Baked BBQ Tofu and Tempeh

Mmmm...nothing tastes like BBQ. But for vegans, barbeques can be really hard to deal with. No longer does the smell of the BBQ mean a delicious meal is on the way. For vegans, the smell is associated with the suffering and death of animals.

Well, we can change that. Vegans can enjoy delicious BBQ too. After all, BBQ is all about the sauce, the spices and that caramelized, yummy goodness. So whether you eat seitan, tofu or tempeh, whether you cook it indoors or out, BBQ heaven awaits.

I've already shared my recipe for Balsamic BBQ Seitan and Tempeh Ribs which is amazing!! This new recipe is a little less spicy but equally delicious. The tofu and tempeh are baked so the entire recipe has no added oil. 

My Baked BBQ Tofu and Tempeh will change the way you think about BBQ. There's nothing vegans can't do! Enjoy!

Baked BBQ Tofu and Tempeh

 

Spice Rub:

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. onion powder

2 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. Kosher salt

2 tsp. black pepper

2 tsp. chile powder

2 tsp. brown sugar

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

BBQ Sauce:

2 cups ketchup

¾ cup maple syrup

¾ cup balsamic vinegar

½ cup apple cider vinegar
Juice of half an orange

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Stir and heat over medium heat until it comes to a bubble. Lower the heat and let simmer for 30 minutes until it thickens. Set aside.

For the BBQ Tofu and Tempeh:

1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained

1 block tempeh

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut the tofu and tempeh into strips, cubes or whatever shapes you like. Apply the dry spice rub to the tofu and tempeh. Make sure the spices are pressed onto the tofu and tempeh and they are thoroughly covered. Put the pieces into a large bowl and let it sit while you cook the BBQ sauce.

When the sauce is done, pour it over the tofu and tempeh, making sure to cover them completely. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Remove the pieces of tofu and tempeh with tongs, letting the excess sauce shake off, and place on the parchment paper in a single layer. Retain the sauce. Bake for 15 minutes. 

Remove the pans from the oven, flip each piece of tofu and tempeh over carefully, and brush with more sauce. Bake for another 15 minutes or until the tofu and tempeh are browned and crisp. Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining BBQ sauce. Serve while hot.

The "V" Word: Say it. Eat it. Live it.