Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (2024)

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By

Jolinda Hackett

Jolinda Hackett

Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Updated on 08/17/22

Tested by

Kayla Hoang

Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (1)

Tested byKayla Hoang

Kayla Hoang is a freelance recipe developer, writer, and baker whose Bangladeshi and Vietnamese roots influence all she does. Her life revolves around food and she can almost always be found waiting by the oven for a fresh batch of cookies.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (2)

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Marinate: 30 mins

Total: 50 mins

Servings: 4 servings

46 ratings

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Blackened seasoning is a potently fragrant and flavorful seasoning blend used on all sorts of proteins to give the outside a dark and charred crust when cooking in a cast-iron skillet. This type of seasoning is a popular spice for grilling fish, chicken, and steaks, and it works beautifully on plant-based proteins like grilled tofu and tempeh as well. A combination of dry herbs, paprika, black pepper, garlic, and onion powder; this seasoning is also a great addition for roasted vegetables or potatoes, so having extra in the cupboard is always a good idea. Simply follow our measurements, double or triple them, and reserve what you're not using for the recipe for later dishes.

Packed with protein and mild in flavor, tofu is a protein derived from soy. Also called bean curd, it has the appearance of a block of fresh cheese and is usually sold in water. Because of its porous texture, tofu is a great ingredient to marinate or add sauces to as it soaks in anything you put on top or cook it with. It's found in various textures, but always choose extra firm tofu when you're grilling, so it keeps its shape.

For best results, take the time to press the tofu. As in most vegetarian tofu recipes, pressing the tofu also allows it to absorb more of the flavorings and seasonings. If you don't want to use the grill, a greased cast-iron skillet or a nonstick pan works well, but you won't have the very charred appearance, or smoky flavor from the grill.

"Blackened tofu is a great meat-free alternative for the summertime that comes together quickly once the tofu is pressed and marinated. Pressing is really important here as it makes flipping the tofu on the grill easier. Be sure to oil the grates of the grill too!" —Kayla Hoang

Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (3)

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce

For the Blackening Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

  • Canola oil, for the grill

Steps to Make It

Marinate the Tofu

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (4)

  2. Slice the pressed tofu block into 4 pieces of about 1-inch thickness each.

    Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (5)

  3. Place soy sauce in a shallow dish and add the tofu. Marinate, covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes, turning once or twice to marinate evenly.

    Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (6)

Make the Blackening Seasoning

  1. Gather the blackening seasoning ingredients.

    Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (7)

  2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. Mix well.

    Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (8)

Prepare the Tofu

  1. Prepare a medium (350 F to 375 F) gas or charcoal grill fire. Oil the grill grates to create a nonstick surface. Remove the tofu from the soy marinade and dip each piece into the blackened seasoning spice mixture, making sure the tofu is generously coated on both sides.

    Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (9)

  2. Grill the tofu until it has blackened on both sides, about 8 to 10 minutes total.

    Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (10)

How to Serve Blackened Tofu

This flavorful tofu steak can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few of our favorite preparations:

  • Blackened Tofu Salad: In a big bowl, mix 2 cups of spinach, 1 cup of baby arugula, 1 large chopped avocado, and 1 small apple with 4 tablespoons of olive oil a squeeze of lime. Divide the salad among 4 bowls, and top each with a piece of blackened tofu. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with crusty bread on the side.
  • Blackened Tofu Sandwich: Slice a large fresh baguette lengthwise and spread a generous amount of your favorite homemade or store-bought hummus. Place the slices of blackened tofu on the prepared bread. Add a handful of baby kale and a drizzle of olive oil on top. Cut into 4 individual sandwiches and serve with cassava chips.
  • Blackened Buddha Bowl: Prepare 4 bowls with a cup each of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Place a piece of blacked tofu on top. Dollop a tablespoon of hummus, a handful of sunflower seeds, 4 slices of avocado, a handful of baby spinach, and 3 tablespoons of canned, drained black beans around the tofu. Drizzle each bowl with a generous serving of vegan goddess dressing.

Tasty Tofu Recipes to Try Now

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
213Calories
17g Fat
5g Carbs
14g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories213
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g22%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 1163mg51%
Total Carbohydrate 5g2%
Dietary Fiber 3g9%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 14g
Vitamin C 1mg3%
Calcium 345mg27%
Iron 3mg19%
Potassium 320mg7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Recipe Tags:

  • Tofu
  • vegan grilled tofu
  • entree
  • american

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Try This Tasty Blackened Grilled Tofu Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

What can I add to tofu to make it taste better? ›

Toss the cubes with olive oil, tamari or soy sauce, and sriracha. If desired, you could also add cornstarch to make the cubes extra crispy. Finally, bake! Transfer the baking sheet to a 425°F oven and cook until the cubes are browned around the edges.

