Grilled Soy-Ginger Glazed Tofu

Grilled Soy-Ginger Glazed Tofu is a delicious and flavorful vegetarian dish that showcases the perfect balance of sweet and savory Asian-style glaze on tender, grilled tofu. This recipe offers a delightful contrast of textures with the soft and silky tofu complemented by a crisp and caramelized outer layer from the grill. The glaze, made with soy sauce, mirin, fresh ginger, garlic, and chili-garlic sauce, adds a delightful depth of flavor to the tofu, making it an instant hit among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Grilling tofu can be a bit tricky due to its delicate nature, but this recipe offers some useful tips to handle the tofu with care on the grill, ensuring it doesn’t break apart. By cutting the tofu into thick planks and using two spatulas, flipping the tofu becomes easier and more manageable.

Whether you’re a tofu lover or just looking to add more plant-based options to your grilling repertoire, this Grilled Soy-Ginger Glazed Tofu is a must-try dish that promises to impress your family and guests at any barbecue gathering.

SERVES 4 TO 6

INSTRUCTIONS:

GLAZE

• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup water
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ¼ cup mirin
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Asian chili-garlic sauce

TOFU

• 28 ounces firm tofu, sliced lengthwise into 1-inch-thick planks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. FOR THE GLAZE: Simmer soy sauce, water, sugar, mirin, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and chili-garlic sauce in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until thickened and reduced to ¾ cup, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to a bowl.
2. FOR THE TOFU: Spread tofu over a paper towel–lined baking sheet, let drain for 20 minutes, then gently press dry with paper towels. Brush tofu with oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. FOR A CHARCOAL GRILL: Open the bottom vent completely. Light a large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When the top coals are partially covered with ash, pour two-thirds evenly over half of the grill, then pour the remaining coals over the other half of the grill. Set the cooking grate in place, cover, and open the lid vent completely. Heat the grill until hot, about 5 minutes.
4. FOR A GAS GRILL: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat the grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Leave all burners on high.
5. Clean and oil the cooking grate. Gently place tofu on the grill, perpendicular to the grate bars (on the hotter part of the grill if using charcoal). Cook (covered if using gas) until lightly browned on both sides, 6 to 10 minutes, gently flipping tofu halfway through cooking using 2 spatulas.
6. Turn all burners to medium if using gas, or slide tofu to the cooler part of the grill if using charcoal. Brush tofu with ¼ cup glaze and cook until well browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip tofu, brush with ¼ cup glaze, and cook until well browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer tofu to a platter, brush with the remaining ¼ cup glaze, and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve.

TIPS:

• For the glaze, use freshly squeezed orange juice for the Sweet Orange Dipping Sauce to enhance its citrusy and vibrant flavor.
• To maximize the tofu’s surface contact on the grill, cut it lengthwise into 1-inch-thick planks as suggested in the recipe.
• When grilling the tofu, be sure to handle it gently using two spatulas to prevent it from breaking apart during the cooking process.
• Adjust the spiciness of the glaze by adding more or less Asian chili-garlic sauce based on your preference.
• Prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for convenience. Simply reheat it before brushing it onto the grilled tofu.
• The Grilled Soy-Ginger Glazed Tofu pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a refreshing salad to create a complete and satisfying meal.

VARIATION:

Grilled Asian Barbecue Glazed Tofu

To try a different twist on the glaze, opt for the Grilled Asian Barbecue Glazed Tofu. This variation brings together the delightful flavors of hoisin sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, and minced scallion to create a rich and savory glaze. The glaze’s sweet and tangy notes perfectly complement the grilled tofu, making it an enticing option for those who enjoy Asian-inspired flavors.

Enjoy this Grilled Asian Barbecue Glazed Tofu as a delightful addition to your grilling repertoire, and impress your guests with its irresistible taste and textures.

Remember to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in both the main recipe and the variation if you prefer a gluten-free option.