We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Grilling Tofu?

By C. Mitchell
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,852
Share

Grilling tofu generally turns out best when using a firm tofu variety that has been marinating for at least an hour before being cooked on skewers over a well-oiled grill. Tofu is a rather versatile food and is popularly prepared in a number of different ways. Not all tofu is appropriate for grilling, which makes tofu selection the first tip to great grilling. Marinating is a close second. Even an expertly grilled tofu steak will not always be pleasing to the palate unless it is flavored with sauces and spices.

Cooking tofu, baking tofu, and grilling tofu are all very different practices. Depending on the recipe, these techniques often require different sorts of tofu. Grocers and Asian food specialists typically sell a number of tofu varieties.

Silken tofu and soft tofu are best for soups and smoothies. Medium tofu is often used in noodle dishes and mixed with rice; it has more of a consistent texture but disintegrates and crumbles easily. Firm and extra-firm varieties tend to hold their shape even during vigorous cooking. Firmer is usually better when it comes to grilling tofu.

The next thing a tofu griller must do is to decide on the shape of tofu he wishes to grill. Grilling tends to work best with moderately thick slabs or cubes of tofu. Firm tofu comes in a block shape. Cooks typically use a sharp knife to slice the tofu block into equal segments, then cut those segments into strips or wedges, as taste and recipe dictate.

Marinating tofu is also essential. On its own, tofu does not taste like much. It is a porous substance, however, which means that it easily soaks up surrounding liquids. An easy tip for flavorful grilled tofu is to soak the tofu in marinade at least an hour before grilling, and overnight if possible.

When grilling tofu, thick marinades with plenty of sugar, made of things like barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce, tend to work best. High-sugar marinades will cause the tofu to glaze and crust with the heat of the grill, much as meat would. Different marinades can create different tofu dishes entirely. Often times, the only difference between grilled curry tofu, BBQ tofu, or balsamic glazed tofu is the marinade. Many cooks also often keep a bit of marinade on hand to brush over tofu as it grills to increase the flavor and ensure even coverage.

Tofu has a tendency to stick to surfaces as it cooks, even if it has been marinating for quite awhile. For an easier time grilling tofu, grill masters often recommend generously spraying the grilling surface with vegetable oil to prevent the tofu from cooking onto the grill edges. Threading the tofu onto skewers can also help cooks quickly rotate the tofu as it grills. Tongs, spatulas, and other common grill tools can sometimes be too rough on even the firmest tofu pieces.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-grilling-tofu.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.