What should I marinate tofu in? ›

In a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the marinade: soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger, and Sriracha. Drizzle over the tofu. If any pieces look bare, turn them over in the marinade a few times so all of the sides are coated.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Tofu contains a large amount of water when it comes out of the package. In order to bake, fry, or scramble tofu, it's best to press out as much water as possible before cooking. The longer you press your tofu, the firmer the texture will be and the easier it will be to achieve a nice crispy texture.

Why can't you eat spinach and tofu together? ›

As tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively, the combination of the two will form kidney stones. But in fact, only prolonged and volumionous consumption of tofu and spinach at the same time will pose this risk.

Why can't you eat a lot of tofu? ›

Potential Risks of Tofu

Some people believe that eating too much soy can increase the risk of breast cancer, disrupt thyroid function, or "feminize" men (who naturally have lower estrogen levels than women) due to the estrogen-like isoflavones. However, the research is "mixed and inconclusive," according to Iu.

Is tofu good for you to Lose Weight? ›

Low calorie density: Tofu is a low calorie food, with around 70-90 calories per 100 grams, making it a good option for those who are trying to lose weight. This is because foods with low calorie density help you feel full with fewer calories, which can help you consume fewer total calories throughout the day.

Why is my tofu so tasteless? ›

Plain tofu has no specific flavor and is honestly, quite bland. This might be why people tend to hate it but the fact that it's bland is exactly why we should LOVE it. The texture of tofu is more important than the taste- all the different types of tofu have different textures.

How long should you marinate tofu? ›

Seal the bag and leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Tip: Gently massage the tofu in the bag at least once to ensure each tofu cube is well coated and has a chance to soak up those amazing flavors.

What should tofu be seasoned with? ›

soy, sesame oil, sambal, fish sauce, teriyaki, lemongrass, Chinese BBQ sauce, XO sauce, etc. Also, I know that the baked tofu, etc. that has targeted vegetarians use marinade flavors that normally would be used for meats... such as bbq flavor, lemon herb, etc.

Do you put cornstarch before or after marinating tofu? ›

In this recipe I introduced a well balanced Asian sauce that is savory, a little spicy, and full of aroma. It takes no time to put together. Once the tofu is marinated, I use a cornstarch coating with some cumin powder in it.

Do you press tofu before or after marinade? ›

I recommend always pressing tofu before baking it, especially if you're marinating it first — removing excess liquid will make room for all that flavorful marinade. Pan-frying and frying. Pressing your tofu before frying or pan-frying is a good idea!

How to prepare tofu for beginners? ›

A Guide to Cooking Tofu for Beginners
  1. Step 1: Buy the best variety of tofu for what you're cooking. ...
  2. Step 2: Press and drain the tofu. ...
  3. Step 3: Marinate tofu for maximum flavor. ...
  4. Step 3: Cook tofu in the oven, on the stove, or on the grill.

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

Baked, Not Fried.

My method for baking tofu produces tofu that's chewy, but it's cooked in the oven, making it much healthier.

How to cook tofu like a pro? ›

Baking tofu is a hands-off way to make it crispy.
  1. Press the tofu to eliminate as much water as possible, at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
  2. Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor. ...
  3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  4. Pat the tofu dry. ...
  5. Cut the tofu into cubes or planks.
May 11, 2022

Is tofu a high inflammatory food? ›

Tofu and tempeh.

Studies suggest people who eat soy-based foods have lower odds of inflammation-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Nuts and legumes, Tree nuts like almonds and walnuts, along with peanuts, are rich in unsaturated fats, along with anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals.

Can we eat tofu and egg together? ›

Yes, you can eat eggs and soya chunks together. Both eggs and soya chunks are good sources of protein, and consuming them together can help meet your daily protein requirements. You can add boiled or scrambled eggs to your soya chunk curry or stir-fry for a balanced meal.

Is it OK to eat eggs with tofu? ›

By stretching an egg with a little tofu, you reduce the cholesterol and saturated fat. Try tucking it into a whole-wheat pita pocket for a simple and satisfying breakfast sandwich-and a healthful alternative to fast-food fare.

What happens if you blend tofu? ›

Add a few simple ingredients to a blender, blend, and serve. It's simple yet satisfying and delicious! Silken Tofu: The base of this creamy vegan pasta sauce is silken tofu. When silken tofu is blended, it becomes silky and smooth and makes the perfect protein-packed pasta sauce.

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