Satisfy your cravings with this smoky, savory, and completely plant-based twist on a barbecue favorite—Vegan Grilled Pork Belly! Made from protein-rich extra firm tofu, this recipe captures the rich, indulgent flavor of traditional pork belly using a bold marinade of soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, and spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder. Each tofu slice is marinated to perfection, coated in a cornstarch and olive oil paste for ultimate crispiness, and then grilled to achieve that satisfying caramelized char. Whether served solo, in sandwiches, or tucked into tacos, this vegan recipe is a high-protein, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or cozy weeknight dinners. With only 20 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this innovative recipe is a must-try for anyone exploring plant-based barbecue delights!
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture: Place the tofu block between two paper towels and set a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.
Once pressed, slice the tofu into 1/4-inch slabs to resemble strips similar to pork belly.
In a shallow dish, combine soy sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper.
Submerge the tofu slices in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Remove the tofu from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel. Reserve the remaining marinade.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and olive oil to form a paste. Lightly coat each tofu slice with the cornstarch mixture, enhancing crispiness when grilled.
Place the tofu on the grill. Grill each side for 4–5 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
Once grilled, remove from heat and let rest for a minute.
Serve immediately as a standalone dish or in sandwiches or tacos for a delightful vegan meal.
Calories |
937 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.3 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2528 mg | 110% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 62.0 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.7 g | ||
| Protein | 69.6 g | 139% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2760 mg | 212% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 1344 mg | 29% | |
*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.