This is the best baked smoky tofu! It is really rich in smoky flavor, accented with spices and an overall bold flavor so that it really stands out in dishes you add it too! Vegan, oil-free, baked and easy to make.
THE BEST SMOKY TOFU
This healthy baked tofu is my first ever tofu recipe! And it’s delicious! Y’all know how much I love smoky flavors, so obviously I went there for this recipe. The marinade is so flavorful and soaks in the tofu overnight for such a rich, bold flavor to stand out in whatever dish you add it to.
1. Slice a 10 ounce package of “firm tofu” after it’s been drained (by tofu press or several paper towels) into 1/2 to 3/4 inch pieces.
2. Mix the marinade and add the pieces to the marinade in a bowl that will fit all pieces to lay flat. It’s very important to toss all pieces well and then spoon the marinade over each piece of tofu, so that it really soaks into it.
3. Cover and chill the tofu overnight. DO NOT skip this step because this is what will allow the tofu to turn out extremely flavorful and not bland.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a pan with parchment paper. Place each piece of tofu on the pan.
5. Bake 15 minutes. Lower the heat to 350°F and flip over each piece and bake another 5-10 minutes, depending on how browned you want your tofu.
I hope you all love this easy smoked baked tofu! It’s baked, oil-free and absolutely delicious!
WAYS TO SERVE THIS TOFU
- I served it with my vegan ramen noodle soup and seasoning recipe!
- Add it to sandwiches for a delicious smoky flavor instead of using deli meat.
- You can literally serve this smoky tofu to any buddha bowl in place of beans. Serve it with some grains, veggies and a sauce or pesto!
The Best Smoky Tofu
Ingredients
- One 10 ounce package "firm or extra firm tofu" SEE NOTES at bottom
MARINADE
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (I recommend the Colgin "hickory" brand)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or agave
- 3 tablespoons (45g) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- You'll need a large shallow bowl that will allow all pieces to fit flat, to add the sliced tofu and marinade.
- Drain the tofu really well. I simply used several layers of paper towels to wrap up the block of tofu, set it on a plate and set a couple of heavy books on it. Let it sit about an hour.
- Slice the tofu in about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch cubes.
- Make the marinade by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Pour the marinade over the tofu and toss gently to ensure the pieces are all coated.
- Important: Now make sure to spoon the marinade over EACH PIECE and don't rush this. You want the marinade fully on top, too, so that it soaks well into the tofu overnight. This will ensure really delicious, flavorful tofu!
- Place the bowl in the fridge overnight or 8 hours. Please do not skip this step. The tofu turns out so flavorful this way.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a pan with parchment paper.
- Place each piece of tofu on the pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Flip over each piece and lower the heat to 350°F and bake the tofu for another 5-10 minutes depending on how browned you like it. I went about 6 minutes. Just wait until your house smells so insanely delicious and smoky while this bakes!
- Let the tofu cool about 10 minutes and serve immediately or chill for later. I used the tofu in my vegan ramen noodle soup! See post for other ways to serve this tofu.
Notes
Nutrition
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Love this recipe so much. Shared with others! Tonight I will add the smoked tofu to my rice paper rolls.
Yay!!
Excellent. I had planned to use this in a soup, but ran out of time and had to quickly figure out something else for dinner: brown rice bowl with sauteed zucchini and chipotle-lime sauce. I did add 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil and a pinch of cayenne pepper. I only had 3 hours to marinate, so I put the tofu in a leak-proof snapware dish and flipped it upside down periodically to keep the tofu covered in marinade. I was worried it might not be as flavorful because of the short marinating time, but it was great! For those who only have mesquite liquid smoke, don’t worry, it will be terrific. Hint: if you want your tofu a little crispier on the outside, increase your oven temp to 425 degrees about halfway through cooking.
I haven’t tried draining tofu this way yet, but read just the other day, that if pieces are tossed into boiling water for a minute or two, it draws out more of the interior liquid quickly and makes it easier to dry more quickly too. Thought I’d pass it along in case you’d like to try it.
Since giving up meat, sometimes I really miss a good ‘ol sandwich. I made this recipe, but cut the tofu in thin slices. Followed the directions otherwise, but cooked for another 8 minutes +/- after flipping. After cooling, I refrigerated the slices and have used them on sandwiches with sourdough, lettuce tomato and whatever condiment I feel at the moment. They’re really great, and such a good sub for deli meat. Have also cut the cooked pieces smaller and added to salads where bacon would normally be used. A truly versatile recipe! I used ALDI brand organic extra firm tofu.
Absolutely amazing! My bf and i agree it tastes like “meat”. Well done!!
So awesome to hear that Kelly!
I’ve been using this marinade on repeat for months. It works well for tempeh, too! Thank you for your easy, tasty recipes!
I really liked it and I’ll be using it again. I’ll probably cut the amount of sweetness. But that you for this recipe.
A staple in my household! We normally follow the recipe as is at least once a week, but also works well dehydrated as a whole block of tofu! Great for snacking on or with a meal. Thanks for this recipe!
So happy to hear it Hannah!
I bet it would be great with freezing and then thawing the tofu. I love doing that because it gets more firm and also absorbs flavors even better. It’s especially good for barbecuing as it makes for a better texture. Thanks! I’ve been lo9ung for smoked tofu and this is as good.
Loved this recipe! Had some with my tofu scramble at breakfast and some in my salad at dinner. I turned the oven temp up to 400 degrees instead of down for the last 10mins or so for the crisp factor I was after.
A keeper that will be made regularly. Thank you!