Grilled Tofu is a delicious plant-based option for summer BBQs. It’s fast, easy, and versatile, using a dry rub that gives it a lovely crust and also makes it super adaptable to different spice mixes and fun flavor profiles. Vegan & GF. Plus 50+ Amazing Tofu Recipes!
We love eating outside as much as possible in the warmer months. Grilled tofu is a fun addition to outdoor dinners!
Here we use a spice rub to coat the tofu. This makes it so easy to prepare and less likely to stick to the grill. The tofu is lightly pressed, rubbed with olive oil and liberally coated with the spice rub. The spices create a light crust while on the grill. After about 10 minutes total on a hot grill, tofu is ready to serve! We slather it liberally with chimichurri sauce that is so herby and fresh, complementing the smoky crusty tofu!
Table of Contents
Grilled Tofu Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
Tofu– Use a firm or extra firm tofu. Organic, non-GMO, if possible. (Silken tofu does not work on the grill.)
Olive oil– A good quality extra virgin olive oil has a higher smoke point. Feel free to use avocado or oil of choice.
Spices– Here is where you can play around! We use a versatile blend of coriander, smoked paprika, fennel, onion powder, and black pepper. Easy enough to through together! But you can also use another blend instead! Here are a few we also love to use:
- Ethiopian Berbere Spice Blend for a lovely kick of heat goes great with Raita.
- Blackened rub (from the Blackened Salmon Sandwich recipe) is yummy topped with Vegan Ranch.
- Yellow Curry powder is so good with Cilantro Mint Chutney.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning is perfect for serving with Pico de Gallo.
Remember that a finer grind of spices will stick to the tofu best while grilling.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How To Make Grilled Tofu
Step One– Cut the tofu in 1/2-inch slabs. Place the tofu on a towel press another towel on top and just give a gentle press- no need to weight it, sometimes, this makes the tofu too dry. Let this rest while you mix the spices.
Step Two– Mix together salt, pepper, smoked paprika, coriander, onion powder, fennel. Place tofu on a tray or a plate and drizzle olive oil on the tofu, making sure the oil fully covers the tofu, and sprinkle half of the spices over it, making sure to coat it mostly even. Flip over and repeat on the other side.
Step Three– Heat up the grill for about 10 minutes, let it get hot -you can brush the grates with oil if your grill tends to stick. Place tofu on the hot grill for about 5 minutes per side.
Serve with chimichurri sauce for an entree or tuck into a sandwiches, wraps, bowls. So many options!
What to Serve with Grilled Tofu
Grilled Tofu FAQS
Extra firm or firm. Avoid soft or silken tofu.
The quickest way is to cut it first. Slice it into even slabs place on a towel and cover with the towel. Gently press into it. Tofu can get dry if it is pressed too long.
Higher in protein then carbs tofu also contains essential acids, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins.
More Recipes You May Enjoy
Enjoy!
~ Tonia
Love this recipe? Please let us know in the comments and leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below the recipe card.
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Grilled Tofu
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slabs of tofu 1x
- Category: tofu, main
- Method: grill
- Cuisine: american
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious plant-based option for the grill! Grilled Tofu is fast, easy and perfect for grilling on the barbecue. This recipe uses a dry rub, making it very adaptable to different spice mixes and fun flavor profiles.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces tofu, firm or extra firm (not silken)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spice Rub (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel, ground
Instructions
- Cut the tofu in 1/2 inch slabs. Place the tofu on a towel press another towel on top and just give a gentle press- no need to weight it, sometimes this makes the tofu too dry. Let this rest in the towels while you mix the spices.
- Mix together salt, pepper, smoked paprika, coriander, onion powder, fennel. Place tofu on a tray or a plate and drizzle olive oil on the tofu and sprinkle half of the spices over it, making sure to coat it mostly even. Flip over and repeat oil and spices on the other side. You can rub with your hands if you need to, to get it spread more evenly.
- Heat up the grill for about 10 minutes, let it get hot -you can brush the grates with oil if your grill tends to stick. Place tofu on the hot grill and grill about 5 minutes per side.
- Serve with chimichurri sauce for an entree or tuck into a sandwiches, wraps, bowls. So many options.
Notes
Try different spice blends: Ethiopian Berbere Spice Blend for a lovely kick of heat goes great with Raita,
Blackened rub (from the Blackened Salmon Sandwich recipe) yummy topped with Vegan Ranch,
Yellow Curry powder is so good with Cilantro Mint Chutney,
Homemade Taco Seasoning perfect to serve with Pico de Gallo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 1.3 g
- Sodium: 187.7 mg
- Fat: 13.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.4 g
- Fiber: 1.7 g
- Protein: 15.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
This was delicious!
New favorite way to use tofu. As I asked elsewhere, would like any thoughts on lo/no salt version.
You could try leaving 1/2 the salt out. Adding in dulse flakes or other ground sea vegetables may be worth a try?
Absolutely delish! My kids love this tofu just as much as us adults. Household staple for us.
Great to hear Erica!
This was excellent. Two of us ate almost an entire block of tofu! Thank you.
Haha-I know it is too easy to eat! Glad you enjoyed.
I love this recipe. The sauce adds a major flavor. I cooked it twice. The second time I decided to add a bit of liquid amino to my tofu after pressing it, and before adding the rub. I thought it was a good addition.
Sounds great! Glad it worked for you.
This was amazing!
Great to hear!