Object or Tofu Press – Helps remove excess moisture, making the tofu firmer and better at absorbing the marinade.
- Mixing Bowl – Perfect for whisking together the marinade ingredients until well combined.
- Grill or Oven (with Baking Sheet) – Use a grill for those smoky marks or bake in the oven for a hands-off approach; both work well.
- Pastry Brush (optional) – Great for brushing extra marinade onto the tofu while grilling or baking, adding flavor and stickiness.
- Spatula or Tongs – For flipping or removing the tofu slabs without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Plant-Based Proteins: Swap tofu for tempeh or seitan for different textures and flavors.
- Cheese or Dairy-Free Cheese: Top with vegan cheese before serving for a melty touch.
- Additional Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, or pineapple to your grill for extra flavor and color.
- Spice Mixes: Sprinkle chili powder or cumin on the tofu before marinating for a smoky, spicy kick.
BBQ Tofu Slabs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra firm tofu
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to marinate, and 10-30 minutes to cook depending on your method (grilling or baking). Total time can be as little as 50 minutes or extended for deeper flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Drain the tofu and press it for at least 20 minutes to squeeze out extra moisture. This helps the tofu soak up the barbecue flavors better. After pressing, cut the tofu into thick slabs or large cubes about 1 inch thick.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce (or tamari), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir it well to combine all the flavors.
3. Marinate the Tofu:
Place the tofu slabs in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over them and turn gently to coat every slab evenly. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes; for stronger flavors, put it in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
4. Cook Your Tofu Slabs:
Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill: Oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the tofu slabs about 5-7 minutes on each side. Occasionally brush extra marinade on the slabs while cooking to keep them moist with a delicious glaze. Cook until caramelized and lightly charred.
- Bake: Place the tofu on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Reserve some marinade to brush on during cooking. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning and brushing with marinade halfway through for a sticky, glazed finish.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, let the tofu rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions and shallots if you like. Serve the BBQ tofu slabs warm, alone or on a bun with fresh toppings for a tasty sandwich.
Can I Use Frozen Tofu for BBQ Tofu Slabs?
Yes! Frozen tofu works great because it has a firmer texture and absorbs marinades even better. Just thaw it completely in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water before pressing and marinating.
How Long Can I Marinate the Tofu?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. For even more depth, marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating much longer to prevent the tofu from becoming too soft.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover BBQ Tofu Slabs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan to keep the outside crisp.
Can I Bake Instead of Grill?
Definitely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes works well. Flip and brush with marinade halfway through to get that caramelized, sticky finish without the grill.