Citrus BBQ Tofu

Citrus BBQ Tofu Recipe - Vegan Tofu with a Tangy Twist

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Citrus BBQ Tofu is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike. The combination of tangy citrus flavors with the smoky BBQ taste creates a unique and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional BBQ tofu, incorporating citrus flavors for a refreshing and zesty taste. Tofu has been a staple in vegetarian and vegan diets for centuries, and this recipe adds a new dimension to this versatile ingredient.

Ingredients

1 block of extra firm tofu
juice of 2 lemons
0.25 cup of orange juice
2 tbsp of maple syrup
2 tbsp of mango or other fruit vinegar
1 tbsp of olive oil
1.5 tsp of rosemary
2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
1.5 tsp of soy sauce
0.5 tsp of salt
freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.
Cut tofu into 1" thick slices and place in a flat dish.
Pour the marinade over the tofu.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, turning the tofu every now and then to ensure it is fully coated with marinade.
Preheat the BBQ to medium heat. Tofu tends to stick to the grill, so brush some olive oil on it before placing it on the BBQ. Brush with extra marinade while the tofu is cooking.
Flip the tofu when it starts to develop grill marks on the bottom, approximately 5 minutes.
Brush the top with olive oil before flipping.
Continue cooking until the other side has grill marks.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
Substitute honey for maple syrup for a sweeter marinade.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu before marinating to remove excess water and allow it to absorb the flavors better.

- Turning the tofu while marinating ensures that all sides are evenly coated with the marinade.

- Brushing olive oil on the tofu before grilling helps prevent sticking and adds extra flavor.

- Keep an eye on the tofu while grilling to prevent burning and ensure it is cooked evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Citrus BBQ Tofu with a side of grilled vegetables and quinoa for a complete and balanced meal. It can also be served on a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing salad.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling

Ingredient Substitutions

Agave nectar can be used instead of maple syrup.

- Balsamic vinegar can be used instead of regular vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

The tofu can be marinated overnight for maximum flavor. Simply grill it when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Citrus BBQ Tofu with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Citrus BBQ Tofu with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light beer for a refreshing and complementary drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Citrus BBQ Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This Citrus BBQ Tofu recipe is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is low in saturated fat and calories, making it a healthy and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Citrus BBQ Tofu is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer BBQ or a light and refreshing meal. With a zesty marinade and a smoky grilled flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Martha in her quaint little kitchen. Martha was known for her adventurous culinary experiments and this time she had something truly special in store for me - Citrus BBQ Tofu.

As Martha pulled out the ingredients and started explaining the recipe to me, I couldn't help but be in awe of her creativity. The combination of tangy citrus flavors with the smoky BBQ sauce was something I had never thought of before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Martha began by marinating the tofu in a mixture of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. She explained that the citrus juice helps to tenderize the tofu and infuse it with a bright, zesty flavor. As the tofu soaked up the marinade, I could already imagine how delicious it would taste once it hit the grill.

Next, Martha whipped up a homemade BBQ sauce using ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and a touch of liquid smoke. She explained that the key to a good BBQ sauce is finding the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. As the sauce simmered on the stove, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of caramelized sugar and vinegar.

Once the tofu had marinated for a few hours and the BBQ sauce was ready, Martha fired up the grill and got to work. She carefully placed each tofu slice on the hot grates, brushing them generously with the sticky BBQ sauce. The sizzle of the tofu hitting the grill and the smell of the sauce caramelizing on the heat made my mouth water in anticipation.

As the tofu cooked, Martha shared with me the story of how she came up with this recipe. She had been inspired by a trip to the Southern United States, where she had tasted some of the best BBQ dishes of her life. She wanted to recreate that experience at home but with a vegetarian twist, so she decided to experiment with tofu as the main ingredient.

After a few minutes on the grill, Martha flipped the tofu slices over and brushed them with more BBQ sauce. The tofu had developed a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside, while still remaining tender and juicy on the inside. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a piece and taste the explosion of flavors that awaited me.

Finally, the Citrus BBQ Tofu was done and Martha plated it up with a side of grilled corn and a fresh green salad. As I took my first bite, I was blown away by the complexity of flavors in the dish. The tangy citrus marinade cut through the rich BBQ sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and smoky notes. The tofu itself had absorbed all the flavors beautifully, making each bite a true delight for the taste buds.

As I savored every bite of the Citrus BBQ Tofu, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Martha's generosity in sharing this recipe with me. It was a dish that truly embodied her spirit of adventure and creativity in the kitchen, and I knew that it would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire for years to come.

From that day on, whenever I wanted to transport myself back to that sunny summer afternoon in Martha's kitchen, all I had to do was whip up a batch of Citrus BBQ Tofu. The flavors and memories of that day would come flooding back, filling my heart with warmth and my stomach with deliciousness. And for that, I would always be thankful to my dear friend Martha for introducing me to this culinary masterpiece.