Grilled Tofu Skewers are a delicious, protein-packed vegan dish that's perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. These skewers are marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices, then grilled to crispy perfection. The result is a smoky, golden exterior with a soft and juicy interior, making them the ideal plant-based alternative for your next occasion.
The best part of this dish is its simplicity and versatility. The tofu is threaded onto skewers, grilled to a golden brown, and served with a rich peanut dipping sauce that enhances the flavors even further. It's a quick, easy, and nutritious meal or snack that you can enjoy on its own or serve alongside other sides. Whether you're a tofu lover or just looking for a new way to enjoy plant-based food, these grilled tofu skewers might quickly become a go-to recipe in your grilling recipe collection.
If you like this recipe, then you should try our Kung Pao Tofu or Tofu Lettuce Wraps next.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Vegan and protein-packed. Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this dish both nutritious and filling.
- Flavorful and smoky. The marinade gives the tofu an irresistible flavor that gets enhanced by grilling, creating a crispy, smoky exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.
- Simple to make. With just a few pantry staples and veggies, you can create a meal that's easy and quick to prepare.
- Perfect for meal prep. These tofu skewers are great for prepping ahead of time. Grill a batch for the week, and you have a delicious, ready-to-eat protein for salads, wraps, or bowls.
- Customizable. Add your favorite vegetables or spices to make these skewers your own. They're flexible and adaptable to any flavor profile.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
To make these grilled tofu skewers, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):
- tofu - Choose firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture on the grill. Press the tofu to remove excess water for a firmer consistency.
- soy sauce - Adds saltiness and umami flavor. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative, and coconut aminos can be used for a soy-free option.
- sesame oil - Provides a nutty richness and flavor to the marinade. You can use a light sesame oil for a milder flavor or toasted sesame oil for a deeper, roasted flavor.
- vinegar - Adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors. Use balsamic vinegar for a slight sweetness or white vinegar for a sharper tang.
- sesame seeds - Used as a garnish for a crunchy texture and an extra layer of sesame flavor.
- peanut dipping sauce - Serve these skewers with peanut sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. To make it, you will need hoisin sauce or sweet soy sauce, peanut butter, water, sesame oil, and lime juice.
Equipment
You'll also need bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning), a grill or grill pan, a small bowl for the marinade, and a basting brush for the oil.
Instructions
- Combine. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed tofu chunks with soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar. Stir well to coat the tofu evenly in the marinade.
- Thread. Thread the marinated tofu onto bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between each cube. Add 4-5 cubes to each skewer.
- Grill. Lightly brush the grill pan or large skillet with oil. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until the oil starts to shimmer. Place the skewers in the pan, ensuring they're evenly spaced. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Occasionally brush with the leftover soy sauce marinade on each side to enhance the flavor.
- Make sauce. Make the peanut dipping sauce by whisking together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, water, sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Serve. Once grilled, sprinkle the tofu skewers with sesame seeds and serve immediately with the peanut dipping sauce.
Top Tip: Press the Tofu
For extra crispy tofu, press out as much water as possible before marinating it. The less moisture in the tofu, the better it will absorb the marinade and grill up to a crispy, golden texture.
More Tips and Tricks
- Marinate longer. For the best flavor, marinate the tofu for at least a half an hour, or overnight in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more flavorful the tofu will be.
- Use skewers for easy flipping. To make grilling easier, use bamboo skewers for threading the tofu. This not only allows for even grilling but also makes it simpler to turn the skewers without the tofu falling apart.
- Cook on the stovetop. If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, use a non-stick grill pan to achieve similar grill marks and crispiness. Just make sure the pan is well-heated before placing the skewers in.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers. When threading tofu onto the skewers, leave some space between each piece. This allows the heat to circulate better and ensures that the tofu gets that crispy, caramelized exterior.
- Brush with oil for extra crispiness. For an extra crispy and flavorful finish, brush the tofu cubes with olive oil or sesame oil before grilling. This helps achieve a golden-brown crust and prevents sticking on the grill.
