With this simple yet delicious smoked tofu recipe, you can easily add smoky flavor to your meals. It's an oil-free, protein-packed, flavorful tofu recipe that will elevate your dishes and impress your taste buds, from sandwiches to grain bowls.
For other great tofu recipes, try Everything Bagel Crispy Tofu and Baked Pesto Tofu.
A great thing about this recipe is you get all the flavor of smoked tofu without breaking out the smoker.
The secret? This recipe uses liquid smoke, a condiment derived from wood chips or sawdust smoke. Captured and condensed into a liquid form, it creates a delicious smoke flavor in dishes, eliminating the need for traditional smoking equipment or processes.
To reap these benefits of tofu, try High Protein Tofu Scramble, Vegan Egg Roll Bowl, and Best Vegan Lasagna for other great tofu recipes. Read more about tofu at Tofu Guide to Four Popular Varieties.
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Ingredients
The ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Super-firm tofu will not absorb as much of the marinade as extra-firm but it can be used.
- A vinegar like rice wine or apple cider works well in this recipe.
- Substitute soy sauce with Tamari, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos to make this gluten-free.
- If you don't have maple syrup, substitute it with agave.
- Liquid smoke can be easily found in all major grocery stores in the barbeque aisle. It is a great staple in the kitchen since it adds a wonderful smoky flavor to dishes without using an open flame. It can be used on vegetables, sauces, and in these great recipes - Best Nut Free Vegan Cheese Sauce and High Protein Lupini Seitan.
How To Make Smoked Tofu
Making smoked tofu at home is easy! Here are some pictures of what you'll be doing. For details, see the recipe post at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Drain any excess liquid from the tofu block by wrapping it in a kitchen towel or paper towel and gently pressing it between two heavy plates to remove the excess moisture. Or use a tofu press like the one pictured above.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well to create the marinade.
Step 3: Place all the sliced tofu pieces in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade and gently toss to coat them evenly. Let the tofu marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, allowing it to absorb the flavors. I prefer to marinate it in the fridge overnight so the tofu gets the ultimate flavor absorption.
Step 4: Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400° F (200°C) when ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and place the marinated tofu on it, spreading it out in a single layer. Important Note: Save some marinade for after the next step.
Step 5: Bake the tofu in the oven for 30 minutes or 8-10 minutes in the air-fryer. If using the oven, flip the tofu slices or cubes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
Step 6: After flipping, you can add the leftover marinade. Continue baking for the remaining time or until golden brown.
Step 7: Remove the smoked tofu from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Top Tips
- Cut the tofu into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference. The thinner, the more the edges can become crispy, especially in the air fryer. But bring your patience because slicing tofu into thin, even slices takes a steady hand, so you don't end up with broken, misshapen pieces. Having a sharp knife helps, too.
- Don't skip chilling the marinated tofu in the fridge, even if it's just for a little while. The tofu absorbs the flavors during chilling, resulting in a more flavorful and satisfying dish. Additionally, the chilling time allows the tofu to firm up, giving it a better texture and making it more enjoyable to eat.
- Press the tofu. This makes room for the delicious marinade to be absorbed into the tofu.
- Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for added spiciness.
Serving Suggestions
- Layer thin slices of smoked tofu with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, sliced red onions, and creamy avocado. Spread some vegan mayo or your favorite condiment like Grilled Pineapple Salsa for extra flavor.
- Create a refreshing and nutritious salad by pairing your smoked tofu with a medley of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado. Drizzle with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy tahini dressing or pair it with Asian Spicy Cucumber Salad.
- You can serve it with Vegan Couscous Salad, Saucy Gochujang Noodles, or this delicious Vegan Orzo Pasta Salad.
- It wouldn't be like me not to suggest a wrap in most of my blog posts, and this is no exception because, well...they're easy and delicious. Wrap up a delightful combination of smoked tofu, hummus, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and mixed greens in a soft tortilla for a satisfying and portable meal.
- Top quinoa, brown rice, or farro with air-fried smoked tofu, roasted veggies, and a creamy sauce. Garnish with herbs, lime, or Lemon Pistachio Gremolata for a hearty and wholesome option.
Storage
Store homemade smoked tofu by letting it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator and use it within 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage. Before using, thaw the tofu in the refrigerator.
Smoked Tofu FAQS
You can store leftovers by freezing smoked tofu for later use. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator before heating it up and incorporating it into your dishes. The texture will be different, but the flavor is all there.
You can adjust the smokiness of the tofu by controlling the amount of liquid smoke you use in the marinade. If you prefer a more intense smoky flavor, you can increase the amount of liquid smoke, and if you want a milder taste, reduce the quantity.
In its natural form, tofu is gluten-free as it is made from soybeans. However, you must substitute the soy sauce with Tamari, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free.
Over medium-high heat, use a little oil in a cast iron skillet, grill pan, or regular pan. Cook tofu for 3-4 mins on each side until golden brown or until the marinade caramelizes the tofu.
More Delicious Tofu Recipes
Have a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Smoked Tofu. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Smoked Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for extra smokiness
- chives or any fresh herb for garnish
Instructions
- Drain any excess liquid from the tofu block by pressing the tofu between two plates or in a tofu press.
- While the tofu is draining, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well to create the marinade.4 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup, 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Cut the tofu into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference.1 block extra firm tofu
- Add the marinade to the tofu slices or cubes and gently toss to coat them evenly in a shallow dish. Let the tofu marinate for at least 4 hours in the fridge for the best flavor.
- Preheat your oven or air-fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Place the marinated tofu on the baking sheet or air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. Save the marinade to use later.
- Bake the tofu in the oven for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. If using an air-fryer, bake for 8-10 minutes.
- After flipping, use the remaining marinade to coat the tofu with more flavor.
- Cook the tofu for the remaining time or until it turns a deep golden brown. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
- Remove the smoked tofu from the oven or air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Optional: Add fresh chives or herbs to any dish you serve it with for a pop of color and a nice presentation.
Regi Pearce says
This tofu has a deep, smoky flavor. It’s packed with protein and has just the right balance of chewiness. I love slicing it up for sandwiches.
Rob P says
This was the bomb - more like this!!!
Regi Pearce says
Thanks Rob! Will do!
Hailey says
Loved it!
Regi Pearce says
I'm so glad you loved the smoked tofu. Thanks for giving it a try!
Maggie says
Is was so good!
Regi Pearce says
I'm thrilled to hear you found the smoked tofu so good. Thanks for trying it out
Reese says
This was way better than any of the store bought options and totally exceeded my expectations 🙂
Regi Pearce says
Wow, that's high praise! I'm thrilled to hear the smoked tofu exceeded your expectations and outdid the store-bought versions. Thanks for giving it a try and for sharing your fantastic feedback!