Easy Tofu Skewers
These grilled easy tofu skewers are a great summertime BBQ alternative. Made with fresh courgettes, red onions, and peaches. Served with flatbread and vegan salad dressing. Enjoy these flavorful grilled tofu skewers of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil as the tofu grills to perfection.
I must admit, I was late on the tofu game. For the longest time, I overlooked this unassuming ingredient, dismissing it as bland and tasteless. But when I finally decided to give it a chance, due to my sister’s persistence, I discovered a new world in creating hearty and delicious meals.
One summer weekend, my sister bought tofu to make some tofu noodles. However, she didn’t get around to making it, leaving me with a golden opportunity to try a recipe I had been dreaming about: easy tofu skewers.
The idea of succulent, smoky tofu with a burst of flavours danced in my mind, and I couldn’t wait to bring it to life. Tofu, a versatile and protein-packed ingredient, is a fantastic option if you are looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. Not only is tofu a great source of protein, but it is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. It’s a win-win for both your taste buds and your health.
Fun Facts & Benefits of Tofu
Did you know that tofu has been a staple food in Asian cuisines for over 2000 years? It originated in China and has since spread across the globe, gaining popularity for its versatility. Tofu is made from soy milk, which is curdled and pressed to form solid blocks. This process gives tofu its unique texture and allows it to absorb flavours like a sponge.
One of the main reasons why tofu is a fantastic protein source is its high protein content. With approximately 8 grams of protein per 100 grams of tofu, it can easily rival meat and other animal products. Additionally, tofu is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need to function properly.
Moreover, tofu is low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those watching their weight. It is also cholesterol-free and rich in iron and calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones and overall health. Furthermore, tofu contains isoflavones, which are plant compounds that have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
On Grilled Tofu skewers
This simple grilled tofu skewers recipe is perfect for a warm summer day and is bursting with flavour. Not to mention, it’s vegan-friendly and a great source of protein. With just a few ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, healthy, and flavorful meal on the table in no time. The best part is that you can customise this recipe to your liking.
It is the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and smokiness, these grilled tofu kebab skewers will have your taste buds begging for more, I promise you. This recipe is quick and easy to make, taking less than 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. So gather your ingredients and fire up the grill – you won’t regret it!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these skewers
- Tofu: Use firm or extra firm tofu for the best texture when grilling the tofu
- Gochujang paste: I used a medium-spicy chilli pepper paste called Haechancle, which I found at my local grocery store but is also available on Amazon.
- Ginger: I love ginger in savoury food, so there was just an excuse to add some. It certainly paid off as it brought out a slightly peppery and warm flavour which complemented the tofu.
- Corn flour: I coated the tofu with corn flour to bring out the crunch on the outside.
- Soy Sauce: To give the tofu more of a rich, umami flavour and give it a darker colour, I used Lee Kum Kee Premium dark soy sauce.
- Olive oil: To keep the tofu from burning while cooking, I used olive oil, but sesame seed oil or vegetable oil can also be used.
- Red onions: I used red onions for colour and rich onion flavour to balance the umami flavours
- Peaches: To add a bit of sweetness to balance the umami flavours, I used peaches. You can also use nectarines or plums.
- Courgette: Since courgettes have a high water content, I used them to add moisture to the tofu skewers. Nobody likes a boring meal. You can also use tomatoes or eggplants.
- Spring onions: These are optional, I used them to garnish this grilled tofu kebab recipe.
- Fresh Chillies: To add more heat, a bit of spice doesn’t hurt. This is optional.
The Right Tofu for Skewers & Preparation
When it comes to making tofu skewers, choosing the right type of tofu is crucial. You want a tofu that holds its shape well and doesn’t crumble on the grill. Extra firm tofu is the best option for skewers as it has a dense and sturdy texture. This type of tofu will maintain its shape during grilling, allowing you to achieve those perfect, appetising tofu skewers you desire. Look for organic and non-GMO tofu for the best quality and taste.
