BBQ Tofu Bites

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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.

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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!

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

Ingredients

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

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.

The recipe card below includes the full list of ingredients + instructions.

How to Make BBQ Tofu Bites

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

Step 1: Add all the ingredients except the tofu to a large bowl and mix until fully combined.

Step 2: Tear a block of tofu into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.

Step 3: Add the tofu pieces to the marinade and toss until they are completely coated.

Step 4: Lay the tofu bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

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.

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:

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.