This Easy Crispy BBQ Tofu is perfect for anyone who loves a quick, tasty meal! Tofu gets coated in barbecue sauce and then baked until it’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Even my non-vegetarian friends can’t get enough of it. Serve it with rice or salad for a fun dinner that everyone will love! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best because it holds its shape and gets crispy when cooked. If you’re not a tofu fan or want a different texture, you could use tempeh as an alternative. Just remember, tempeh has a stronger flavor!
Cornstarch: This is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. It helps the moisture escape during frying. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute with arrowroot powder or potato starch, which offer similar crispiness.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite kind for this recipe, whether it’s spicy, sweet, or tangy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try homemade BBQ sauce with natural sweeteners. You can also experiment with different flavors, like teriyaki sauce!
How Do You Get The Tofu Crispy?
Getting crispy tofu can seem tricky, but with the right steps, it’s easy! The key is to remove as much moisture as you can and ensure good coating. Here’s how:
- Press the tofu before cooking to eliminate excess moisture using a tofu press or a heavy object.
- Toss the tofu in the cornstarch mixture until each piece is well-coated—this creates that delicious crispy crust.
- Fry the tofu in hot oil but avoid overcrowding the pan. Giving space allows hot air to circulate properly for crispiness.
- Monitor the heat! If the oil is not hot enough, the tofu will soak up oil instead of crisping up.
These tips will help you master the art of crispy tofu every time!
Easy Crispy BBQ Tofu
Ingredients:
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of approximately 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s great for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Begin by draining the tofu. To eliminate excess moisture, you can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean towel, then place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. This step is essential for getting that crispy texture! Once pressed, cut the tofu into triangles or bite-sized cubes, whichever you prefer.
2. Make the Coating:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give the tofu its great flavor and crunchy coating!
3. Coat the Tofu:
Toss the tofu pieces gently in the cornstarch mixture until each piece is fully coated. This will ensure that every bite of your BBQ tofu is delectably crispy.
4. Pan-Fry the Tofu:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu pieces in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are crispy. Once they’re done, place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Coat with BBQ Sauce:
In a clean bowl, take your crispy tofu and pour the BBQ sauce over it. Toss gently until all the pieces are well coated in the sauce, allowing that delicious BBQ flavor to stick.
6. Serve:
Finally, transfer the BBQ tofu to a serving dish. If you’d like, garnish it with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve your crispy BBQ tofu hot, alongside rice, salad, or steamed veggies for a complete meal!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful BBQ tofu that’s perfect for beginners! It’s quick, simple, and full of taste. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Tofu?
Yes, while firm or extra-firm tofu is best for this recipe, you can experiment with silken tofu for a softer texture. Keep in mind that silken tofu won’t get as crispy and is more delicate, so handle it carefully!
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No problem! You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch, both of which will provide a similar crispy texture. Just use the same amount as the cornstarch in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover BBQ Tofu?
Store any leftover BBQ tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat for best results, which helps to crisp it up again. Microwaving is an option, but it may make the tofu a bit soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan! All the ingredients, including BBQ sauce, are plant-based. Just be sure to choose a BBQ sauce that does not contain honey or any animal-derived ingredients if you’re aiming for a strict vegan dish.
