Chipotle Barbecued Tofu
Smoky, spicy, and irresistibly delicious, Chipotle Barbecued Tofu is the ultimate plant-based protein dish for your next dinner or cookout. This recipe transforms extra-firm tofu into flavorful, golden cubes coated in a zesty marinade made from smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, maple syrup, soy sauce, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin. Whether baked until crispy in the oven or grilled to perfect charred edges, this dish is a bold yet balanced fusion of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Serve it up with rice, fresh salads, or grilled veggies for a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein. Perfect for barbecue lovers looking for a meatless twist, this tofu dish is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) Extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 peppers Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon Adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons Maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object (such as a skillet) on top. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
While the tofu is pressing, prepare the marinade. In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes, making sure every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let the tofu marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill for medium-high heat.
If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the tofu from the marinade (reserving the excess marinade) and toss it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to help it crisp up.
Spread the tofu cubes in an even layer on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy.
Brush the reserved marinade onto the tofu halfway through baking for an extra smoky glaze.
If grilling, thread the marinated tofu cubes onto skewers. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade as they cook, until slightly charred.
Serve the chipotle barbecued tofu hot with your choice of sides, such as rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
259 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.3 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 631 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.7 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 16.1 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 363 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 222 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
