The Ultimate Guide to Smoked Tofu: Flavorful Recipes and Tips

Are you looking for a nutritious and delicious ingredient to try? Smoked tofu is the perfect choice!

It’s easy to make, packed with flavor and nutrition, and great for vegan, low-FODMAP, gluten-free, and low-carb diets.

This guide provides 7 flavorful recipes, plus tips to make the most of smoked tofu. From burgers to kebabs to stir-fries and more, you’ll find plenty of options.

Plus, learn how to use air fryers for crispy tofu, how to smoke it in the oven, and which brands are best.

Key Takeaways for Making Smoked Tofu for Vegans

Discover the delicious and nutritious smoked tofu! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor and nutrition, and ideal for vegan, low-FODMAP, gluten-free, and low-carb diets. This guide provides 7 flavorful recipes, plus tips to make the most of smoked tofu. From burgers to kebabs to stir-fries and more, you’ll have plenty of options. Learn how to use air fryers for crispy tofu, how to smoke it in the oven, and which brands are best. Enjoy tasty, healthy snacks and meals!

Smoked Tofu Basics

You already know the benefits of tofu and now you can learn about smoked tofu. Extra-firm or firm varieties are best for smoking, while silken tofu isn’t suitable.

Marinate for 4-6 hours, then dry in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.

Prepare your smoker with wood chips and heat set between 190F-210F (88-99C).

Smoke for 20-25 minutes, monitoring temperature.

Grill for grill lines if desired.

Use smoked tofu in dishes like Mexican Buddha Bowls, salads, sandwiches, or as a bacon substitute in a TLT sandwich.

Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze in a vacuum-sealed or freezer bag.

Enjoy the vegan smoky flavor!

Tofu Marinade Time and Smoker Prep: Make This Recipe Even More Fun

Preparing smoked tofu is a simple process that yields a delicious and healthy result. Gather the ingredients for the marinade: garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, and lime juice. For best results, use extra-firm or firm tofu. Marinate the tofu in a shallow container with a lid for 4-6 hours.

Heat the smoker to 190-210F (88-99C) and add wood chips to create smoke. Place the smoked tofu onto the smoker rack and smoke it for 20-25 minutes, monitoring the heat to maintain the desired temperature. When done, remove the tofu from the smoker and serve chilled or warm.

Ingredients:

Smoke Tofu – 1 lb
Liquid Smoke – ¼ tsp
Soy Sauce – 2 tbsp
Extra Firm Tofu – 1 lb
Wood Chips – ½ cup
Smoked Paprika – 1 tsp

Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Tofu Marinade Time: 6 hours

Tofu Selection

When selecting tofu, consider the recipe and desired outcome; there’s plenty of options! Here are some tips for picking out your block:

• Extra-firm or firm is best for smoking.
• Silken is not suitable.
• Baked is pre-seasoned and can be eaten as a snack.

Refrigerate it for 2-4 hours before smoking to remove excess moisture. Marinate cubes of extra firm or firm tofu for 4-6 hours before smoking for full flavor, then add wood chips and liquid smoke. You’ll be ready to start grilling up smoky cubes of deliciousness!

Tofu is made using a process very similar to cheese making: ground soybeans are cooked in water, then strained to create soymilk. That liquid is combined with a coagulant (an acid or salt), which separates the soy milk into curds. The curds are pressed to create tofu. The type of coagulant used and the length of time the curds are pressed determines the type or texture of tofu that results, although there is no standard, so the firmness can vary between brands.

Plain (or block) tofu: Snowy white or off-white, plain tofu is usually cut into large blocks and stored or packaged in water. Plain tofu is usually fairly firm in texture and can be used in a number of different ways, from stir-frying to soups to noodle dishes. You can often find plain tofu labeled by how firm it is (medium, firm, extra firm, etc.).

https://foodprint.org/blog/buying-and-cooking-tofu/ 

Smoking Tips for Smoky Tofu

Tofu can be smoked for a smoky flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Tofu Press: Preheat oven, press the tofu and drain water. Cut into slices, brush with sesame oil, and bake for 45 minutes (each side).

Buy Smoked Tofu: Look for pre-flavored smoked tofu in stores or online, in extra firm, medium, or soft varieties.

Easy Smoked Tofu: Soak smoking chips in water for 1 hour, prepare BBQ with a foil tray and charcoal, and smoke the tofu on the grill for 45 minutes (each side). Enjoy!

Grilling for Flavor and Making a Firm Tofu

Grilling tofu adds a delicious smoky flavor to any dish! Begin by pressing it for at least 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and cut the tofu into cubes or slices.

