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The Best Baked BBQ Tofu

Savory, sweet, and as spicy as you choose, this quick and easy Baked BBQ Tofu recipe can turn anyone into a tofu eater. This simple yet extremely tasty recipe can be served as an appetizer or as a perfect main course loaded with protein. This amazing tofu recipe takes only 35 minutes to prepare!

The Best Baked BBQ Tofu feature image.

This recipe is a great way to introduce your kids to tofu. Tofu is a superfood that has many health benefits, plus it is always nice to add a little variety to the meals we eat. The food on the plate doesn’t last very long whenever we make this amazing baked tofu recipe!

What you need to make The Best Baked BBQ Tofu:

Ingredients for the Best Baked BBQ Tofu.

How to make The Best Baked BBQ Tofu:

Step 1: Drain It

  • Turn the block of tofu on its side and slice in half.
  • Place a dishtowel on a plate and add the tofu in a single layer. Wrap the tofu slabs in the dishtowel and place something heavy, like a cast iron skillet, on top. The weight will help press out any moisture and the towel will absorb the released moisture.
  • Let the tofu drain for 20-30 minutes.

Note: We prefer to use extra firm tofu since it has less water in it than firm tofu.

Photo showing how to drain the moisture from the tofu.

Step 2: Prep It

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Once the tofu has drained, cut into strips and then dice again into cubes.
prep and cut the tofu.

Step 3: Season It

  • Transfer the cubed tofu to a medium size mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Toss gently to combine.
  • Sprinkle the starch over the tofu. We like using a sifter or strainer for this because the starch gets evenly distributed and you won’t end up with clumps.
  • Toss the tofu until the starch is evenly coated and there are no powdery spots remaining.

Note: The secret ingredient here is to use corn starch – as it absorbs the moisture while giving the tofu that crispy exterior.

season the tofu in a medium sized bowl.

Step 4: Bake It

  • Tip the mixing bowl containing the tofu over onto your prepared baking sheet and organize in an even layer.
  • Bake in the preheated 400 degree F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway, until the tofu is deeply golden around the edges.
photo showing the tofu being baked.

Step 5: Make The Sauce

  • In a small saucepan add the BBQ sauce, sriracha, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, powdered ginger and garlic powder.
  • Reduce over medium low heat for 10-15 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to stay on the tofu without being too runny. You can do a spoon test by dipping the spoon in the sauce to see if the sauce will stick without too much dripping off.
making the sauce for the tofu.

Step 6: Broil It

  • Toss the baked tofu and reduced BBQ sauce in a bowl; mix to coat.
  • Empty the tofu, coated with sauce, back onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
  • Place under the broiler for a few minutes or until the sauce starts to caramelize. Watch carefully as the tofu will burn quickly.

Note: There may be sauce leftover that you can use for dipping.

toss and coat the BBQ sauce on the baked tofu.
  • Garnish with scallions, cilantro or toasted sesame seeds.
final hero shot of the best baked BBQ tofu.

Serve with jasmine rice and your favorite green vegetable. Our Delicious and Easy Asian Cucumber Salad also goes very well.

FAQS

Can you bake tofu instead of frying it?
crispy baked tofu

Yes! Baking tofu instead of frying it eliminates the use of oil, which reduces the amount of fat consumed. You are still able to achieve an amazing crunchy texture by using the broiler after baking.

How do you know when tofu is spoiled?

Typically, once a container of tofu is opened it can last 3-5 days in the refrigerator, as long as it is stored properly in an air tight container. Signs of spoilage can be visible on the surface such as mold or discoloration, or you might start to smell something sour or rotten.

Does tofu contain protein?

Yes, tofu is a great plant based source of protein, with about 15 grams of protein per 4 oz serving. Tofu contains all nine essential amino acids that your body can’t make on its own. All that protein does a great job of making you feel full for longer.

The Best Baked BBQ Tofu

The Best Baked BBQ Tofu

Yield: 3 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Savory, sweet, and as spicy as you choose, this quick and easy Baked BBQ Tofu recipe can turn anyone into a tofu eater. This simple yet extremely tasty recipe can be served as an appetizer or as a perfect main course loaded with protein. This simple recipe takes only 35 minutes to prepare!

Ingredients

  • 1 block extra firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup Honey Hickory Smoke BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon Sriracha (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Ginger
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 scallion, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Drain tofu:

Slice tofu into 3 lengthwise slabs. Place a dish towel on a plate and place tofu in single layer. Wrap in dish towel and place a heavy cast iron skillet on top. Let tofu rest for 30 mins.

Prepare for baking:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tofu from sticking.
  2. Transfer tofu to cutting board and cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
  3. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and drizzle with the olive oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Toss to combine. Sprinkle the corn starch over the tofu, and toss until the corn starch is evenly coated.
  4. Tip the bowl of tofu over onto your prepared baking sheet and arrange the tofu in an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes, tossing the tofu halfway, until the tofu is deeply golden around the edges.
  5. While the tofu is baking, add the BBQ sauce, sriracha, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, powdered ginger and garlic powder to a small saucepan. Reduce over medium low heat for 10-15 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to stay on the tofu.
  6. Toss the baked tofu and the reduced BBQ sauce in a bowl, mix to coat. Next, empty the tofu back onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Place under the broiler for a few minutes or until the sauce starts to caramelize. Watch carefully as the tofu will burn quickly.
  7. Garnish with scallions, cilantro or toasted sesame seeds.
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