These yummy vegan smoked tofu recipes will inspire you to use this underrated vegan source of protein!
For me, Smoked Tofu is one of my all time favourite ingredients to use in my kitchen. It's versatile, tasty and easy to use. I sometimes even just slice it and eat it from the block!
Smoked tofu is firm tofu that has been smoked in a smoker with damp wood chips to create smoke (like salmon or charcuterie sometimes is) This smoking process makes it already pre-cooked, so you can eat it right away, which makes it ideal for use in sandwiches and salads.
It's also delicious grilled, or used as protein rich flavour bomb in place of animal protein in stews and soups or in pasta dishes. Smoked tofu tends to be firm in texture, so you don't have to worry about using a tofu press or pressing it between paper towels.
Different brands of smoked tofu vary in intensity of flavor, so try a few out if you can to discover your favorite. In the UK (where I live) Taifun and Tofoo brands are the easiest to find in grocery stores.
Check out these inspirational Smoked Tofu Recipes to help you decide how you will eat it first!
🥪Sandwiches
Whether you grill the smoked tofu or just slice and use it as is, it makes a great addition to sandwiches. Layer it up like a BLT with your favorite barbecue sauce or use thin slices Scandi style on an open faced sandwich.
🍜Pasta and Noodles
Smoked tofu is delicious used as a bacon or pork substitute in noodle and pasta dishes. Use tofu cubes to mimic pancetta in carbonara or slice and use in some ramen noodles.
🥗Salads
Once again, smoked tofu can be used either grilled or just cut up and tossed through salads. I like to make a delicious caesar salad with tahini dressing and smoked tofu in place of bacon. For extra flavour, make crispy tofu by first frying it in a little oil. Alternatively, add some parchment paper to a baking tray, spritz slices of smoked tofu with a little oil and bake.
🍲Soups and Stews
Use little pieces of smoked tofu cut up and fried like a bacon garnish on soup or chunks of smoked tofu in a rich, saucy stew. For added flavour, fry in a little olive oil or sesame oil to really bring out that smoky punch.
🥘Pizza and Paella
Add smokey tofu slices on top of pizza, flatbreads or tossed through paella is an easy way to amp up the flavors without any cruelty.
Sides and Snacks
If you love sushi, or making veggie sides, smoked tofu is your flavorful friend. Add a little to your next dish or incorporate it into budda bowls.
DIY Smoked Tofu
Don't panic if you can't find smoked tofu to buy, you can cheat it with a delicious marinade and DIY it.
All you need to do is add combination of liquid smoke, maple syrup and soy sauce into a sealed container, along with some thick slices of extra-firm tofu that have had some of their moister content removed by dabbing with a clean kitchen towel. . It then gets marinated for a few hours, before grilling or bbqing or adding to the recipe you need it in!
Storage:
To keep your opened package of smoked tofu fresh, pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days.
If you have a smoked tofu recipe you love, do let me know! I'm always on the lookout for new ways to use this underrated but delicious vegan protein.
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