Recipe Variations
- Add veggies. Feel free to load up the skewers with a variety of your favorite veggies such as mushroom, red onion, pineapple, or tomatoes. The more colorful, the better!
- Spicy. Add a dash of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Teriyaki. Substitute the soy sauce marinade with teriyaki sauce, adding a touch of grated ginger and garlic. Once grilled, top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Mediterranean. Marinate tofu in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and basil. Thread it with veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, then grill and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus.
- Smoky. Season tofu with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little olive oil.
- Sweet chili. Marinate tofu in a mix of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Add a little garlic and chili flakes for extra flavor. After grilling, drizzle with more sweet chili sauce.
Storage
How to Store
Store leftover grilled tofu skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
Place the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can heat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they're evenly warmed.
How to Freeze
Grilled tofu skewers can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.
How to Serve
Grilled tofu skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them the perfect addition to any meal. For a complete meal, serve them over a bed of rice or quinoa. You can also wrap them in a tortilla or flatbread with hummus and fresh veggies for a tasty and satisfying wrap. For a lighter option, add them to a salad as a protein-packed topping, or pair them with a side of grilled vegetables for a colorful and nutrient-rich dish.
We like to elevate the flavor with our homemade peanut sauce drizzled on top or served on the side. Some of my other favorite sauces to serve with tofu skewers are:
FAQ
Yes, you can make tofu skewers in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a stovetop pan, heat over medium-high heat and cook the skewers, turning regularly until crispy and browned. If using the oven, try broiling the skewers for an extra crispy finish. The key is to get a nice, crispy texture on the outside while keeping the tofu tender inside.
Yes, grilling tofu on a skewer is a great way to cook it. Skewering the tofu allows it to cook evenly and get that crispy, golden exterior. Just make sure the tofu is firm or extra firm, as softer varieties may break apart on the skewer. When using skewers, press the tofu to remove as much moisture as possible to help it firm up. Also, be gentle when turning the skewers on the grill to prevent the tofu from falling off.
Tofu can stick to the grill if it's not properly prepared. Be sure to press out excess moisture and marinate the tofu before grilling. Lightly oil the grill or brush the tofu with sesame oil or olive oil to prevent sticking. Additionally, using a grill basket or grilling the tofu on skewers can help keep it from sticking and make flipping easier. This way, you avoid the hassle of tofu falling apart or sticking to the grill grates.
While marinating tofu for an extended period can enhance the flavor, marinating it for too long can cause the tofu to become too soft and soggy. Ideally, tofu should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours in the refrigerator. Over-marinating can cause the tofu to absorb too much liquid, which may affect its texture when grilled. If you're short on time, a quick marinade of 30 minutes to 1 hour is sufficient to allow the tofu to soak up the flavors.
More Tofu Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Grilled Tofu Skewers (Vegan)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 skewers
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Grilled Tofu Skewers are a delicious, protein-packed vegan dish that's perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. These skewers are marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices, then grilled to crispy perfection. The result is a smoky, golden exterior with a soft and juicy interior, making them the ideal plant-based alternative for your next occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) block extra firm tofu, pat dry and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, (optional, for garnish)
For the peanut dipping sauce (optional):
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce or sweet soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed tofu with soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar. Stir well to coat the tofu evenly in the marinade.
- Thread the marinated tofu onto bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between each cube. Add 4-5 cubes to each skewer.
- Lightly brush the grill pan or large skillet with oil. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until the oil starts to shimmer. Place the skewers in the pan, ensuring they're evenly spaced. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Occasionally brush with the leftover soy sauce marinade on each side to enhance the flavor.
- Make the peanut dipping sauce by whisking together hoisin sauce, peanut butter, water, sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Once grilled, sprinkle the tofu skewers with sesame seeds and serve immediately with the peanut dipping sauce.
Notes
How to store: Store leftover grilled tofu skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to reheat: Place the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can heat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they're evenly warmed.
How to freeze: Grilled tofu skewers can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Vegetarian
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Chinese
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