Mesquite Smoked Tofu or Tempeh: An Unexpected Culinary Delight

I remember the first time I tried smoked tofu. It was at a small vegan barbecue in Austin, Texas, and I was instantly hooked. The smoky flavor, the firm texture, and the versatility of this humble ingredient blew me away. It tasted unlike anything I’d ever imagined tofu could be. From that day on, I was determined to master the art of smoking tofu and tempeh, and I’m excited to share my tried-and-true method with you!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: 25-35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 21 ounces
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free (check spray ingredients)

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil cooking spray
• Mesquite wood chips
• 21 ounces firm tofu or 21 ounces tempeh

Equipment Needed

• Smoker or covered grill
• Large Dutch oven with tight-fitting lid (for stovetop method)
• Wire rack (for stovetop method)

Instructions

1. Start by preparing your tofu. If using tofu, gently press it to remove excess water. You can do this by wrapping it in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for about 30 minutes. This will help the tofu absorb the smoky flavor more effectively. If using tempeh, there is no need to press it.

2. Slice the tofu or tempeh lengthwise into halves. This creates larger surfaces for the smoke to penetrate.

3. Using a Smoker:

   • Generously spray the smoker rack with vegetable oil cooking spray before placing it on the grill. This will prevent the tofu or tempeh from sticking.

   • Place the tofu or tempeh on the rack over medium-hot coals with mesquite wood chips. You can use other wood chips if desired, such as hickory or applewood, depending on your preferred smoky flavor. Remember to soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the coals. This will help them smolder and produce more smoke.

   • Smoke covered for at least 20 to 30 minutes. For a stronger smoky flavor, you can smoke it longer. Keep an eye on the temperature, aiming for around 225-250°F (107-121°C).

4. Using a Covered Grill:

   • Arrange hot coals around the edges of the grill. Place a shallow pan of water in the center. This will help keep the tofu or tempeh moist during the smoking process.

   • Sprinkle the coals with mesquite wood chips that have been soaked in water and well-drained.

   • Continue as directed above, smoking covered for 20 to 30 minutes, or longer for a more intense flavor.

5. On Top of the Range (Stovetop Method):

   • Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of mesquite smoking bits (very small chips) or shavings in the bottom of a large Dutch oven.

   • Place a wire rack in the Dutch oven. Make sure you have a nice, sturdy Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid to trap the smoke.

   • Place the tofu or tempeh on the rack and spray it with cooking spray.

   • Cover the Dutch oven tightly. Heat over high heat for 5 minutes. Lift the lid just enough to make sure the pan is full of smoke.

   • Reduce heat to medium-low and cook covered for 20 to 30 minutes.

6. For vegans, make sure the cooking spray does not contain dairy products such as butter.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Pressing is Key: For optimal tofu texture and flavor absorption, pressing is essential. Experiment with different pressing times to find your preferred firmness.
• Flavor Boost: Marinate the tofu or tempeh before smoking for an extra layer of flavor. A simple marinade of soy sauce, maple syrup, and garlic powder works wonders.
• Moisture Control: Keep an eye on the moisture levels, especially when using a smoker or grill. If the tofu or tempeh starts to dry out, lightly spritz it with water or a marinade.
• Wood Chip Variety: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of wood chips to achieve your desired smoky flavor profile. Applewood provides a sweeter, milder smoke, while hickory offers a stronger, more traditional barbecue flavor. Alder wood gives a light, subtle flavour.
• Smoke intensity: Adjust smoking time to suit taste, the longer you smoke, the more intense flavor you have.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the mesquite smoked tofu or tempeh immediately for the best flavor and texture. It’s delicious in sandwiches, salads, tacos, or as a main course alongside grilled vegetables.

To store leftovers, allow the tofu or tempeh to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

To reheat, you can pan-fry it, bake it in the oven, or microwave it. Pan-frying will help restore some of the original crispness.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	104.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	55 kcal	54%
Total Fat	6.2 g	9%
Saturated Fat	1.3 g	6%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	17.9 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	2.5 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	0.9 g	3%
Protein	12.2 g	24%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Ensure that your cooking spray is certified gluten-free.
• Marinade Options: Experiment with different marinades to customize the flavor. Teriyaki, Korean BBQ, or a spicy chipotle marinade are all great choices.
• Different Proteins: While this recipe focuses on tofu and tempeh, you can also use it for other plant-based proteins like seitan.
• Spice it up! For a kick, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the tofu or tempeh before smoking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

**Q: Can I smoke *tofu* without pressing it?**
A: While you can, pressing the tofu removes excess water, allowing it to absorb more smoky flavor and achieve a firmer texture.

**Q: How do I prevent the *tofu* from sticking to the smoker rack?**
A: Generously spray the rack with vegetable oil cooking spray before placing the tofu on it.

Q: Can I use a gas grill for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a gas grill. Place the wood chips in a smoker box or aluminum foil packet with holes poked in it, and place it over one of the burners.

**Q: How long will smoked *tofu* last in the refrigerator?**
A: Smoked tofu will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.

**Q: Can I freeze smoked **tofu?
A: Yes, you can freeze smoked tofu, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Final Thoughts

Mesquite smoked tofu or tempeh is a surprisingly versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet. Don’t be intimidated by the smoking process – it’s easier than you think! I encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with different wood chips, marinades, and serving suggestions to create your own unique version. Share your creations and feedback with me – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp coleslaw and grilled corn on the cob.