Smoky BBQ Pulled Tofu Sandwiches
Equipment
- Large skillet (10–12″) Essential for sautéing tofu and simmering the sauce.
- Spatula or fork To shred tofu in the pan.
- Cutting board & chef’s knife For chopping onion and garlic.
- Paper towels or kitchen towel To press tofu dry.
- Small bowl To whisk sauce ingredients.
- Toaster or griddle For toasting buns.
Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu – 14 oz block drained and pressed
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Yellow onion – 1 medium finely diced
- Garlic cloves – 3 minced
- Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
- Ground cumin – ½ tsp
- Chili powder – ½ tsp
- Tomato paste – 1 tbsp
- BBQ sauce – ¾ cup use a vegan-friendly variety
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Maple syrup – 1 tbsp
- Vegetable broth – ¼ cup
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Soft burger buns – 4
- Vegan coleslaw optional – for topping
- Pickles optional – for crunch
Instructions
Press the tofu
- Wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy skillet or cutting board on top and let it drain for at least 10 minutes. Firmly pressed tofu gives better texture and helps it absorb the BBQ sauce.
Prep the veggies and sauce
- While tofu drains, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and vegetable broth. This will be your flavorful cooking liquid.
Shred the tofu
- Crumble the pressed tofu into bite-sized chunks, then use two forks—or your hands—to shred it into strands that resemble pulled meat. This step creates delightful texture, turning tofu into a star in this shredded tofu recipe.
Sauté the base
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in your skillet. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it’s translucent and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook another minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
Spice it up!
- Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, toasting them with the onion and garlic for about 30 seconds. This step is a simple tofu recipes secret to maximum flavor and aroma.
Cook the tofu
- Toss the shredded tofu into the skillet. Stir well to coat the tofu in the spiced aromatics. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, giving it a little shake or stir until it starts to pick up golden edges.
Simmer in sauce
- Pour your pre-mixed BBQ liquid over the tofu. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer uncovered for about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally until most of the liquid is absorbed or thickened and the tofu is coated in a smoky, rich sauce. If it looks dry, splash in a bit more broth.
Toast the buns
- Lightly toast the buns in a toaster or on a griddle for that toasty crunch. Warm buns make all the difference.
Assemble the sandwiches
- Pile the BBQ pulled tofu high on the toasted bottom bun. Top with a scoop of creamy vegan coleslaw and a few pickles for extra bite, then crown with the other bun half.
Serve and enjoy!
- Plate the sandwiches with a side of crispy oven-baked fries or a fresh green salad. Dig in while hot!