Sticky BBQ Tofu

Ingredients & Notes

For the tofu base:

• Extra firm tofu - For best results with this recipe, use an extra-firm tofu, such as the authentic tofu from Cauldron. For bite-size tofu it's important to use a block of extra-firm tofu. Other types of tofu, such as silken tofu and soft tofu are great - but for other recipes, like the ones in this collection of delicious Silken Tofu Recipes. Do not even attempt to recreate this recipe with non-firm tofu, it will not be worth it - trust me. I love to use tofu from the brand Cauldron, which is an organic tofu brand in the UK - it's available at Tesco, online and in-store, alongside lots of other places, and it's the perfect tofu base for this Sticky BBQ Tofu recipe and many more.
• Cornstarch - To create the perfect tofu base, I like to dust mine in cornflour before crispy frying it. The sauce is then added afterwards, creating all all-round perfect chewy and meaty texture for this BBQ tofu.
• Rapeseed oil - To fry your fry, use a flavor-neutral oil, such as rapeseed oil (grapeseed oil). As an alternative you can also use avocado oil.
• Vegetables (optional) - I love to throw in some extra veggies into my BBQ sauce, such as carrots and peppers. Simply chose your favorite veggies!

For the vegan BBQ sauce:

• Tomato puree - tomato puree is the base for our homemade tofu marinade!
• Extra virgin olive oil - adding a little oil to the marinade ensures that the tofu doesn't get dry in the pan later on. Make sure to use an oil with a high smoke point
• Maple syrup - for this sauce, we use maple syrup to sweeten. You can swap it for agave syrup.
• Smoked paprika powder - this seasoning will add the sauce the perfect smoky flavor, turning it into a BBQ sauce! You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke if you're out of paprika powder.
• Sriracha - for a spicy kick in this sauce, I like to use sriracha hot sauce. Feel free to adjust it to your own tastebuds or leave it out entirely, if spicy is not your thing.
• Cornstarch - to thicken the BBQ sauce and give the overall recipe the perfect 'sticky' texture that it's named after!
• Water - to combine the ingredients into a smooth sauce!

Jump to the recipe card at the bottom for detailed measurements.

The tomato paste creates the base for the sauce, I always use an organic tomato puree. The smoked paprika gives it the delicious smoky-ness of barbecue sauce and the maple syrup will caramelize the sauce wonderfully and give it that typical BBQ flavor. The sriracha adds a great kick to the sauce - if spicy is not for you, simply leave this one out. The cornflour is added to the sauce to make it nice and thick, so it sticks to the tofu bites just perfectly.

How to make Sticky BBQ Tofu (Step-by-Step)

If you've ever thought 'oh I simply can't make tofu taste great', then this recipe is definitely one for you. There are a few simple steps you can take, that will make your tofu taste fantastic and before you know it, you'll be craving it. It's not rocket science 😉

Step 1 - Cornstarch coating & crispy frying

An important ingredient to creating a sticky & partially crispy tofu is the cornflour! Yes, just one ingredient. Simple, ay? What's also important however is to thoroughly coat your tofu chunks with cornstarch, don't be shy!

I also like breaking apart my tofu with my hands, rather than cutting it into perfect shapes. I find it gives it a more interesting texture and a better bite than having perfectly smooth rectangular pieces.

Once generously coated in cornstarch, heat the rapeseed oil in a non-stick pan - and ensure it's hot before adding the tofu chunks.

If you need, fry the tofu in batches, so you only have one layer in the pan as it will otherwise stick together and get messy. Flip the tofu chunks regularly so they become evenly crispy on all sides. I like to use chopsticks to easily flip and move the tofu bites in the pan.

Step 2 - Create the BBQ Sauce

To create the sticky BBQ sauce, simply combine tomato puree, olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika powder, sriracha and 1/2 tbsp cornstarch with a little water, until you get a thick but smooth paste.

Step 3 - Coat the Tofu

Add all the crispy tofu to the pan, reduce the heat to low/medium, and pour in the sauce, covering the tofu.

Gently toss the tofu in the sauce until evenly coated. Stir and cook until the BBQ sauce thickens, then remove the pan from the heat.

How to serve the BBQ Tofu

You can definitely enjoy this BBQ tofu on its own - it's simply delicious!

I like to serve it alongside rice or grains, in a stir fry or on a rainbow bowl (the options are endless!). Topping a bowl of umami-packed Vegan Black Bean Ramen with this tofu is also a fantastic idea!

You can also serve this sticky tofu:

• In a sandwich or wrap with some fresh veggies and avocado
• On top of a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber
• As a protein in a buddha bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potato, and steamed greens
• As a pizza topping with some vegan cheese, sliced red onion, and bell peppers
• As a filling for tacos or burritos with salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce

The possibilities are endless!

You might also enjoy these tofu recipes:

If you're looking for other delicious tofu recipes, be sure to check out the other options on this blog. Some of my personal favorites include the Vegan Egg McMuffin, this high-protein Vegan Tofu Parmigiana, and Sticky Balsamic Tofu.