Tofu Souvlaki with Tzatziki is extra-firm tofu marinated in a Greek-inspired blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek seasoning, grilled with red onion and zucchini, and served with tzatziki and crumbled feta. Serve with Spinach Orzo Salad or Lemon Herb Couscous Salad.
What Is Souvlaki?
Souvlaki is a classic Greek street food traditionally made with small pieces of marinated meat grilled on a skewer. Souvlaki, which literally means “small skewer” in Greek, has been a fixture of Greek cuisine for thousands of years. This version uses extra-firm tofu in place of meat, marinated in the same olive oil, lemon, and herb blend that defines the original.
Press the Tofu
Pressing the tofu before marinating is the most important step in this recipe. Tofu holds a significant amount of water, and pressing it out before marinating allows the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Greek seasoning to actually penetrate rather than sit on the surface. I use a tofu press, which gently applies pressure to extract excess water. The pressed block of tofu is then cut into cubes and arranged in a single layer on clean kitchen towels or paper towels to absorb any remaining surface moisture. Plan for at least 30 minutes before you start the marinade.
The thing about tofu is that it really does take on whatever flavors you give it. I like to make the marinade in the morning, add the tofu, and let everything sit in the refrigerator until dinner. The red onion and zucchini go on the skewers just before grilling.
Ingredients for Tofu Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Here’s what you will need. Exact amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
For the skewers:
- Extra-Firm Tofu – Press it well before cutting. The drier the tofu is going into the marinade, the more it will absorb rather than just sitting on the surface.
- Red Onion – Holds up well on the grill and develops a natural sweetness as it chars at the edges.
- Zucchini – A natural fit for the grill. It picks up the flavor of the marinade and softens slightly without losing its texture.
For the marinade:
- Olive Oil – The base of the marinade. A good quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference here.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed only. It brightens the marinade and works into the surface of the tofu as it sits.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is essential in a marinade this simple. The flavor of jarred garlic does not hold up the same way.
- Greek Seasoning Blend – A pre-mixed blend of Mediterranean herbs typically including oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic. Widely available in the spice aisle.
For serving:
- Tzatziki – Tzatziki Sauce is easy to make in minutes with simple ingredients. Store-bought works well for convenience.
- Feta – Crumbled and sprinkled over just before serving. It adds a salty note that ties the whole dish together.
Make it Vegan: Use vegan feta and dairy-free tzatziki sauce.
How to Make Tofu Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Prep: 15 min | Marinate: 1 hour | Cook: 10 min | Total: 1 hour 10 min | Servings: 4
Cuisine: Greek
STEP ONE: Press the tofu. Slice each block of tofu in half horizontally so each piece is roughly ¾ to 1 inch thick. Lay the slices on several layers of paper towels, cover with more paper towels, and set a cutting board on top. Press for at least 30 minutes. After pressing, cut into 1-inch cubes.
STEP TWO: Make the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Greek seasoning until well combined.
STEP THREE: Marinate. Add the pressed tofu, red onion, and zucchini to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate for a minimum of one hour and up to overnight in the refrigerator.
STEP FOUR: Build the skewers. Thread the tofu, red onion, and zucchini onto skewers in an alternating pattern. Keep pieces close together without crowding.
STEP FIVE: Grill. Preheat the grill to 400°F. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until a slight char forms on the tofu. Baste with any remaining marinade after each turn.
STEP SIX: Serve. Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Spoon or drizzle about a quarter of the tzatziki over the skewers and sprinkle the crumbled feta on top. Serve immediately with the remaining tzatziki on the side for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Yes. Arrange the assembled skewers on a non-stick foil-lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Yes. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms all work well alongside the red onion and zucchini.
Yes. Tzatziki improves after a few hours in the refrigerator as the flavors develop. Make it up to a day in advance and store, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover tofu and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Store the tzatziki separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
More Grilled Tofu Recipes
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Tofu Souvlaki with Tzatziki Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the skewers:
- 28 ounces extra firm tofu pressed and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini cut into ½-inch rounds
For the marinade:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning blend
For serving:
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Greek seasoning until well combined.
- Add the pressed tofu, red onion, and zucchini to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate for a minimum of one hour and up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Thread the tofu, red onion, and zucchini onto skewers in an alternating pattern. Keep pieces close together without crowding.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until a slight char forms on the tofu. Baste with any remaining marinade after each turn.
- STEP SIX: Serve. Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Spoon or drizzle about a quarter of the tzatziki over the skewers and sprinkle the crumbled feta on top. Serve immediately with the remaining tzatziki on the side for dipping.
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