1. **Press Your Tofu:** The more moisture you can extract from your tofu, the crisper it will become when grilled. I recommend wrapping the tofu in a tea towel or paper towel, or both, placing a weight on top, and letting it rest for at least 10 minutes to eliminate excess moisture.
2. **Uniform Tofu Cuts:** To ensure even cooking on the grill, cut your tofu into uniform-sized pieces. For tofu “steaks,” consider large pieces akin to the size of a deck of cards. For tofu skewers, aim for 1-inch cubes or as close as possible.
3. **Marinate the Tofu:** While you can grill tofu as is or with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, the flavor may come across as rather bland. For enhanced flavor and better texture, marinate your tofu for at least 30 minutes or, ideally, several hours before grilling.
4. **Preheat the Grill:** To achieve those coveted deep, charred grill marks, ensure your grill is thoroughly preheated before placing your tofu skewers on it. If using a barbecue grill, preheat it to 425°F. If using a grill pan, warm it to medium-high heat before introducing your tofu to the grill.
How to Grill Tofu Skewers
- Prep your tofu by pressing it, slicing it evenly, and marinating it before threading the pieces onto skewers.
- Prepare your vegetables by washing and slicing them before adding them to the skewers. While this recipe features zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, and mushrooms, you have the flexibility to incorporate other veggies, such as white onions, cherry tomatoes, sliced corn, broccoli, or cauliflower.
- Preheat the grill to ensure the perfect grilling conditions for the tofu skewers. You should hear a satisfying sizzle when the skewers make contact with the grill.
- Grill the skewers for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, totaling 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables reach the desired tenderness and the tofu exhibits enticing char marks.
- Serve your grilled tofu skewers with rice, roasted potatoes, and/or a simple green salad for a delightful meal.
While grilling tofu skewers yields optimal results on a barbecue grill or in a grill pan, they can also be prepared in a cast-iron skillet or a large frying pan when necessary. When cooking in a pan, work in batches to prevent overcrowding, and if desired, finish them under the oven broiler to add an extra layer of crispiness. Be vigilant to avoid overcooking or burning them!
Simple Marinade Recipe for Grilled Tofu
While store-bought marinades are readily available, crafting a smoky tofu marinade at home is a cinch with a few pantry staples. Here’s a suggested homemade marinade:
