I remember the first time I made Charred Tofu Delight. The idea came to me on a sunny afternoon while I was craving something both healthy and delicious. I had some extra-firm tofu sitting in my fridge and thought, “Why not try grilling it?” The name “Charred Tofu Delight” popped into my head, and I knew it would be perfect for a summer BBQ. The journey of creating this recipe was just beginning.

Preparation and Marinating

To prepare the Charred Tofu Delight, I started by pressing the tofu to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving those perfect grill marks and a firm texture. I wrapped each block of tofu in a kitchen towel and placed a heavy cast iron skillet on top. After 30 minutes, the tofu was ready for the grill. I carefully sliced it into slabs and marinated it with a blend of avocado oil and my favorite seasonings.

Grilling Perfection

Grilling the tofu was the most exciting part. I preheated the grill to medium-high heat, making sure the grates were well-oiled to prevent sticking. As I placed each slab of tofu on the grill, I could hear the sizzle and smell the delicious aroma of the marinade. In just a few minutes, the tofu developed beautiful char marks, turning into the delightful Charred Tofu Delight I had envisioned.

Charred Tofu Delight_ raw — Charred Tofu Delight 3

When the tofu was perfectly charred, I removed it from the grill and served it with lime wedges and a tangy sesame ginger dressing. The combination of flavors and textures was incredible. Each bite of Charred Tofu Delight was satisfying and packed with bold, smoky flavors. It quickly became a favorite at my summer BBQs, impressing both tofu lovers and skeptics alike. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and a little creativity can transform tofu into a delightful dish.

Check out more high protein vegetarian meals here!

Chef’s Notes- Charred Tofu Delight

Pressing Tofu: To get the best texture, make sure to press the tofu for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to remove excess moisture, allowing the tofu to absorb more flavors and achieve a better grill.
Seasoning Variations: Don’t hesitate to try different spice blends such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a touch of cumin. This can add unique twists to the dish each time you prepare it.
Oiling the Grill: Ensure that the grill grates are well-oiled to prevent sticking. Use a high smoke point oil like avocado oil for this step.
Grill Marks: For distinct grill marks, resist the urge to move the tofu too soon. Allow it to sear properly before flipping.
Serving Suggestions: Pair the grilled tofu with a vibrant quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad to complement the smoky flavors.
Marinating Option: For deeper flavor, marinate the tofu slabs in the chosen seasoning and tamari for up to an hour before grilling.
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they can be used in sandwiches, wraps, or as a protein boost in salads.
Alternative Cooking Method: If you don’t have a grill, a cast iron skillet or a nonstick pan works well. Just make sure it’s preheated to medium-high.

Charred Tofu Delight

5.0 from 1 vote

Get ready to elevate your plant-based cooking game with this Charred Tofu Delight! This recipe is a favorite for its satisfying texture, bold flavors, and perfect grill marks. Whether you’re a tofu newbie or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it up with your choice of zesty lime wedges or a tangy sesame ginger dressing for a meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Let’s get grilling!

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American, AsianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

Total time

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

extra-firm tofu
Pinch sea salt
2 tablespoons avocado oil (plus extra for brushing)
1½ tablespoons fajita seasoning (or)
1½ tablespoons chili powder (or)
1½ tablespoons curry powder (or)
¼ cup tamari (or soy sauce)
Lime wedges
Cilantro lime dressing
Sesame ginger dressing
Alternative Ingredients:
Coconut aminos replaces tamari/soy sauce for soy-free option
Olive oil replaces avocado oil
Lemon wedges replaces lime wedges
Tahini dressing replaces sesame ginger dressing

Directions

Pressing Tofu – Wrap each block of tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy cast iron skillet on top and let it sit for 30 minutes to remove excess water.
Prepping Grill – Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Slicing Tofu – Cut each tofu block into 4 slabs and place them on a tray or plate. Drizzle the tofu with avocado oil and sprinkle with your chosen seasoning (fajita seasoning, chili powder, or curry powder). Use your hands to coat both sides evenly.
Grilling Tofu – Grill the tofu for 2 to 3 minutes per side until char marks form and the tofu releases easily from the grill grates.
Serving Tofu – Remove from the grill and season to taste. Serve with lime wedges and/or cilantro lime dressing if using fajita seasoning, chili powder, or curry powder. If using tamari or soy sauce, serve with additional tamari or sesame ginger dressing.

Equipment

chef’s knife
cutting board
cast iron skillet
Nonstick Pan
mixing bowls

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 180kcal
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 600mg
Potassium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 16g
Vitamin A: 0IU
Vitamin C: 10mg
Calcium: 20mg
Iron: 15mg

FAQ- Charred Tofu Delight

Can I use a different type of tofu?

For this recipe, extra-firm tofu is recommended as it holds its shape best during grilling. Other types of tofu may fall apart or not achieve the desired texture.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even a cast iron skillet. Preheat the pan to medium-high and follow the same instructions for grilling.

Can I marinate the tofu ahead of time?

Yes, marinating the tofu for up to an hour can enhance the flavor. Simply coat the tofu slabs in the seasoning and tamari, then refrigerate until ready to grill.