How to Make Grilled Tofu

The first step in this grilled tofu recipe is pressing the tofu. Don’t skip this step – it’s SO important to press the tofu! It removes excess water from the tofu, which makes the tofu more cohesive and less likely to fall apart on the grill.

Pat the tofu dry, and wrap it in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

Once pressed and patted dry, place it on a cutting board, and then set a heavy cast-iron skillet or Dutch over on top. You could also use another cutting board topped with several heavy cans. Let the tofu sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 90 minutes.

Next, slice the block crosswise into 4 slabs. You’ll notice that it’s much firmer than it was before you pressed it! I rest my case!

Next, season the tofu. This is where you can get creative! You can season grilled tofu in a variety of ways, so you get to pick whatever sounds best to you. Try starting with one of these seasonings:

• • Fajita seasoning mix
  • Chili powder
  • Curry powder
  • Tamari or soy sauce

If you’re using fajita seasoning mix, chili powder, or curry powder, sprinkle the spice over the tofu and drizzle it with avocado oil. If you’re using tamari or soy sauce, drizzle it over the tofu without adding any oil.

Use your hands to coat all sides of the tofu slices in the seasoning.

Finally, grill! Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. When it’s hot, brush or spray the grill grates with oil. Grill the tofu for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until char marks form and the tofu releases from the grill grates.

That’s it!

Grilled Tofu Recipe Tips

• • Use extra-firm only! This grilled tofu recipe will only work with extra-firm tofu. Don’t try making it with soft or silken tofu (or even regular firm tofu, for that matter). All of them will be too soft and watery to hold up on the grill.
  • Don’t skip the press. This is the key to making great grilled tofu! Pressed tofu has a firmer, more satisfying texture, and it’s much less likely to fall apart on the grill.
  • Get the grill (or grill pan) very hot before you add the tofu. Cooking the tofu on a preheated grill helps it form the dark, flavorful char marks. It also reduces the likelihood of the tofu sticking to the grill. If your tofu does stick to the grill try cooking it a minute or two longer before you flip it. Often, if the tofu sticks, it means that it’s not yet fully charred.

Grilled Tofu Serving Suggestions

To take the grilled tofu to the next level, I recommend serving it with a flavorful sauce. If you season the tofu with fajita seasoning mix, chili powder, or curry powder, try serving it with drizzles of cilantro lime dressing (a squeeze of fresh lime juice works too). If you season the tofu with tamari, try spooning my sesame ginger dressing on top.

Round out your meal your favorite grilled or roasted vegetables. When I season the tofu with tamari, I love to serve it with roasted cauliflower as a side dish. When I season it with a lemon vinaigrette, I like it with roasted broccoli.

If you have leftover grilled tofu, tuck it into a sandwich or tacos or add it to a grain bowl the next day.

This grilled tofu recipe is one of my mainstay recipes. As a vegan, I’m always looking for new recipes with protein. And grilled tofu really hits the spot. Let me know in the comments below if you gave this recipe a try and what you think.