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? ›

I love tofu and spinach, but she told me not to mix the two because calcium in tofu will react to oxalate in the spinach and promotes the formation of kidney stones.

What is the tastiest way to make tofu? ›

Press tofu and cube it. Coat it in garlic, black pepper, salt (plus more of your favourite seasonings), liquid aminos and some olive oil. Then mix it into some cornstarch and toss it all together, then bake for about 20 minutes. Cornstarch also helps to draw out excess moisture so it really gets the tofu crispy.

What is the healthiest way to eat tofu? ›

Healthier - For starters, broiling tofu is a healthier method of cooking than frying, and it requires less oil to create crispier cubes. Easy - It's also really easy to make.

What can I marinate tofu in? ›

Meanwhile, make the tofu marinade by whisking the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger together. Transfer the pressed tofu cubes to a shallow dish or a rimmed baking sheet. Pour the marinade over top. Cover with a layer of plastic, then place the dish in the fridge.

Why can't you eat spinach with tofu? ›

- It is said that tofu cannot be eaten together with spinach at the same time. 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.

Does tofu affect your stomach? ›

But be forewarned: Processed soy (which includes tofu) can cause serious puff. It has estrogen-like effects in the body, which contribute to bloating. Dr.

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Press it. Tofu contains a lot of water, and you'll want to squeeze most of it out, especially if you're baking, grilling, or frying it. I recommend using a tofu press to do this, because it gives the tofu a delicious chewy texture and makes cleanup a breeze. But having one isn't necessary.

Is it better to fry or bake tofu? ›

It sticks, and the crispy bits end up sticking to the pan, which is a tofu tragedy. Plus, it requires more oil, and you don't need to use a lot of oil to get crispy tofu. When you bake your tofu, you give it time to develop crispy edges and warm, pillowy insides. It's simply the best.

How long should I marinate tofu? ›

You should aim to marinate tofu for at least 2 hours in the fridge. To infuse more flavour, you can leave it to marinade for up to 2 days before cooking up. Top tip: Don't ditch the leftover marinade when you come to cook your tofu.

Is tofu good for losing belly fat? ›

If you are eating tofu that is processed with sugar, salt, or preservatives, then it may not be healthy for you. But if you are eating it that has been processed in a way that preserves its nutritional value, then tofu can help you healthily lose belly fat.

Is it OK to eat tofu everyday? ›

Similarly, the American Cancer Society sees no dangers from eating soy. "For the vast majority of people, it should be reasonable to incorporate tofu in their daily diet without any issues," Sun said.

Does tofu detox your body? ›

Soya products like miso, tofu and edamame (also called green soybeans) are all diuretics, which help in the detoxification process as they increase the flow of urine and help flush out impurities through the kidneys in the form of urine (I personally recommend soya only in moderation as it can lead to hormonal ...

What seasoning is good on tofu? ›

Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky profundity, just the ticket for a barbecue-style tofu escapade. Cumin Powder: Delivers an earthy warmth, a star in spice rubs or marinades. Garlic Powder: The universal maestro of flavor, perfect for a savory twist.

What should tofu be seasoned with? ›

Toss in seasonings- Toss the tofu cubes in oil, then in the cornstarch (1 tablespoon at a time). Once the tofu is completely coated in cornstarch, add the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder, and toss to coat.

What to pair tofu with? ›

Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein source that can be eaten with grains (rice, quinoa, barley, and more), pasta, veggies (stir fry, air fried, roasted, and more), on top of salads, and in buddha bowls.

What can I combine tofu with? ›

Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein source that can be eaten with grains (rice, quinoa, barley, and more), pasta, veggies (stir fry, air fried, roasted, and more), on top of salads, and in buddha bowls. What is this? You can combine different sides to create a balanced meal of a protein, grain, and vegetable.

Is tofu a high inflammatory food? ›

While people with inflammation should generally avoid dairy, soy protein products like tofu and tempeh have been found to reduce pain in joints according to a study from Oklahoma State University. An easy way to add soy to your diet is using soy protein powder. Spices.

Can we eat tofu and egg together? ›

Tofu and Eggs is an easy and delicious meal that has been one of my go-to dinners this month, and I promise when you try it, you will love it too!

What happens to your body when you eat tofu? ›

Soybeans and soy products like tofu are rich in isoflavones. These flavonoids (plant-based chemicals) help lower your blood pressure and offer other heart-protective benefits. A 2020 study found that people who ate a serving of tofu each week had an 18% lower risk of heart disease than those who didn't.

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