Make this easy baked Smoked Tofu with just 6 ingredients! It’s packed with smoky flavor and a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Simple to prepare, this tofu is great for salads, sandwiches, or as a delicious snack!
Looking for more tofu-based recipes? Check out my Tofu Bacon, Tofu Ground Beef, and Orange Tofu for more delicious, plant-based options! They’re all easy to make and perfect for adding a tasty twist to your meals.
Making your own smoked tofu at home is super easy, and you can adjust the flavors to your taste. The tofu absorbs the smoky marinade, giving it a delicious, savory flavor that works in so many dishes. You can make it as smoky or sweet as you like, so it’s perfect for whatever you’re craving.
This recipe is really simple to make and always turns out great. Whether you're tossing it in a salad, piling it on a sandwich, or adding it to a bowl, this homemade smoked tofu will bring a tasty boost to your meals with hardly any effort!
Ingredients for smoked tofu
- Firm tofu: For this recipe, it’s best to use firm or extra firm tofu. Personally, I prefer firm tofu because extra firm can be a bit too dry for my taste, but it’s really up to you. Just keep in mind that soft or silken tofu won’t work here as it will fall apart too easily.
- Soy sauce: You can use regular soy sauce for this recipe, but if you're looking for a gluten-free option, tamari works great. Coconut aminos is also a good gluten-free choice, and it’s soy-free as well.
- Liquid smoke: This is the key ingredient that gives the tofu its smoky flavor. It's best to use the liquid version, but if you can’t find it, you can also use the powdered form. You can typically find liquid smoke at most grocery stores or online, usually in the seasoning or BBQ sauce section.
- Maple syrup: It's best to use a liquid sweetener like agave syrup or coconut syrup, but you can also use brown sugar or granulated sugar.
- Apple cider vinegar: You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar, rice vinegar, or lemon juice.
- Olive oil: Avocado oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil are great alternatives. If you want an oil-free version, you can skip the oil, but using it helps the tofu marinate better and gives it a richer texture.
Find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
How to make smoked tofu
Step 1: Press the tofu by wrapping it in a clean towel and applying weight to squeeze out the moisture. This step is optional but recommended.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade.
Step 3: Slice the tofu into ¼ to ½ inch thick pieces (about 0.5 to 1 cm), or cut it into cubes or any shape you like. Arrange the slices in a baking dish.
Step 4: Pour the marinade over the tofu and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate it overnight for up to 24 hours.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Transfer the marinated tofu to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake for about 30 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through, or until it's slightly darkened.
Storage instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the smoked tofu if needed. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 1 month.
Reheat from the fridge: To reheat, simply warm the tofu in the oven at 350ºF (180ºC) for about 10-15 minutes, or heat it in a skillet with a bit of oil until warmed through.
Reheat from the freezer: To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven or skillet as mentioned above. You can also reheat directly from the freezer by baking at 350ºF (180ºC) for about 20-25 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
It’s ideal to press the tofu, as this helps it absorb the marinade better, resulting in more flavor. Pressing also improves the texture, making it firmer and less watery. However, if you're short on time, you can skip pressing it and it will still taste great, just with a bit less flavor and a slightly softer texture.
For the best results, it’s recommended to use firm or extra firm tofu. These types hold their shape well and absorb the marinade better. Soft or silken tofu won’t work as well because it tends to fall apart.
For the best flavor, marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. However, if you have the time, letting it marinate overnight in the fridge (up to 24 hours) will really allow the tofu to absorb the flavors and give it a richer taste.
Yes, you can make this smoked tofu gluten-free! Simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, as tamari is gluten-free. You can also use coconut aminos if you need a soy-free and gluten-free option. Just make sure to check all other ingredients for gluten.
You can add it to a fresh Vegan Caesar Salad for a protein boost, or toss it into a delicious Vegan Pasta Salad for a filling dish.
For a complete meal, try it in a Vegan Buddha Bowl with grains, veggies, and a tasty dressing. If you're in the mood for something spicier, make Tofu Tacos and top them with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
You can also use it in sandwiches or wraps; just add your favorite veggies and sauces like Vegan Mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
And don't forget, smoked tofu pairs perfectly with dipping sauces like Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing or Vegan Chipotle Sauce for a flavorful snack or appetizer!
More tofu recipes
Smoked Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, 14-16 ounces (400-450 g)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional, but recommended
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Press the tofu (just wrap the tofu in a clean towel and apply a steady weight to squeeze out moisture). This step is optional but highly recommended.
- Prepare the marinade: Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Cut the tofu: Cut into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices (about 0.5 to 1 cm). You can also cut the tofu into cubes or any shape you prefer. Then, place the tofu slices in a baking dish.
- Marinate the tofu: Pour the marinade over the tofu and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and transfer the tofu slices to a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the tofu: Bake the tofu for about 30 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through, or until they're slightly darkened.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Freeze any extra tofu in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month.
- Reheat from the fridge by placing it in the oven at 350ºF (180ºC) for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet with a little oil until hot.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and then cook as mentioned above, or bake directly from frozen at 350ºF (180ºC) for 20-25 minutes.
Gina says
Thanks for this recipe. Can't find smoked tofu where we live, and need to make my own. This sounds like it will be a winner. Will come back with a star rating after I try making it this weekend.
Iosune Robles says
You're welcome, Gina! I'm so glad you found the recipe helpful. I hope it turns out great for you! Looking forward to hearing how it goes and your star rating after you try it this weekend. 😊