Grilled Tofu Recipe (Easy)

Looking for an easy plant-based main dish to throw on the grill? Try this grilled tofu recipe! It’s satisfying, flavorful, and simple to make. This recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious vegetarian BBQ.

Key Takeaways:

• Pressing tofu before grilling helps remove excess water and achieve a firm texture.
• Use extra-firm tofu for better grilling results.
• Preheat the grill and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
• Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to enhance the flavors.
• Serve grilled tofu with your favorite sauce and side dishes for a complete meal.

Why Pressing Tofu is Important for Grilling

Pressing tofu before grilling is a crucial step in achieving a firm and flavorful final result. By applying pressure to the tofu, excess water is removed, allowing the tofu to retain its shape and absorb marinades more effectively. This technique ensures that the tofu holds up well on the grill without falling apart or becoming too soft.

One of the easiest and most effective methods of pressing tofu is by using a tofu press, such as the Tofuture Tofu Press. This handy tool not only helps achieve a chewy texture in just 20 minutes but also captures the expelled liquid, making cleanup a breeze. With the help of a tofu press, you can effortlessly enhance your tofu grilling experience.

If you don’t have a designated tofu press, don’t worry! You can still achieve similar results using a cast-iron skillet as an alternative. Simply pat the tofu dry, wrap it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, and place it on a cutting board. Then, place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the tofu and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This method effectively removes excess moisture from the tofu, ensuring a better overall texture when grilled.

Pressing Tofu: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pat the tofu dry using paper towels.
2. If using a tofu press:
   • Place the tofu block between the press plates.
   • Secure the press and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
   • Remove the tofu from the press.
3. If using a cast-iron skillet:
   • Wrap the tofu in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
   • Place the wrapped tofu on a cutting board.
   • Put a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the tofu.
   • Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes.
   • Remove the tofu from underneath the skillet.

Pressing tofu is a simple yet essential technique that elevates the grilling experience. Whether you have a tofu press or use a cast-iron skillet, taking the time to press tofu ensures a firm and delicious final result. Now that you understand the importance of pressing tofu, let’s move on to some useful tips for grilling the perfect tofu.

Tips for Grilling Perfect Tofu

To ensure the best results when grilling tofu, follow these tips:

1. Use extra-firm tofu: Extra-firm tofu is the best option for grilling as it holds its shape and doesn’t become too soft or watery on the grill.
2. Don’t skip the press: Pressing tofu helps remove excess water and gives it a firmer texture, making it less likely to fall apart.
3. Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill or grill pan is hot before adding the tofu. This helps to create those charred grill marks and prevents sticking.
4. Brush or spray the grill grates with oil: This prevents the tofu from sticking and helps with easy flipping.
5. Use flavorful marinades: Experiment with different seasonings like fajita seasoning, chili powder, curry powder, or soy sauce to infuse bold flavors into the tofu.
6. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side: This ensures the tofu gets char marks and releases from the grates easily without overcooking.

Follow these tips to achieve perfectly grilled tofu every time. The combination of extra-firm tofu, proper pressing, preheating the grill, flavorful marinades, and appropriate grilling time will result in a delicious and satisfying dish.

Grilling Tips for Perfect Tofu

Implementing these tips will elevate your grilled tofu game and impress your family and friends with perfectly grilled tofu every time!

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Tofu

Grilled tofu can be served in various delicious ways. Here are some flavorful tofu recipes and vegetarian grilling ideas to inspire your next meal:

1. Drizzle with Flavorful Sauce

Serve the grilled tofu with a cilantro lime dressing, sesame ginger dressing, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance the flavors. These tangy and zesty dressings complement the smoky and savory taste of the grilled tofu perfectly.

2. Pair with Grains and Vegetables

For a more substantial meal, serve the tofu with cooked rice, cilantro lime rice, or alongside grilled vegetables. Grilled asparagus, sweet potatoes, onions, or a medley of fajita veggies make fantastic accompaniments to the tofu, adding a variety of textures and flavors.

3. Use it in Sandwiches or Tacos

If you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste. Tuck the grilled tofu into sandwiches or tacos for a quick and satisfying meal. Add some fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and your favorite condiments to create a mouthwatering plant-based delight.

4. Add to Grain Bowls

Incorporate the grilled tofu into grain bowls for a healthy and filling option. Combine it with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro, and top with a variety of colorful veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, and edamame. Finish it off with a drizzle of your preferred sauce for an explosion of flavors and textures.

To see the possibilities of these serving suggestions, take a look at the table below for a visual representation:

Experiment with these serving suggestions and create your own flavorful tofu recipes. The versatility of grilled tofu opens up a world of possibilities for vegetarian grilling ideas. Enjoy the delicious and nourishing flavors of these plant-based dishes!

More Grilling Recipes To Try

If you enjoyed this grilled tofu recipe, here are some more grilling recipes to try:

1. Best Veggie Burger: A delicious and flavorful plant-based burger patty that’s perfect for grilling.
2. Black Bean Burger: Another vegetarian burger option made with black beans, packed with protein and flavor.
3. Portobello Mushroom Burger: Grilled Portobello mushrooms make a delicious and hearty burger alternative.
4. Grilled Watermelon: Try grilling watermelon for a unique and refreshing summer treat.
5. Perfect Grilled Zucchini: Grilled zucchini seasoned with herbs and olive oil is a simple and tasty side dish.
6. Grilled Eggplant: Grilled eggplant slices make a flavorful addition to any meal.

Explore these recipes for more ideas and inspiration for your next grilling adventure.

Conclusion

Grilled tofu is a fantastic plant-based option for grilling. With the right techniques, such as pressing the tofu, using flavorful marinades, and grilling for the perfect amount of time, you can achieve a delicious and satisfying dish. The charred grill marks and firm texture add a wonderful smoky flavor to the tofu, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Experiment with different seasonings like fajita seasoning, chili powder, curry powder, or soy sauce to create a variety of flavorful tofu recipes. The versatility of tofu allows you to personalize the flavors and adapt it to your preferences. Whether you prefer bold and spicy or light and tangy, there’s a grilled tofu recipe for everyone.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for healthier grilling ideas, this grilled tofu recipe is a must-try. It’s a nutritious option packed with plant-based protein and essential amino acids. Serve it with your favorite sauce, grilled vegetables, or alongside grains for a complete and satisfying meal.

So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the flavors of summer with this tasty and nutritious grilled tofu recipe. With its easy preparation and delicious results, it’s sure to become a favorite dish in your grilling repertoire. Happy grilling!