Marinate it in a mixture of garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, orange juice, orange zest, and lemon juice for 4-6 hours.

Heat a grill pan on medium-high heat, add oil, and fry the tofu for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Alternatively, place a sheet pan on top of the grill pan for an even smokier flavor.

Now, try some recipe ideas to make use of this delightful ingredient!

Tofu Recipe Ideas

Adding a smoky twist to your meals is easy with grilled tofu! It’s delicious, nutritious, and can be made in several ways. Here are some recipe ideas to get you started:

• Cubes of smoked tofu can be added to salads.
• Long slices can be used in veggie sandwiches.
• Crumbled pieces can be used for pasta dishes.

Press the tofu for 15 minutes before marinating for 4-6 hours, then bake in the oven at 190F (88C). For extra flavor, smoke the tofu for 20-25 minutes at 210F (99C) and add seasonings or marinades.

Tag us on Instagram or Pinterest if you try any of these recipes – we’d love to see your results! Enjoy this flavorful recipe that serves 2 and lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.

Substitutes for Bacon

Switch up your bacon game with smoked tofu! Slice firm tofu into pieces, marinade with liquid smoke, and cook in a hot cast iron pan until golden brown.

For a quick and easy smoky flavor, try Lyn Croyle’s smoked tofu recipe in the oven – it’s got 5 stars from 2 votes!

Serve with a variety of sides for a delicious meal.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Smoked Tofu

Tofu is a versatile ingredient with many delicious dishes, from Mexican Buddha Bowls to TLT sandwiches. To get the most out of tofu, it’s important to know the best methods for serving and storing it. For smoked tofu, a marinade of garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice and lime juice is recommended. Smoke the tofu for 20-25 minutes at 190-210F (88-99C) and place on paper towels in a single layer until dry. Refrigerate in an airtight container or vacuum seal bag for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and rewarm with a kitchen towel if desired. Enjoy!

Storage and Reheating Smoked Tofu in the Oven

Now that you know how to serve smoked tofu, let’s look at the best ways to store and reheat it.

Remove any excess moisture with a paper towel and allow it to cool.

Place the slices in a container with cold water in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

For marinade, mix together garlic, oregano, cumin, liquid smoke, and soy sauce.

Marinate the Tofu pieces for 4-6 hours, then dry with a clean kitchen towel before freezing or frying.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for two days or vacuum sealed for longer storage.

To reheat, heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry for 5 minutes on each side.

Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

With these tips, readers can enjoy their favorite smoked tofu recipes anytime!

Now let’s move onto reader interactions with this delicious dish!

Reader Interactions

Share your experience with smoked tofu recipes and let’s explore this flavorful dish! If you’ve got a tasty dish with smoked tofu, we’d love to hear about it. Try cooking tofu slices in a cast iron skillet or grilling them on the barbecue for extra flavor. Marinade ingredients vary, but common choices include garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, and lime juice.

You can find smoked tofu online or at specialty stores. Let it marinate overnight and vacuum seal it for extended freshness. Enjoy baked tofu in salads or wraps, and let’s explore all the possibilities together!

Love This Recipe? Make Tofu, Do not Buy Smoked Tofu

If you love this recipe, why not share it with your loved ones? Smoked tofu is a great way to enjoy vegan dishes. Preparing it is easy – just marinate tofu slices with garlic, oregano, cumin, orange zest, lemon, and lime juice for 4-6 hours.

Then, dry it for 2-4 hours at room temperature.

Set up the smoker with wood chips and heat to 190-210F (88-99C).

Grill smoked tofu for 20-25 minutes.

Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.

Enjoy this tasty smoked tofu recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does smoked tofu need to be cooked?

Smoked tofu is pre-cooked and can be eaten as-is or used in recipes.

What is the best type of tofu to use for smoking?

Extra-firm or firm tofu is best for smoking. Silken is not suitable, so be sure to marinate and press the tofu for maximum flavor.

What are the health benefits of eating smoked tofu?

Smoked tofu is a nutritious option rich in plant-based protein, essential micronutrients, calcium, iron, and potassium. It can help support weight loss and is suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and keto diets.

How long can smoked tofu be stored in the refrigerator?

Smoked tofu can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in a covered container. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months if vacuum sealed or stored in a freezer bag.

Are there any vegan-friendly substitutes for bacon?

Yes, there are vegan-friendly alternatives to bacon, such as smoked tofu. It’s a great plant-based source of protein that can be used in a variety of recipes.