These vegan tofu skewers with a tomato-paste are my weekly go-to! They are perfect for both BBQ grilling and oven baking, making them a versatile addition to any meal plan, no matter the season.
On the BBQ, they get a deliciously smoky flavor, with the tomato paste marinade caramelizing beautifully to create a slightly charred, savory crust. The high heat of the grill helps infuse the tofu and veggies with that classic BBQ taste, making them a fantastic plant-based option for outdoor gatherings.
If you prefer to cook indoors, these skewers bake up wonderfully in the oven or air fryer. At a high temperature, the tofu and vegetables roast to perfection, developing a satisfying texture and rich flavor that’s every bit as tasty as a grilled version.
Souvlaki-inspired
These vegan tofu skewers take inspiration from the classic flavours of Souvlaki—a dish I loved growing up. With its juicy, marinated meats grilled to perfection, Souvlaki is all about simplicity and bold flavour. Remember that this recipe is not like authentic Greek Souvlaki but can be used in place of it. It works beautifully in a place with tzatziki, roasted Greek potatoes and a general serving of Greek salad.
Great for meat-lovers
These vegan tofu skewers are a satisfying option for meat lovers looking to try something plant-based without sacrificing on heartiness. Thanks to the tomato paste marinade, the tofu absorbs savoury umami flavours reminiscent of meat. When grilled or baked, the tofu develops a slightly crispy exterior while staying tender on the inside which is a great substitute for chicken.
Best choice for the planet
I love this recipe for folks looking to reduce their environmental impact. It’s fully plant-based, meaning it avoids all animal products, which are often associated with higher carbon emissions, land use and water use. Tofu, the star of this dish, provides a protein-packed alternative to meat with a much smaller environmental footprint. Paired with fresh veggies and a flavourful tomato paste marinade, these skewers are both nutritious and sustainable.
Drool-Worthy Tofu Souvlaki-Inspired Skewers [Vegan & Gluten-Free]
Ingredients
- 1 454g block extra-firm tofu
- 3 veggies of choice (Onion, Red Pepper, Zucchini) Optional
Marinade
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari opt for low sodium
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon all spice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoons oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into 1-inch cubes. Add the tofu to a large container with enough space to spread the cubes out evenly.
- Make the marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Mix well until smooth.
- Marinate the tofu: Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes, close the container and give it a shake. Keep the marinated tofu in the fridge at least 30 minutes or more.
- Prepare vegetables (optional): Cut bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or any other desired vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the tofu and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between tofu and veggie pieces for color and flavor variation.Note: If you're preparing your tofu in the oven rather than the barbecue, you can forgo the skewers. See three different cooking methods below.
Cooking the skewers: barbecue method
- Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the preheated grill, directly over the heat.
- Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a nice char on all sides. Brush the with any remaining marinade throughout for extra flavour and juiciness.
Cooking the skewers: oven method
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF. If you have a convection oven, use the roast setting for best results. Use a oils cast iron grill pan or aluminum baking sheet with a rack for best results. If you don't either, place the skewers directly on baking lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled. You can also forgo the skewers if you're using a baking tray.
- Bake for 18 to 25 minutes, rotating halfway. Brush with any remaining marinade throughout for extra flavour and juiciness. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Cooking the skewers: air fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400ºF. Use small skwers so they fit in the air fryer. Place them spaced out enough to allow for airflow. If you have a small air fryer model, forgo the skewers and place the tofu and veggies on the try well spaced out.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, rotating halfway. Brush with any remaining marinade throughout for extra flavour and juiciness.
