Baked BBQ tofu packs a sweet, smoky flavor from a homemade sauce made with liquid smoke, soy sauce, and maple syrup. Enjoy these oven-baked nuggets for a vegan barbecue or game day spread.
BBQ tofu bites taste like barbecue chips in nugget form. The sauce includes liquid smoke and smoke paprika to infuse every bite with that classic smoky flavor.
Instead of chopping, you rip the block of tofu into pieces. This creates more texture and surface area for the tofu to crisp up. Plus, it helps the tofu hold the sauce better.
Baked BBQ tofu nuggets are always the first to go for tailgates and cookouts. Make some vegan coleslaw and gluten-free cornbread to enjoy on the side!
Ingredient Notes
Firm or extra-firm tofu is 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 adds a smoky, bbq flavor to recipes like this and oyster mushroom bacon. So, don’t skip out on it!
Soy sauce adds to the savory taste. You could also use tamari to keep this recipe gluten-free.
The recipe card below includes the full list of ingredients + instructions.
How to Make Baked BBQ Tofu
- Mix all the ingredients for the BBQ sauce in a large bowl.
- Tear a block of tofu into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
- Toss the tofu in the sauce until it is completely coated.
- Bake for 20 minutes then flip to crisp up both sides.
- Return the BBQ tofu to the oven for 20 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden and crispy.
Short on time? Cut the recipe in half and throw BBQ tofu in the air fryer at 400°F for 20 minutes! Shake the basket and flip the pieces halfway through air frying.
Ways to Serve
Oven-baked BBQ tofu nuggets are delicious on their own, but you can make a full barbecue with these additions:
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Baked BBQ Tofu Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 block firm or extra-firm 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
- Preheat oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Alternatively, place a clean sheet pan into the oven to preheat and bake the tofu nuggets directly on the pan.
- Rip 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Add 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, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to a large bowl. Mix until fully combined.
- 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 BBQ tofu at 425°F for 40 minutes or until the nuggets are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven halfway to flip.
Notes
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* The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy will vary on specific ingredients and brands used.
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