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    Home » Vegan Main Dish Recipes

    BBQ Tofu Bites

    By Sarah Pilley Updated Sep 24, 2024 · Published Sep 24, 2024

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    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe
    Crispy, golden BBQ tofu nugget on a fork with more on a baking sheet; text reads "the best BBQ tofu bites".

    BBQ Tofu Bites are packed with sweet, smoky, maple flavors. These oven-baked nuggets are perfect for a vegan barbecue or game day spread. 

    Crispy, golden BBQ tofu nugget on a fork with more on a baking sheet.

    You don’t even need to like barbecue sauce to enjoy these smoky maple tofu bites!

    They pack all those flavors into one delicious bite with a crispy golden exterior. They honestly taste like barbecue chips in nugget form!

    BBQ tofu bites are perfect for a quick bite, appetizer, or as part of a quinoa bowl with maple Dijon carrots and apples.

    Add some vegan coleslaw and gluten-free cornbread for the perfect meal!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make BBQ Tofu Bites
    • Top Tips
    • Ways to Serve
    • Recipe FAQ
    • More Vegan Tofu Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients

    You will need these simple ingredients to make BBQ tofu bites:

    Ingredients with labels: soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, firm tofu, liquid smoke, pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and garlic powder.

    Of Special Note

    • Tofu - Firm or extra-firm tofu are perfect for this recipe. Just like with bang bang tofu and nutritional yeast tofu, you don’t even need to press it beforehand! Just rip it into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
    • Maple syrup - Gives a touch of sweetness to balance the smoky, savory flavors.
    • Liquid smoke - This is a specialty ingredient, but it adds so much flavor to recipes like this and oyster mushroom bacon. So, don’t skip out on it!
    • Soy sauce - Adds to the savory taste.
    • Smoke paprika - Adds to the smokiness provided by the liquid smoke.

    Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.

    How to Make BBQ Tofu Bites

    Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the best smoky BBQ tofu:

    Mixing BBQ sauce in a bowl.
    1. Step 1: Add all the ingredients except the tofu to a large bowl and mix until fully combined.
    Tearing tofu into pieces
    1. Step 2: Tear a block of tofu into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
    Coating tofu with the BBQ sauce.
    1. Step 3: Add the tofu pieces to the marinade and toss until they are completely coated.
    Uncooked tofu on a baking sheet.
    1. Step 4: Lay the tofu bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    Flipping tofu halfway through baking.
    1. Step 5: Bake the tofu at 425°F for 20 minutes then remove from the oven to flip them.
    BBQ tofu completely baked on a baking sheet.
    1. Step 6: Return the tofu to the oven for 20 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden and crispy.

    Top Tips

    Ripping the Tofu

    When you are making the tofu bites, try ripping the block into larger chunks instead of chopping it into cubes. This gives the nuggets more texture and room to crisp up. It also helps hold the sauce better! Make sure not to crumble it, though, or else you’ll end up with more of a ground beef like texture.

    Air Fryer Instructions

    For quicker preparation, you can also make these nuggets in the air fryer! Cook them at 400°F for 10 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the pieces. Continue air frying for another 10 minutes or until the tofu is golden and crispy.

    Ways to Serve

    These tofu nuggets are delicious on their own, but you can make a full barbecue with these additions:

    • Vegan coleslaw
    • Vegan gluten-free cornbread
    • Mini bell pepper poppers
    • Maple dijon apples and carrots
    • Chickpea chicken salad and chickpea chips
    • Sweet potato fries and homemade vegan ranch

    Recipe FAQ

    How should I store and reheat leftover BBQ tofu bites?

    Store tofu bites in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week (if you manage to have any left!)

    To make them crispy again, reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 10 minutes.

    Fork picking up a BBQ tofu nugget from a bowl.

    More Vegan Tofu Recipes

    • Crispy bang bang tofu on skewers over arugula, drizzled with vegan bang bang sauce.
      Vegan Bang Bang Tofu
    • Blackened tofu pieces stacked on a plate with vegan coleslaw, a fork is holding up the first piece of tofu.
      Blackened Tofu
    • Nutritional yeast tofu nugget on a fork with more in the background in a bowl.
      Nutritional Yeast Tofu
    • Crispy golden tofu waffle with a blue and white striped cloth background.
      Tofu Waffles

    Did you make this recipe?
    Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

    📖 Recipe

    Crispy, golden BBQ tofu nugget on a fork with more on a baking sheet.

    BBQ Tofu Bites

    BBQ Tofu Bites are packed with sweet, smoky, maple flavors. These oven-baked nuggets are perfect for a vegan barbecue or game day spread.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 40 nuggets
    Author: Sarah Pilley
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    Ingredients

    • 1 block of tofu 14-18 ounces
    • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • Add all the ingredients except the tofu to a large bowl and mix until fully combined.
    • Rip a block of tofu into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
    • Add the tofu pieces to the marinade and toss until they are completely coated.
    • Lay the tofu bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Bake the tofu at 425°F for 20 minutes then remove from the oven to flip them.
    • Return the tofu to the oven for 20 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden and crispy.

    Notes

    See more expert tips, pictures, and variations above for making the best BBQ tofu bites!
    Yield: about 40 nuggets
    Storage: Store tofu bites in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week (if you manage to have any left!) 
    Reheating: To make them crispy again, reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 10 minutes.
    Did you make this recipe? Share your experience! Mention @AlternativeDish on Instagram or Facebook, or drop a comment below—I'd love to hear from you!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 0.001mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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    Headshot of Sarah Pilley.

    Hi, I'm Sarah!

    I’m so excited you stopped by! I'm thrilled to share my passion for tasty vegan food with you on the Alternative Dish. I focus on creating recipes that everyone can enjoy with allergy-friendly tips! 

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