This grilled tofu is an incredibly flavorful and satisfying plant-based main, achieving a smoky, caramelized crust with a savory-sweet marinade. It’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it a perfect centerpiece for vegetarian grilling or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of soy sauce, maple syrup, and smoked paprika creates an irresistible glaze that will please even the most devoted meat-eaters.

I discovered my love for perfectly charred tofu during a trip to a mountain lodge where the chef treated it with the same reverence as a prime steak. The aroma of the tofu marinade hitting the hot grill takes me right back to that cozy evening. Now, I love serving these flavorful slabs alongside my hibachi veggies or piled high on a vibrant vegetable grain bowl for a complete meal.

Four Reasons to Grill Tofu Tonight

Incredible Flavor Transformation: The simple marinade deeply penetrates the tofu, creating a savory, sweet, and smoky taste.
Quick and Easy Prep: With just 25 minutes of hands-on time, this recipe fits into even the busiest schedules.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This tofu holds up beautifully in the fridge, making weekday lunches a breeze.
Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: It’s a guaranteed hit for vegan guests and a delicious discovery for others.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Grilled Tofu

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Extra-Firm Tofu: Pressing is non-negotiable for achieving a meaty, non-watery texture.
Pure Olive Oil: Helps create a beautiful sear and carries the flavors of the marinade.
Soy Sauce: Provides the essential salty, umami base for the grilled tofu marinade.
Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Garlic Powder: Offers consistent, mellow garlic flavor without the risk of burning.
Smoked Paprika: The key to that deep, smoky essence reminiscent of classic barbecue.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle pungent kick that balances the sweetness.

Grilled Tofu

Learn how to make perfectly grilled tofu with this easy recipe. Features a savory marinade with soy sauce, maple syrup, and smoked paprika for amazing flavor.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Servings 4 servings

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

kitchen towel or paper towels
plate
heavy pan or cans
small bowl
whisk
knife
cutting board
shallow dish or zip-top bag
grill or grill pan
measuring spoons

Ingredients

Marinade

3 tablespoons pure olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound extra-firm tofu drained

Instructions

Press the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, place it on a plate, and set a heavy pan or a few cans on top. Let it press for 20 minutes.
While the tofu presses, make the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the pure olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
Slice the pressed tofu into 1-inch thick slabs or 1-inch cubes. Place the tofu pieces in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, turning the pieces once halfway through.
Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in a little pure olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the marinated tofu pieces directly on the hot grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until you see deep, dark grill marks and the surface is nicely caramelized.
Transfer the grilled tofu to a clean plate. Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.

Notes

Let the tofu press for the full time to achieve the best texture.

Keyword grilled tofu, tofu, vegan, vegetarian

Creative Ways to Customize Your Tofu

Spicy Sriracha Glaze: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha to the marinade for a kick of heat.
Teriyaki Twist: Substitute the maple syrup with an equal amount of teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor.
Lemon Herb Variation: Use lemon juice instead of maple syrup and add dried herbs like oregano or thyme.

My Pro Tips for Grilling Tofu Perfectly

Press Thoroughly: Don’t rush the pressing step. Removing excess water is crucial for the tofu to absorb the marinade and achieve a firm texture.
Marinate at Room Temp: A brief 15-minute marinade at room temperature allows for better flavor absorption than a cold marinate.
Get the Grill Hot: Ensure your grill or grill pan is properly preheated to medium-high to get those perfect sear marks.
Let It Rest: Allowing the tofu to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute, just like with my hibachi steak.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

Store: Place cooled grilled tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to 4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the tofu in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat to restore the crispy exterior.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can press and marinate the tofu up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you marinate tofu?

For this recipe, a minimum of 15 minutes at room temperature is perfect. While you can marinate it longer in the refrigerator, I find a shorter room-temperature marinate helps the flavors penetrate more effectively without making the tofu too soft.

Do you need to press tofu before grilling?

Yes, pressing is essential for grilled tofu. Removing the excess water allows the tofu to absorb the marinade better and results in a firmer, chewier texture that holds up on the grill. It’s the most important step for great results.

Can you grill tofu without it sticking?

Absolutely. The key is to properly oil the grates and ensure they are hot before adding the tofu. I also recommend using a grill basket if you’re worried about smaller pieces falling through, similar to techniques for roasted Brussels sprouts.

What temperature do you grill tofu at?

A medium-high heat is ideal for grilled tofu. This temperature is hot enough to create a good sear and caramelization but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside heats through. It’s the same principle I use for hibachi chicken.

More Vegetarian Recipes to Try

Why This Grilled Tofu Becomes a Favorite

With its irresistible smoky-sweet flavor and satisfying texture, this grilled tofu recipe is a game-changer for plant-based eating. It’s surprisingly simple to master and endlessly adaptable to your favorite flavors. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine, becoming a trusted recipe for weeknights and gatherings alike.

Easy Grilled Tofu Recipe