A simple recipe, barbecue tofu comes together quickly as a high-protein main, side, or snack.
Chinese (Refrigerated) Tofu
Read more about tofu varieties in my Vegan Hard-Boiled “Eggs” post. One may be better than the other depending on what you’re making.
For this recipe, I’ve only used Chinese tofu. You can generally find this quickly coagulated bean curd in a refrigerator of a US grocery store. Slowly coagulated Japanese tofu, by contrast, is generally vacuum-packed and stored on shelves.
I suspect the Japanese variety is too silky to retain its shape in this application. That said, I encourage you to experiment and report back here!
3-Ingredient Barbecue Tofu
Description
Temperature and airflow are critical for crisping your tofu. If one or the other is lacking, your food will stick.
Give your oven time to preheat fully. (Mine takes about 30 minutes.) And should you double this recipe, double the number of trays you use too.
Ingredients
Instructions
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If desired, make barbecue sauce. Bring to room temperature before proceeding.
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Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment.
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Drain and pat tofu dry. Cut into 1/2-in (1.25-cm) cubes patting dry between cuts.
- Stand tofu on smallest rectangular face with shortest edge facing you. Slice into 2 slabs.
- Lay tofu cut side-up and pat dry again. Slice each slab longways into 6 sticks.
- Pat freshly sliced sides dry once more, then cut each stick into 8 cubes.
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Move tofu to a large bowl. Gently but thoroughly toss with cornstarch.
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Evenly space cubes on prepared baking sheet. If cubes are different sizes, place smaller ones toward middle; larger, edges. Aim to have the largest side of each piece facing down, contacting the baking sheet.
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Bake 15 min, until tofu effortlessly releases from sheet. Toss and bake another 5.
Grab another large bowl, or wash the one from Step 4 while you wait. -
Transfer tofu to bowl. Coat with barbecue sauce and serve immediately.
Note
Serve with another easy recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with No-Waste "Bacon"!
