BBQ Tofu

This BBQ Tofu is really easy to make. It's crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. Made with simple ingredients like tofu, BBQ sauce, and a few spices, it's perfect for serving with rice, salads, potatoes, sandwiches, or bowls. Since it's baked in the oven, it's also great for weeknight dinners and easy everyday meals, with no grill needed.

To make it, the tofu is coated with a simple mix of oil, cornstarch, and spices, then baked until crispy before being tossed with BBQ sauce and baked again until sticky and caramelized. I usually make it in the oven because it's easy and reliable, but you can also cook it on the grill if you prefer.

It's perfect for summer cookouts, easy weeknight dinners, or meal prep throughout the week. I love serving it with rice, potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables for a simple meal. It also works really well in sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and salads, especially with extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top.

If you enjoy this BBQ Tofu, you might also like my Tofu Steak, Vegan Burger, and Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork. They're great for cookouts, easy dinners, and whenever you're craving something smoky, savory, and satisfying. And if you want to learn more ways to cook tofu, check out my How to Cook Tofu guide.

Why You'll Love This BBQ Tofu

This is why I keep coming back to it:

• Crispy on the outside and juicy inside: Baking the tofu first helps it turn golden and crispy around the edges while staying tender in the center.
• Sweet, smoky, and sticky: The BBQ sauce caramelizes in the oven and coats the tofu perfectly, giving it a delicious sweet and smoky flavor.
• Made with simple ingredients: You only need tofu, BBQ sauce, and a few pantry staples to make this recipe.
• Easy to make in the oven: No grill or complicated steps needed. The oven does most of the work for you.
• Perfect for bowls, sandwiches, and more: It's a versatile recipe that works well with rice, salads, wraps, sandwiches, or your favorite sides.

BBQ Tofu Ingredients

• Tofu: Extra-firm or firm tofu work best for this recipe. Pressing isn't required, but I do recommend it because it helps remove excess moisture, which gives the tofu a firmer texture and helps it get crispier in the oven. You can learn more in my How to Press Tofu guide.
• Olive oil: Helps the tofu brown and crisp up nicely. You can also use avocado oil or any other neutral-flavored oil.
• Cornstarch: Helps the tofu get crispier in the oven. You can also use arrowroot starch or potato starch if needed.
• Garlic powder: Adds extra flavor without needing fresh garlic. Onion powder also works well.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that help balance the flavors. Adjust to taste depending on how salty your BBQ sauce is.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, either homemade or store-bought. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy styles all work well here. I also love using my Healthy Barbecue Sauce recipe.

Find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make BBQ Tofu

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. If you want crispier tofu, press it beforehand to remove some of the excess moisture.

2. Slice the tofu into triangles or cubes and transfer them to a large bowl.

3. Drizzle in the olive oil and add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the tofu is coated.

4. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the top and toss again until evenly combined.

5. Spread the tofu onto the baking tray in a single layer.

6. Bake for 15 minutes, flip the tofu pieces, then bake for another 10 minutes until golden around the edges.

7. Add the BBQ sauce and gently stir until all the pieces are coated.

8. Return the tofu to the oven for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky. Serve right away.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don't skip the cornstarch: It helps the tofu get crispier and gives the sauce something to cling to.
• Spread the tofu in a single layer: Leaving a little space between the pieces helps them brown better in the oven instead of steaming.
• Add the BBQ sauce at the end: Baking the tofu first keeps it crispier. Adding the sauce during the last few minutes helps it become sticky and caramelized without burning.
• Use a BBQ sauce you really like: Since the sauce is the main flavor here, using a good-quality BBQ sauce makes a big difference.
• Serve it right away for the best texture: The tofu is crispiest fresh out of the oven, especially around the edges.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Tofu goes really well with classic BBQ side dishes like my Vegan Coleslaw, Vegan Mac and Cheese, Vegan Potato Salad, and Vegan Baked Beans. If you want a lighter option, you can also serve it with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or corn on the cob.

You can also use it in sandwiches, wraps, bowls, or salads for an easy lunch or dinner. It's delicious served with Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Roasted Potatoes, Vegan Cornbread, Roasted Broccoli, or Sautéed Kale for a simple and comforting meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Fridge: Store the BBQ tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing for the best texture.
• Thaw: Transfer it to the fridge and let it thaw overnight, or reheat it straight from frozen if needed.
• Reheat: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven or air fryer at 350ºF (180ºC) until warm and slightly crispy again. The microwave works too, although the tofu will be softer. If it looks a little dry, add a bit more BBQ sauce before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Vegan Tofu Recipes

• Grilled Tofu
• Smoked Tofu
• Korean BBQ Tofu
• Vegan Buffalo Wings
• Tofu Katsu