Grilled Spicy Sesame Tofu

I love tofu! Especially this recipe for Grilled Spicy Sesame Tofu, which is plant-based (vegan) and gluten-free. I always have a package of tofu in my refrigerator, and I enjoy tofu several times during the week, in dishes such as lasagna, curry, or stir-fry, and just simply baked or grilled. When I grill tofu, I make a big batch, because it’s excellent over the next few days, cubed into salads or sliced into sandwiches. Plus, tofu is a very nutritious plant-powered food—it’s a good source of protein and it contains phytochemicals that are linked with disease protection. In fact, it’s part of the traditional Asian diet, where people have lower rates of obesity and chronic disease. You can learn how to grill tofu in my step-by-step guide.

This easy recipe for Grilled Spicy Sesame Tofu pays homage to traditional Asian flavors, including sesame, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, red chili, and seaweed. All you have to do is mix up this flavorful marinade—which takes just a few minutes and 8 ingredients—and then marinate your extra firm, pressed tofu to allow it to seep up those wonderful flavors. Then you can grill it, allowing the surface to caramelize and gain a little crispness. 

This is a wonderful recipe to enjoy for BBQs as the main entree. Just pair it with a wonderful green salad, a rice dish, and you’ll be in plant-powered heaven! You can also grill this recipe on skewers, or roast the marinated tofu in the oven for a change of pace (and weather).

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Description

This easy recipe for Grilled Spicy Sesame Tofu pays homage to traditional Asian flavors, including sesame, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, red chili, and seaweed.

Spicy Sesame Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce (gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
  • 1 ½ teaspoons red chili paste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dried sliced seaweed
  1. Press the extra liquid off tofu. Slice it in half horizontally and then vertically to make thick slabs about 3/4-inch thick.
  2. To make marinade: stir together soy sauce, vinegar, oil, garlic, ginger, coli paste, sesame seeds, and seaweed in a small dish.
  3. Place the tofu in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the tofu. Chill and marinate for at least 1 hour.
  4. Heat the grill and remove the tofu from the marinade.
  5. Place the tofu on the hot grill and cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Brush on extra marinade remaining in dish while cooking.
  6. Voila! You’re done. Serve as an entrée, or slice into sandwiches or salads.

Notes

Learn how to press tofu here.

  • Category: Entree
  • Cuisine: Asian, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 193
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: grilled tofu, easy grilled tofu recipe, healthy vegan dinner recipe

To try my other favorite tofu recipes, check out the following:

Tofu Mushroom Tacos
Scrambled Turmeric Tofu with Mushrooms and Greens
Savory Steel Cut Oats with Spinach, Mushrooms and Tofu
Tofu Kale Power Bowl with Tahini Dressing

Learn about the health benefits of soy at The Plant-Powered Dietitian.

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