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Tasty Grilled Tofu on a Stick

The first time I tried grilled tofu on a stick, I was at a summer barbecue hosted by my college roommate. I remember being a bit skeptical – tofu on the grill? But the aroma wafting from the skewers, a mix of sweet and savory, was too enticing to resist. I took a bite, and my eyes widened. The tofu, surprisingly firm and slightly smoky, was coated in a deliciously tangy mustard and crispy breadcrumbs. It was a revelation, proving that even humble tofu could be transformed into something truly special. I’ve been making my own version ever since, and it’s always a hit at parties and potlucks.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 3
Yield: 6 tofu sticks
Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

16 ounces extra firm tofu
½ cup sweet and spicy mustard
½ cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1 pinch chili pepper (to taste)
Olive oil, in a spray mister

Equipment Needed

Sharp knife
Towel or paper towels
Container for marinating
Plate
Fork
Skewers or grill
Grill or greased baking sheet

Instructions

Begin by preparing the tofu. Slice the extra firm tofu into 3 equal sections lengthwise. Then, cut each slice in half to create six tofu sticks. This will give you the perfect size for grilling and eating on a stick.
Next, it’s crucial to remove excess moisture from the tofu. This helps it achieve a better texture on the grill. Wrap each tofu stick in a towel or paper towel and gently squeeze to extract the tofu juice. Pressing the tofu is key to getting a firm, almost meaty, texture when grilled.
Now, it’s time to slather on the flavor! Using a knife or brush, generously spread the sweet and spicy mustard onto each side of each tofu stick. Ensure every surface is well coated to maximize the flavor infusion during marinating.
Place the mustard-coated tofu sticks in a large enough container so they can lay in a single layer. This allows for even marinating and prevents them from sticking together.
Let the tofu sticks marinate in the refrigerator for at least three hours, or even better, overnight. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will become. The mustard will penetrate deep into the tofu, creating a truly delicious base.
After the marinating period, remove the tofu from the refrigerator. Get ready to add that crispy texture!
Place the seasoned breadcrumbs on a plate. Add the chili pepper to the breadcrumbs and mix thoroughly with a fork. Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your desired level of spice.
Place each tofu stick on a skewer, or use a fork to help coat each side with the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. A good coating of breadcrumbs is what gives these tofu sticks their satisfying crunch.
Mist each side of each tofu stick with olive oil. This will help the breadcrumbs brown beautifully and prevent the tofu from sticking to the grill or baking sheet.
Now it’s time to cook them! You have two options:
- Grilling: Cook the tofu sticks on the grill until they are browned and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Baking: Alternatively, cook the tofu sticks in the oven at 375°F (190°C) on a greased baking sheet for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even firmer texture, consider pressing the tofu for a longer period (up to an hour) before slicing. Use a tofu press or place the tofu between two plates with a heavy object on top.
If you’re short on time, you can marinate the tofu for a minimum of 30 minutes, although the flavor won’t be as intense.
To prevent sticking on the grill, make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled.
If the breadcrumbs aren’t browning enough in the oven, you can broil them for the last minute or two, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.
Add a touch of garlic powder or onion powder to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These grilled tofu sticks are fantastic served immediately while they are still warm and crispy. They make a great appetizer or can be served as a main course with a side salad or grilled vegetables.

For leftovers, store the tofu sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill to restore some of their crispness. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soggy.

While not ideal, you can freeze the cooked tofu sticks. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	209.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	78 g	37%
Total Fat	8.7 g	13%
Saturated Fat	1.6 g	8%
Cholesterol	0.2 mg	0%
Sodium	836.6 mg	34%
Total Carbohydrate	19.5 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	3.7 g	14%
Sugars	3.2 g	12%
Protein	16.9 g	33%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Spicier: Add more chili pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
Smoked Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a smoky flavor.
Herbaceous: Mix in some dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture.
Different Mustard: Experiment with different types of mustard, such as Dijon, honey mustard, or even a spicy brown mustard.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle with maple syrup after grilling.
Soy Sauce Glaze: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar for an Asian-inspired glaze.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do I need to press the tofu?
A: Pressing removes excess water from the tofu, which allows it to absorb the mustard marinade better and achieve a firmer, crispier texture when grilled or baked.

Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of seasoned breadcrumbs?
A: Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but you’ll need to add additional seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the tofu overnight. You can also prepare the tofu sticks with the breadcrumb coating a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q: How do I prevent the tofu from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. You can also use a grill mat or cook the tofu on skewers to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I cook these in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can cook these in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tofu sticks for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this recipe in hand, I hope you’re inspired to give these tasty grilled tofu sticks a try! They are a fantastic way to enjoy tofu, even if you’re not a vegetarian or vegan. The combination of the sweet and spicy mustard, crispy breadcrumbs, and perfectly grilled tofu is simply irresistible. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own unique flavor combinations. Share your creations with friends and family – they’re sure to be a hit! Pair it with a light and refreshing summer salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy grilling!

Tasty Grilled Tofu on a Stick Recipe