Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu
Ingredients
- 1350g block extra-firm tofu
), drained and shredded (see step 2
- 1 tbsplight oil
such as canola or vegetable
- 1 tbspsoy sauce
gluten-free if preferred
- 2 tspchili powder
- ½ tspsmoked paprika
- ½ tspgarlic powder
- ¼ cvegan-friendly bbq sauce
- ¼ cwater
Directions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- 2
There is no need to press the tofu as it will dry out in the oven. Simply drain off the excess water and pat dry. Use the large side of a cheese grater to grate the block of tofu into shreds. Set aside.
- 3
Mix the oil, soy sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Add the shredded tofu, and use a spatula to gently toss to evenly coat the tofu in the seasonings.
- 4
Spread the tofu evenly over the prepared pan. Bake for 28 – 33 minutes, stirring the tofu halfway through, until the tofu is browned. For chewier shreds you will want to bake them a little longer, or for more tender shreds bake them a little less.
- 5
Heat the BBQ sauce and water in a pan, and then stir in the baked tofu. The tofu will absorb some of the liquid and it will soften to tofu slightly making the most perfectly meaty texture. Serve hot as a sandwich, in tacos, on nachos, in lettuce wraps, on a baked potato, any way you like! Or allow to cool completely before storing in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 – 4 days.
Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu
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About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible smoky, tangy flavor of BBQ without any meat? This Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu is your answer, delivering an incredibly satisfying, plant-based meal using just 8 simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s perfect for transforming humble tofu into a crowd-pleasing dish that's both hearty and flavorful.
This recipe works wonders because it takes advantage of extra-firm tofu's ability to absorb flavors and achieve a fantastic texture when shredded. The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, coupled with a quality vegan BBQ sauce, creates a deep, rich profile that truly mimics the authentic taste of slow-cooked BBQ. Its versatility means you can enjoy it in countless ways, making it a reliable staple for any home cook looking for easy, delicious vegan options.
What you can expect is a dish bursting with smoky, sweet, and savory notes, with a tender yet resilient shredded texture that holds up beautifully in sandwiches, tacos, or wraps. Each bite offers a satisfying chew, coated in a rich BBQ glaze that clings perfectly to the tofu. Despite its complex flavor, this main course is surprisingly easy to make, ensuring a rewarding cooking experience for any skill level. With just 10 minutes of prep and 33 minutes of cooking, you'll have a delicious, naturally gluten-free (with proper ingredient selection) and oil-free option for your table.
This Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu is incredibly adaptable. To ensure it's gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and a certified gluten-free vegan-friendly BBQ sauce. For an oil-free option, you can easily omit the light oil and dry-sauté the shredded tofu in a non-stick pan. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your preference for more or less heat. It's truly a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.
This recipe is wonderfully make-ahead and meal-prep friendly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Serve this versatile dish piled high on a bun for a classic pulled tofu sandwich, tucked into soft tacos or burritos, wrapped in crisp lettuce, as a topping for baked potatoes, or scattered generously over nachos for an unforgettable twist.