To achieve the perfect texture and ensure even cooking, it’s essential to properly prepare the tofu before skewering. Start by draining the tofu to remove any excess moisture. Place the tofu block between two clean kitchen towels or layers of paper towels. To press the tofu, place a heavy object on top, such as a cutting board or a stack of plates, to press out the water. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to ensure the tofu is dry and ready for marinating. This step is crucial as it allows the tofu to absorb the flavours of the marinade better and prevents it from becoming soggy when grilled.
Next, cut the tofu into cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even grilling. Once you have your tofu pieces ready, it’s time to marinate them for maximum flavour.
Marinating Tofu
Marinating the tofu is where the magic happens. It infuses the tofu with delicious flavours and enhances its taste. The options for marinades are endless, and you can get as creative as you like. A classic marinade for these vegan kebabs includes soy sauce, gochujang and ginger. If you like a touch of sweetness, you can add a bit of maple syrup or honey. Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl and pour it over the prepared tofu. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for maximum flavour, I recommend marinating it for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Tofu Skewers
Grilling tofu skewers is a delicate process that requires the right technique to achieve that perfect char and smoky flavour. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated tofu onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking, then place the skewers on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tofu develops a golden brown crust. Be gentle when flipping the skewers to avoid breaking the tofu.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your tofu skewers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up! For an optional serving suggestion, warm up some flatbread and place it on a serving plate. Arrange the skewers on top of the flatbread, and garnish with spring onions if desired. You can also serve them with a sauce of your choice, I served these with vegan salad dressing (a mix of vegan mayo and lemon).
Another option would be to serve your tofu skewers over a bed of fluffy quinoa mixed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing. This creates a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Variations and Substitutions for Tofu Skewers
While these easy tofu skewers are already incredibly delicious, you can always switch things up and experiment with different ingredients and flavours. Here are a few variations and substitutions to consider:
- Veggie Delight: If you’re looking to add more veggies to your skewers, feel free to do so. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple for a burst of sweetness. The more colourful, the better!
- Smoky Barbecue: If you’re a fan of smoky flavours, marinate your tofu skewers, and swap the gochujang sauce for smoky barbecue sauce before cooking them. This will give them a deliciously charred and mouthwatering taste.
- Teriyaki Tofu Skewers: Swap the marinade for a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, grated ginger, and garlic. This sweet and savoury sauce gives your tofu skewers an irresistible Japanese twist.
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Grilled Tofu Skewers
Equipment
- Metal BBQ Skewers or wooden skewers
- Wooden chopping board
- Tea Towel
Ingredients
- 300 g Extra firm tofu
- 1 tbsp Gochujang paste
- 2 cm fresh ginger crushed
- 2 tbsp corn flour
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 Red onions
- 3 Peaches cubed
- 1 Courgettes sliced
- Spring onions to garnish, optional
- 1 chilli chopped
To serve
- 1 Flatbread optional
- 1 tbsp vegan mayo
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from the packet. Using a tea towel, wrap a block of tofu. Place on a plate and top with a wooden chopping board and anything heavy, such as a pan of water or a pestle and mortar.
- Drain the water from the tofu until you think it’s firm enough. Once the tofu is drained, cut it into small square shapes, place it in a medium sized bowl.
- Coat the tofu pieces with corn flour and set aside. In a small bowl, add gochujang paste, soy sauce and ginger, mix until combined all together. Dip the tofu in the sauce and thread on skewers along with the red onions, courgettes and peaches.
- Once all the skewers, place in the grill or Barbecue for 5 – 7 minutes on each side or until the they are cooked. Keep an eye to make sure they do burn. On serving plate, place flatbread, skewers, spring onions and sauce of your choice. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you decide to use wooden skewers, make sure to place and cover them with water an hour before use to avoid them from burning in the grill/BBQ
- If you don’t have access to gochujang paste, you can substitute it with any other spicy condiment of your choice, such as sriracha or harissa.
- If you prefer a different texture, you can use different types of tofu. Firm or medium-firm tofu will also work well in this recipe, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
