Savory Grilled Tofu Skewers
Perfectly grilled tofu cubes marinated in a fresh, savory-sweet glaze made from tomato, tamarind, and spices. A fantastic low-sodium, vegan protein option for barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the tofu
- b.Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove as much water as possible. A tofu press works best, but you can also wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy object on top.
- c.Pat the pressed tofu dry and cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the fresh marinade
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh tomato puree, tamarind paste, maple syrup, and sesame oil.
- c.Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional salt.
- d.Whisk again until the marinade is smooth and well combined.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Marinate the tofu and assemble skewers
- b.Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat every piece evenly.
- c.Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- d.While the tofu marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- e.Carefully thread the marinated tofu cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the skewers
- b.Preheat your grill or a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Brush the grill grates or the skillet with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- d.Place the skewers on the hot surface and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes.
- e.Cook until all sides are golden brown with nice char marks.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and serve
- b.Remove the skewers from the heat and arrange them on a serving platter.
- c.Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced scallions.
- d.Serve immediately while warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use extra-firm tofu and press it well. This helps it get crispy and absorb the marinade better.
- 2If you have time, let the tofu marinate for up to an hour in the fridge for a deeper flavor.
- 3Feel free to add vegetables to the skewers, like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, for a complete meal.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan or grill. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the tofu sears rather than steams.
- 5The homemade marinade is key. Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best result.
- 6Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or air fryer.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes or a finely chopped green chili to the marinade for a spicy kick.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure your tamarind paste and cornstarch are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Reduce the amount of tamarind paste slightly and omit the black pepper to make the flavor milder for kids.
high proteinHigh protein
Serve the skewers over a bed of quinoa or with a side of edamame to boost the overall protein content of the meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a great choice for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Antioxidants
The fresh tomatoes provide lycopene, while ginger and garlic offer powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that help protect your cells from damage.
Heart-Healthy
This recipe is low in sodium and saturated fat. The use of sesame oil provides healthy unsaturated fats, which can contribute to better cardiovascular health.
Supports Bone Health
Tofu is a good source of calcium and manganese, both of which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very healthy dish. Tofu provides excellent plant-based protein, and the homemade marinade avoids the high sodium and preservatives found in store-bought sauces. It's low in saturated fat and rich in nutrients from fresh ingredients.