Twice-Baked BBQ Tofu

Twice-Baked BBQ Tofu ~

Bite-size-pieces of tofu seasoned and baked with a blend of smoky spices. A layer of barbecue sauce and a second round in the oven results in sticky sweet and perfectly caramelized BBQ tofu.

This post was updated on February 8, 2025.

These addictive tofu bites can be served hot, room temperature, or cold. They are delicious as a main dish as well as in salads, wraps, tacos, or even as a topping for pizza.

Baked Vegan BBQ Tofu Recipe

BBQ tofu is easy to make with just a few simple steps. Start by pressing your extra-firm tofu to remove any excess moisture, then tear it into bite-sized pieces. Toss the tofu in a blend of paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper, and olive oil. Spread the tofu out on a baking sheet and bake until the edges begin to crisp.

Next, gently mix the baked tofu in your favorite sticky, sweet barbecue sauce, then spread it back on the sheet pan for a final round in the oven until the sauce caramelizes. The end result is tofu that’s crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

What to Serve with BBQ Tofu:

• Barbecue tofu is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of traditional barbecue sides. For a classic Southern-style meal, 
• Vegan Potato Salad, corn on the cob, and green beans are a great combo. These timeless sides offer a well-rounded balance that complements the smoky, tangy flavors of the tofu.
• If you’re looking to mix things up, consider some creative combos like Twice-Baked Potatoes, Coleslaw Pasta Salad, ​or Whole Grain Mustard Mashed Potatoes.
• For an innovative twist on comfort food, try serving your BBQ tofu over Cheesy Tetrazzini—the rich, savory flavors work together wonderfully to elevate your meal.

Ingredients for Twice-Baked BBQ Tofu

You will need the following:

• 28 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Ingredient Notes

How to Press Tofu

• Pressing your tofu is an essential step for achieving that ideal crispy texture. Start by draining your extra firm tofu and wrapping it in a clean towel or paper towels. Then, one at a time, place each block of tofu into a tofu press for about 30 minutes or gently squeeze with your hands to remove any excess moisture. This simple process helps the tofu absorb the marinade and spices better, ensuring a beautifully crisp finish when baked.

How to Make Twice-Baked BBQ Tofu

Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly caramelized tofu bites:

STEP ONE: Preheat & Prep. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

STEP TWO: Season the Tofu. In a large mixing bowl, combine paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, sea salt, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and olive oil. Add the extra-firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces, and toss gently until evenly coated.

STEP THREE: First Bake. Arrange the seasoned tofu pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, turning the tofu halfway through to ensure even cooking.

STEP FOUR: Sauce it Up. Remove the tofu from the oven (keeping the oven on) and transfer the pieces back into the mixing bowl. Drizzle generously with your favorite BBQ sauce and toss gently to coat.

STEP FIVE: Second Bake. Spread the sauced tofu back onto the baking sheet in an even layer. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful glaze.

STEP SIX: Serve. Serve your Twice-Baked BBQ Tofu hot, at room temperature, or even cold. Enjoy as a main dish or get creative by adding to salads, wraps, tacos, or as a topping for pizza.

Storage

• Store any leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to help bring back its crispiness or enjoy it cold.

FAQs

• Do I have to use extra-firm tofu? Yes, extra-firm tofu is recommended because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely during baking. Softer tofu can fall apart and won’t give you the same satisfying texture.
• Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe? Absolutely! Add a bit more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.

More Recipes You’ll Love!

• Sriracha Tofu​
• Grilled BBQ Tofu​
• Vegan BBQ Burgers​
• Crispy Air Fryer Tofu​
• BBQ Tofu Sandwich​

Twice-Baked BBQ Tofu

Bite-size-pieces of tofu seasoned and baked with a blend of smoky spices. A layer of barbecue sauce and a second round in the oven results in sticky sweet and perfectly caramelized vegan BBQ tofu

5 from 15 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Keyword: BBQ, dairy free, egg free, healthy, meal prep, Southern, tofu, vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 277kcal

Author: Holly Gray

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Ingredients

• 28 ounces extra-firm tofu pressed and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, sea salt, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and olive oil. Add the extra-firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces, and toss gently until evenly coated.
• Arrange the seasoned tofu pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, turning the tofu halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the tofu from the oven (keeping the oven on) and transfer the pieces back into the mixing bowl. Drizzle generously with your favorite BBQ sauce and toss gently to coat.
• Spread the sauced tofu back onto the baking sheet in an even layer. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
• Serve hot, at room temperature, or cold. Enjoy as a main dish or get creative by adding to salads, wraps, tacos, or as a topping for pizza.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1093mg | Potassium: 444mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 585IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 4mg

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