BBQ Tofu with Smoky Sauce and Crisp Chewy Edges

Dinner will be ready in 40 minutes with minimal effort in the oven or air fryer. These BBQ tofu bites are crunchy and chewy. The BBQ sauce pairs well with the tofu. This tofu recipe works well as a plant-based protein source in many dishes, including sandwiches and grain bowls, for an easy weeknight meal.

Firm or extra-firm tofu has been pressed and pinched by hand into smaller pieces rather than cut. Firm and pinched tofu allows the surface of each piece to better absorb the olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in this recipe. The tofu is baked in a single layer to brown the pieces. Less-sodium soy sauce adds color and flavor. BBQ sauce is baked on the tofu after the first round of baking to keep it from sticking to the tofu.

Look for tofu that is slightly brown and crispy on the outside before adding sauce. Brown and crispy areas on the tofu show that it has the chewy texture described in the recipe. Cubed tofu dishes often fail because the cook cuts the tofu with a knife into neat cubes that don't absorb sauce or other ingredients. Other problems include overcrowding the baking sheet with too much tofu, which keeps the tofu from browning.

Serve the nuggets with vegan mayo and other vegetables, including slaw and fries, on buttered toasted buns. Other side options include cucumber, potato, macaroni, broccoli, and pasta salads. To plan meals ahead, the article author notes that tofu nuggets are even tastier on day 2. Microwave dry nuggets with barbecue sauce to moisten leftovers.