BBQ Tofu Skewers are a delicious plant-based grilling recipe featuring marinated tofu grilled until crisp on the outside and tender inside, then glazed with smoky barbecue sauce. These easy BBQ tofu skewers are perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking for a flavorful meat-free BBQ option.
Yields 4 Servings Servings Quarter (1 Serving) Half (2 Servings) Default (4 Servings) Double (8 Servings) Triple (12 Servings) Prep Time 20 minsCook Time 20 minsTotal Time 40 minsFor the Tofu
2 blocks extra-firm tofu (14 oz each), pressed and drained
2 tbsp olive oil
BBQ Marinade
½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or spicy works great)
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
Optional Skewer Add-Ins
Bell peppers
Red onion
Zucchini slices
Pineapple chunks
Mushrooms
Press & prep the tofu
Make the marinade
2
Whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.
Marinate
Skewer
4
Thread tofu onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if using.
Use metal skewers or soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill
Grill
6
Grill skewers 10–15 minutes , turning every 2–3 minutes.
Brush with extra marinade during grilling.
Tofu should be lightly charred and crisp on edges.
Rest & serve
Side Information (Perfect Plant-Based Pairings)
8
Grilled corn with BBQ butter (or vegan butter)
Coleslaw or vinegar slaw
Roasted or grilled potatoes
Smoked mac & cheese (vegan version works great)
Simple green salad
Pairing Suggestions
9
Beer: Pale ale, amber ale, or wheat beer
Wine: Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Sauvignon Blanc
Non-alcoholic: Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling citrus water
Tips & Notes
10
Extra-firm tofu is essential—soft tofu will fall apart.
Pressing tofu = better texture and flavor absorption.
Don’t flip too early; let grill marks form for crispness.
Add chili flakes or chipotle powder for heat.
These skewers also work great in a grill pan or under a broiler.
Ingredients For the Tofu
2 blocks extra-firm tofu (14 oz each), pressed and drained
2 tbsp olive oil
BBQ Marinade
½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or spicy works great)
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
Optional Skewer Add-Ins
Bell peppers
Red onion
Zucchini slices
Pineapple chunks
Mushrooms
Directions Press & prep the tofu
Make the marinade
2
Whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.
Marinate
Skewer
4
Thread tofu onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if using.
Use metal skewers or soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill
Grill
6
Grill skewers 10–15 minutes , turning every 2–3 minutes.
Brush with extra marinade during grilling.
Tofu should be lightly charred and crisp on edges.
Rest & serve
Side Information (Perfect Plant-Based Pairings)
8
Grilled corn with BBQ butter (or vegan butter)
Coleslaw or vinegar slaw
Roasted or grilled potatoes
Smoked mac & cheese (vegan version works great)
Simple green salad
Pairing Suggestions
9
Beer: Pale ale, amber ale, or wheat beer
Wine: Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Sauvignon Blanc
Non-alcoholic: Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling citrus water
Tips & Notes
10
Extra-firm tofu is essential—soft tofu will fall apart.
Pressing tofu = better texture and flavor absorption.
Don’t flip too early; let grill marks form for crispness.
Add chili flakes or chipotle powder for heat.
These skewers also work great in a grill pan or under a broiler.
