fbpx
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Romy London
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Pasta
  • Quick & Easy
  • Cakes & Bakes
  • Desserts
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About Me
    • Recipes
    • Cookbook
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    • Grilled balsamic peaches with coconut yogurt and raspberry coulis on a dessert plate.
      Grilled Balsamic Peaches
    • Seitan and tempeh next to each other in comparison.
      Seitan Vs Tempeh
    • Creamy Butter Beans Alla Vodka on a plate with a spoon.
      Butter Beans Alla Vodka
    • Creamy cutter bean curry in a bowl with rice and naan bread.
      Creamy Butter Bean Curry
    • A bowl of chickpea and sweet potato curry on the dinner table, with rice, pickled onions, naan bread and fresh lime on top.
      Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry
    • Baked butter beans in a dish on the dinner table, surrounded by ingredients.
      Caprese Butter Beans
    • A bowl of vegan nduja pasta.
      Vegan Nduja Pasta
    • A plate of black pepper stir fry with crispy pumfu tofu and veggies.
      Pumfu Pumpkin Seed Tofu
    • A bulb of garlic that has gone bad.
      How To Tell If Garlic Is Bad
    • Two jars of flaxseed pudding on the breakfast table
      Flaxseed Pudding
    • A skillet filled with creamy chickpea curry with tofu on top.
      Vegan Butter Chickpea Curry
    • Collage showing vegan recipes for Valentine's Day.
      Vegan Valentine's Day Recipes
    Home » Recipes » Recipe Index

    Sticky BBQ Tofu

    Published: Mar 1, 2020 · Modified: May 6, 2025 by Romy · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Take your tofu game to the next level with this deliciously spicy and Sticky BBQ Tofu recipe! It's created with a base of extra-firm tofu and the most delicious tofu marinade ever! So simple to make and no fancy equipment needed.

    This recipe is:

    • 100% vegan
    • made with extra-firm tofu
    • super easy to make
    • gluten free
    • dairy-free
    • egg-free
    • delicious
    • addictive
    • full of flavor
    • great served alongside rice or a stir fry
    • perfect for tofu lovers!
    A bowl filled with fluffy rice and topped with vegan BBQ tofu is sitting on a dark table with ingredients surrounding the bowl.

    If you think you still can't make tofu taste great, then this Sticky BBQ Tofu Recipe is for you! Not only super easy but also delicious and if I'm completely honest: addictive. My favourite way to serve up this spicy and sticky tofu is alongside rice or a delicious stir fry with rice noodles, yum!

    And don't worry, if spicy is not your thing, simply leave out the sriracha sauce from the recipe and your BBQ tofu will be wonderfully mild and gentle on your tastebuds, it might even become one of your favourite vegan recipes! 

    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 ½ 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.

    A bowl of rice topped with sticky BBQ tofu and vegetables on top is shown up close.

    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 ½ tablespoon 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.

    • Sticky BBQ Tofu Recipe
      Sticky BBQ Tofu
    • Vegan Tofu Parmigiana (High Protein)
      Tofu Parmigiana
    • a black bowl filled with noodles and vegetables alongside homemade vegan teriyaki sauce
      Vegan Teriyaki Sauce
    • Thumbnail for vegan pork belly recipe with chopsticks holding a delicious vegan pork belly piece up close.
      Vegan Pork Belly Tofu

    📌 If you love Pinterest you can pin any of the images to your boards!

    📖 Recipe Card

    Sticky BBQ Tofu on top of a bowl of rice.

    Sticky BBQ Tofu

    Romy
    Spice up your tofu game with this delicious Sticky BBQ Tofu recipe! Perfect served up with rice, on a buddha bowl, with a stir fry - or whatever your tastebuds desire.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, British
    Servings 2 portions

    Equipment

    • 1 large non-stick frying pan
    • 1 bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • 280 g extra firm tofu (10 oz) drained
    • 3 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 3-4 tablespoon canola oil for frying
    • 1 small carrot (½ cup) cut julienne
    • 1 yellow pepper (½ cup) thinly sliced

    For the sauce:

    • 1 tablespoon tomato puree
    • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tbsp maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
    • 1 teaspoon sriracha hot sauce
    • ½ tablespoon cornstarch
    • a little water

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium/high heat. Add canola oil for frying.
    • Prepare the firm tofu by pulling it into bite-size pieces with your hands. Coat each piece generously in cornflour and place the tofu into the hot pan in a single layer.
    • Flip the tofu pieces regularly and let them evenly cook until golden and slightly crispy.
    • Set the crispy tofu aside and add the carrots and pepper to the pan. Cook until softened, then add the tofu back in and reduce to low/medium heat.
    • Blend all ingredients for the sauce to create a thick, but runny paste, then pour the sauce over the tofu & veg. Toss and stir to evenly coat the tofu and remove from the heat as the sauce thickens and sticks to the tofu.
    • Serve alongside rice, a stir fry or a buddha bowl. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Serve with rice, as a stir fry, on a nourishing rainbow bowl - or alongside whatever your heart desires!
    • Ensure the pan and oil are hot before adding the tofu to avoid soggy, oily tofu bites.
    • Be generous with the cornstarch coating on your tofu!
    Keyword bbq, bbq tofu, tofu, tofu recipe, vegan, vegan bbq

    Love cooking tofu? Check out these other delicious tofu recipes from the blog - here are some of my personal favorites that you should totally try: 

    • Vegan Egg McMuffin Recipe
    • Sticky Balsamic Tofu

     © 2025 Romy London / Romina Callwitz | All images, videos, wordings and content are copyright protected and belong to Romina Callwitz. Please do not use any of my content without prior permission. If you wish to re-publish any (part of my) content, please get in touch via email. Thanks for your support!

    *Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links and sponsored links that earn me a small commission, at no additional cost to you. You can find more information in my Privacy Policy.

    More Recipe Index

    • A plate filled with satay pasta and a fork on the side.
      Vegan Satay Pasta
    • Vegan Avocado lime crema in a bowl with two slices of lime on the edge.
      Avocado Lime Crema
    • Creamy tofu sour cream in an open jar.
      Tofu Sour Cream
    • Vegan custard donuts on a parchment paper.
      Vegan Custard Donuts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      💭 Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Brigitte

      May 08, 2023 at 1:39 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tofu for the 3rd time today and it's always a winner! 👍

      Reply
    2. Shvasti

      May 23, 2023 at 9:30 am

      5 stars
      OMG this tofu recipe is divine! thanks so much for this! Finally some great tasting tofu!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I'm Romy!

    On this blog, you'll find some of my favorite vegan recipes for you to try at home.

    They all include detailed step-by-step instructions, so you can WOW everyone with your vegan kitchen magic in no time!

    About Romy

    FOLLOW ME

    • link to instagram account
    • link to facebook account
    • link to pinterest account
    • link to youtube account
    • link to tiktok account
    • Link to email

    As Seen In

    Romy London Uk as seen on Netflix, Channel 4, Metro, Cosmopolitan, TalkRadio, Channel 4, Evening Standard, Vegan Life, Vegan Food & Living

    Latest Recipes

    • Grilled balsamic peaches with coconut yogurt and raspberry coulis on a dessert plate.
      Grilled Balsamic Peaches

    • Creamy Butter Beans Alla Vodka on a plate with a spoon.
      Butter Beans Alla Vodka

    • Creamy cutter bean curry in a bowl with rice and naan bread.
      Creamy Butter Bean Curry

    🔎 Search

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for my newsletter & NEVER miss a recipe!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Romy London

    Manage Cookie Consent
    We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show (non-) personalized ads. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}