Easy Grilled Tofu

August 29, 2025

Here’s how to make grilled tofu! It tastes irresistible when infused with smoky flavor and drenched in a sweet and savory marinade.

Tofu is one of my favorite plant-based proteins, so when the season rolls around—I’m all about grilling it! My favorite grilled tofu recipe is so satisfying, charred to perfection and brushed with a sweet and savory marinade.

Grilled meals can be harder when you’re eating plant-based: you can eat piles of grilled vegetables but you need a protein to stay full! Grilled tofu is a great healthy grilled dinner idea that’s full of plant-based protein. You might even convert meat eaters when they take a taste of this one—it’s absolutely delicious!

Featured reader comment

“WOW, delicious! I’m a meat eater but loved it.” -John

Ingredients for grilled tofu

I love easy meals so for this grilled tofu, I kept things super basic. It’s got a zesty marinade with just a few ingredients that bring big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Extra-firm or firm tofu: Firm or extra firm is key; avoid packages marked soft or silken tofu. This is a soft version of tofu that is not intended for grilling. (Sometimes silken refers to soft tofu, but we’ve also seen a brand on the shelves called Silken. Just look for Firm or Extra Firm anywhere on the package!)
Mirin: Mirin is a type of Japanese rice wine. It brings a subtly sweet complexity that in this recipe that’s hard to replicate, so we recommend seeking it out. You should be able to find it in your local grocery near the soy sauce.
Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar adds an extra tang to the marinade.
Soy sauce: Use full sodium soy sauce for the best flavor, or substitute tamari for gluten-free.
Sesame oil or olive oil: Olive oil or standard sesame oil are our top choices here. Avoid toasted sesame oil since that is intended for flavoring in small quantities.
Sriracha hot sauce: Add a hint of hot sauce for a kick, if desired!

Flavor variation

For Mediterranean-style flavors, I love using just soy sauce and olive oil, and a mix of garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. This is great for when you’re using it to top a grilled salad or in a tofu sandwich. See the recipe below for quantities!

How to grill tofu (step by step)

You don’t need anything special for grilled tofu: you can just place it right on the grill grates! Here are the basic steps. For exact steps and quantities, go to the full recipe below.

Step 1: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450°F). Slice the tofu in half slice lengthwise. Place in a large bowl and microwave 2 minutes. Drain excess liquid.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together mirin, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and olive oil. Cut each slab into 3 large slices, or 12 slices total. Brush all sides of the slices with the sauce and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Step 3: Place the tofu slabs onto the grill and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, until lightly browned with grill marks, and the tofu releases from the grates. Remove from the grill. Transfer to a serving plate and brush on remaining sauce, pouring any leftover over the top.

There’s no need to press the tofu

Many recipes call for pressing tofu to remove extra liquid, which often takes about 1 hour. But Alex and I have developed a special quicker way to remove the liquid! Here’s what to do:

Cut the tofu in half and microwave it for 2 minutes.
Drain the liquid! Then you can proceed right to marinating and grilling!

Customize the flavors to taste

Add a hint of hot sauce to this recipe if you’d like! The Sriracha hot sauce is just 1 teaspoon, so it adds complexity to the flavor without adding heat. If you love spicy food, you could always increase the Sriracha up to 1 tablespoon! But as written, this recipe is not spicy. You can also omit the Sriracha if you prefer.

Ways to serve grilled tofu

Once you’ve got your grilled tofu, how to accessorize it? Alex and I like to serve it up with a big platter of vegetables! Here are our favorite grill recipes or vegetarian grill recipes to pair:

Serve with teriyaki grilled mango skewers or veggie kabobs and coconut rice for a fun meal.
These grilled mushrooms or portobellos make a fantastic savory pairing.
Try grilled broccoli, grilled green beans, or grilled asparagus: ideal quick grilled side dishes.
Go for bell peppers with grilled peppers or grilled peppers and onion.
Make fan favorite grilled corn.
Go for BBQ grilled cauliflower, a grilled avocado, or tasty grilled carrots.

Dietary notes

This grilled tofu recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions

Won’t tofu just fall apart on the grill?

Not if you prep it correctly! Pressing tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to hold its shape and achieve a nice sear on the grill.

What’s the best way to marinate tofu for grilling?

Marinades are your friend! Use flavorful combinations with soy sauce, citrus juices, herbs, spices, or your favorite Asian-inspired sauces. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for deeper flavor.

My tofu isn’t getting crispy on the grill. What am I doing wrong?

Here are some tips for achieving grill-worthy crispness:
Medium high heat: Sear the tofu over medium high heat to create a crust.
Press the tofu: Pressing the tofu before grilling it is key to achieving a desirable texture.

How can I tell when my tofu is done grilling?

Look for a golden brown sear on both sides. There’s no need to measure with a digital read thermometer like with meat or fish.

What are some delicious ways to serve grilled tofu?

The possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas:
Veggie skewers: Add grilled mango and veggie skewers or grilled veggie kabobs.
Tofu salad: Top your salad with grilled tofu slices for a protein and flavor boost.
Tofu tacos: Marinate and grill tofu for flavorful and protein-packed tacos. (Cut into smaller pieces after grilling.)