Sticky-sweet baked BBQ tofu is perfect parked next to your favorite green veggie on top of a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.
Jump to:
If you love sweet, sticky, toothsome barbecue but don't like standing over the grill or stove, this BBQ tofu recipe is for you! You only need two ingredients to make it. No, really!
Ingredients and substitutions
You truly do only need two ingredients to make this recipe:
- tofu - Extra firm tofu that you've pressed and cubed is key to this recipe. Don't skip pressing!
- vegan BBQ sauce - Not all BBQ sauces are vegan. See the section below on choosing a vegan BBQ sauce for your tofu!
Choosing vegan BBQ sauce
The one thing to keep in mind when choosing your sauce is that not all BBQ sauce is vegan. Here are the main animal ingredients to keep an eye out for when you are shopping for BBQ sauces:
- honey
- anchovies
- meat or meat stock
Store brand BBQ sauces are often vegan, but you should still give those ingredients a once-over.
How to make baked BBQ tofu
Preheat the oven to 425° F.
In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with two tablespoons of BBQ sauce. Arrange the tofu on a lined baking sheet, then bake for 20 minutes. Set aside, and don’t turn off the oven yet.
Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce into the bottom of an 8×8" glass baking pan, and shake the pan to spread the sauce out evenly. Arrange the baked tofu cubes on top, then top off with the rest of the sauce, shaking again to distribute the sauce.
Stick the uncovered pan of tofu and BBQ sauce into the oven, and bake for 30 minutes.
Helpful tips
- Don't skip pressing the tofu! Pressing gets the water out, making the tofu super firm, which is what you want for this BBQ tofu recipe.
- You don't have to do the first round of baking, but it does give the tofu an incredible texture. If you're in a time crunch, just skip the first bake and up the baking time from 30 minutes to 40.
Storage directions
Leftover baked BBQ tofu will keep for three to five days in a covered container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave. You can also reheat in the oven or in a pan on the stovetop on medium heat.
Frequently asked questions
I love to pair baked BBQ tofu up with mashed potatoes and steamed or roasted green veggies. It's also lovely with rice and veggies or even as a salad topper or stuffed into wraps!
You can also go a more cookout direction and serve it with barbecue sides, like potato salad, broccoli slaw, and pesto potato salad.
More barbecue tofu recipes
📖 Recipe
Baked BBQ tofu recipe
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu - pressed and cut into ½" cubes
- 1 ½ cups vegan BBQ sauce - about one 18-ounce bottle
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425° F.
- In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with two tablespoons of BBQ sauce. Arrange the tofu on a lined baking sheet, then bake for 20 minutes. Set aside, and don’t turn off the oven yet.
- Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce into the bottom of an 8×8" glass baking pan, and shake the pan to spread the sauce out evenly. Arrange the baked tofu cubes on top, then top off with the rest of the sauce, shaking again to distribute the sauce.
- Stick the uncovered pan of tofu and BBQ sauce into the oven, and bake for 30 minutes.
mary salerno
This is one of my favorite go to recipes, along with the quinoa, lentil meatloaf. I love those, and I have the tofu in the oven as we speak.
Becky Striepe
Thank you so much, Mary! I love to hear that. :)
Linda Goldberg
I love this recipe - so easy and so good! It was completely addictive right out of the oven. I had to immediately refrigerate the leftovers so I wouldn't eat the whole pan. I used leftovers today for for sandwiches on burger buns. Good hot, cold and room temperature. :-)
Becky Striepe
Ooh I love the idea of using leftovers in a sandwich. I hope you added pickle chips!
Abbie
What happened to this recipe? It's my favorite, and I can't find it now. Please help!!!
Becky Striepe
If you're not seeing the recipe on the page, try disabling your ad blocker. Some ad blockers are very aggressive and block all of the content! :(
Sarah De la Cruz
This is one of our favorite recipes of yours! Love it—soooooo yummy, and super easy for a weeknight dinner because it is so hands off! A total hit with my kids!!!
Vegan Heaven
This looks so delicious, Becky! The tofu press sounds great! :-)
Becky Striepe
Thank you!
Cadry
This barbecue tofu would be so good with greens and mac & cheese. You did such a great job in the video!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes
OMG! That tofu press would make my life soooo much easier! Right now I'm always wrapping my tofu in paper towels then putting heavy books on top and pressing on it. How was I not aware that the tofu press was a thing? Once I get my hands on one of those I'll have to try your bbq tofu! Looks delish ;)
Sarah
The boys and I are borderline obsessed with tofu. And anything BBQ. So we'll be making this asap. Maybe even tonight. I even have potatoes and broccoli!!!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
I've been tempted by tofu presses before - it seems like almost a must for baked tofu! And I'm all about bbq sauce :)
Sarah
I have two tofu presses now! My family is a two block family so I asked for another one last Christmas. Love them!!! It really does save time, mess, and presses it better than with a towel!
Tanya
Wonder how this would be with Buffalo sauce?!?
Becky Striepe
One of my Twitter followers tried it and said it was awesome! Or was that you?
Aimee
The tofu press sounds amazing! And this looks soooooo delicious
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
Twice baked sounds perfect for me! I only like my tofu crispy, so the more it crisps the better!
Jenn
Twice baked? Genius! Never thought to do that. I love baked tofu so much and with BBQ sauce this is such comfort food!
Dianne
I love my EZ Tofu Press! I also love the look of this barbecue tofu!