Plant-based eaters and veggie lovers: this tutorial is for you! If you’ve ever been stuck at a BBQ that only has hot dogs and hamburgers to eat, it’s time to bring the party and introduce everyone to the magic of grilled tofu.
Not only is grilling tofu incredibly easy (when done correctly) but it’s also SO delicious and versatile because you can add literally any spices or marinades your heart desires. Plus, it pairs with every side dish imaginable.
Don’t just take my word for it, get the full tutorial in this post and enjoy this vegan grilling option all summer.
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Why grill tofu?
- It will feed your veggie friends. Tofu is an amazing source of plant based protein, so your vegan and vegetarian friends & family members will appreciate being included at your next BBQ!
- It’s extremely versatile. Tofu is also the perfect base for your favorite marinades because it’s so neutral in flavor. Feel free to use recommended spices & marinades below or get creative in the kitchen!
- There are multiple ways to do it. In this tutorial you’ll learn a couple of great ways to grill tofu that are quick, easy and so delicious. You’ll be a pro in no time!
- No undercooking. Because tofu is plant-based, you actually won’t be able to undercook it! No need for a meat thermometer here.
Which tofu is best for grilling?
The type of tofu you choose to grill is super important. I recommend using extra firm tofu so that it holds together well. Other types of tofu will be too soft to place on your grill.
Don’t forget these steps before grilling tofu
You’ll want to remove as much of the excess water in the tofu as possible so that it holds flavor and gets nice and crispy:
Step 1: Wrap your extra firm tofu block with a dish towel and place it on a plate.
Step 2: Place a wooden cutting board on top.
Step 3: Put something heavy on top of the cutting board like a pot of water, books, etc. so that the water begins to squeeze out into the towel.
Alternatively, you can also use a tofu press specifically designed for squeezing out tofu!
How to cut tofu for grilling
We’ll go over two ways to cut up your block of tofu after you’ve squeezed the water out. These will correspond to the two different ways you can grill it!
- For direct grilling: cut your tofu into 2×3” strips or rectangles, about ⅓ to ½ inch wide. Again, do not cut them smaller as they can fall apart on the grill.
- For tofu kabobs: cut your tofu into 1 ½ inch cubes — no smaller.
Have fun with flavors
As I mentioned tofu is perfect for grilling because it takes on any flavors you want! You’ll want to let your tofu sit in a marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling it. Here are some of our fav ways to season & marinate tofu before grilling it:
- Asian-inspired: add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or coconut aminos, 1 ½ tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar and ½ tablespoons of toasted sesame oil
- Sweet pineapple: add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons fresh pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic and ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- Crispy coconut: 2 tablespoons coconut flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Taco flavored: 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder, ¾ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt & pepper
P.S. any of our amazing chicken marinades would also be delicious used on tofu!
Prep your grill to cook tofu
While you should always scrape off leftover bits from your grill before using it, you’ll to do a couple more housekeeping items on your grill before grilling tofu:
- Preheat & scrape. It’s best to scrape off those bits from leftover food while your grill is preheating so that they come off easily.
- Add oil. Yes, you’ll have to season your grill grates with oil before cooking tofu. This is because tofu doesn’t have the natural fat content that meat does, making it more prone to sticking. Feel free to brush oil on the grates or use tongs to rub an oil-coated towel on the grates.
How to grill tofu: 2 amazing methods
Method 1: grill directly
- Preheat your grill to 400 degrees F. Scrape off any leftover bits from the last time you grilled, and oil the grates well.
- Place your marinated tofu slices directly on your grill (going the opposite way from the grill grates so they don’t fall through) and cook for 6-7 minutes or until nice grill marks are appearing on one side.
- Flip using a metal spatula or fish spatula for ease and cook for 6-7 minutes more until the tofu is nice and golden with grill marks. Optional: brush more of the marinade on the second side of your tofu to give it extra flavor!
Method 2: make tofu kabobs
- Preheat your grill to 400 degrees F. Scrape off any leftover bits from the last time you grilled, and oil the grates well.
- Carefully thread the tofu cubes and any veggies you’d like onto your skewers.
- Place each tofu kabob on the grill and cook for 10 minutes total, rotating every few minutes with tongs until the tofu is golden with nice grill marks.
When is grilled tofu fully cooked?
Tofu is amazing for grilling because you don’t have to worry too much about it being undercooked. Just watch for a golden brown color with nice grill marks — that means it’s ready!
What to serve with grilled tofu
Treat your delicious grilled tofu just like you would with any other proteins! Serve it up with:
- Perfectly Grilled Vegetables
- Sesame Garlic Grilled Sweet Potato Fries with Yogurt Curry Dip
- Best Healthy Coleslaw Ever (no mayo!)
- Vegan Potato Salad with Herbed Tahini Sauce
- Vegan Caesar Salad
- Avocado Peach Tomato Salad with Dilly Tahini Dressing
- Tony’s Melt-In-Your-Mouth Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Get all of our grilling recipes here, and even more plant-based recipes here!
More amazing grilling tutorials
- How to Grill Vegetables
- How to Grill Chicken Breast that’s Perfectly Juicy
- How to Grill Perfect Salmon
- How to Grill the Best Burgers
Don’t forget to sign up for the AK Ultimate Guide to Grilling here! See below for the perfect printable guide for grilling all 4 different proteins.
I hope you love these easy methods for grilling tofu! If you try them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy, xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
How to Grill Tofu (2 different ways!)
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package extra firm tofu, drained, squeezed of excess moisture and cut into 2x3" strips or rectangles
- Sweet pineapple marinade
- Optional: your favorite seasonings or marinade
Instructions
- Method 1: directly on the grill. Marinate your tofu slices for at least 30 minutes.Preheat your grill to 400 degrees F. Scrape off any lefotver bits from the last time you grilled, and oil the grates well.Place your marinated tofu silces directly on your grill the opposite way of your grill grates so they don't fall through. Cook for 6-7 minutes or until nice gril marks appear on one side.Flip using a metal spatula or fish spatula and cook for 6-7 minutes more until tofu is nice and golden brown with grill marks. Optional: brush more of the marinade on the second side of your tofu to give it extra flavor!
- Method 2: make tofu kabobs. Preheat your grill to 400 degrees F. Scrape off any leftover bits from the last time you grilled, and oil the grates well.Carefully thread the tofu cubes and any veggies you’d like onto your skewers.Place each tofu kabob on the grill and cook for 10 minutes total, rotating every few minutes with tongs until the tofu is golden with nice grill marks.
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
Print this easy guide to grilling proteins
“Kabobs”? It’s the first time I’m seeing this LOL so silly. It’s Kebap/Kebab, sweetie.
i am going to make the grilled tofu for my daughter and was wondering if I can cook them and then warm them up, as we are going to my family for dinner and wanting to make her meal ahead of time.
Hi, Maria! Yes, you can definitely do that 🙂 Feel free to reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stove.
Love this tutorial – I have been intimidated by the thought of grilling tofu. Your tutorial lays it out so well – inspirational – thank you!!
Aw, glad to hear it’s helpful!! 🙂