Memphis-Style Barbecue Tofu
Excellent served with biscuits (or cornbread), greens (collards are my favorite), and vegetarian baked beans (or lima beans and corn cooked in butter with a little salt and pepper). In addition to being tasty right out of the oven, this makes an excellent lunch the next day (hot or cold), though you might have to hide some in advance if you want any left over! Keeps nicely in the fridge for up to a week (at least I think it will - it's never lasted that long in our house, even with only two people).
Excellent served with biscuits (or cornbread), greens (collards are my favorite), and vegetarian baked beans (or lima beans and corn cooked in butter with a little salt and pepper). In addition to being tasty right out of the oven, this makes an excellent lunch the next day (hot or cold), though you might have to hide some in advance if you want any left over! Keeps nicely in the fridge for up to a week (at least I think it will - it's never lasted that long in our house, even with only two people).
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 15-oz packages extra-firm tofu pressed
- 1 tablespoon butter (or vegan margarine if making vegan)
- 1 12-oz bottle catsup (choose a good-tasting brand, such as henry's grandma's catsup
- 1/4 cup chili sauce (not the thai kind; heinz makes a decent brand)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar firmly packed
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (or granulated garlic)
- 1 dash cayenne powder (or to taste)
- Carbohydrate 72.6646773388206 g
- Cholesterol 5.08385416884683 mg
- Fat 10.9716331160674 g
- Fiber 7.13331726933984 g
- Protein 19.3395765911917 g
- Saturated Fat 2.17929744514028 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (585g)
- Sodium 770.452736283045 mg
- Sugar 65.5313600694808 g
- Trans Fat 0.894226447845043 g
- Calories 432 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cut one of the blocks of tofu into bite-sized cubes (about the size of dice), and crumble the other block of tofu into small chunks (bite-sized and smaller).
- Place the tofu in a lightly oiled baking dish (large enough so that you only have one layer).
- Cook until tofu is lightly browned and slightly chewy, tossing every 15 minutes or so (it should take about an hour or two to cook the tofu properly).
- While the tofu is cooking, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, slowly saute the chopped onion in butter until soft and just beginning to turn yellow.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Simmer about 15 minutes.
- Taste, and adjust seasonings.
- Combine sauce and tofu in a baking dish, and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes (note that this is about how long it takes to bake biscuits to go with the barbecue tofu).
My Unexpected Love Affair with Memphis-Style Barbecue Tofu
As a busy working mom, time is a luxury I rarely have. Dinner prep often feels like a race against the clock, a frantic dash to get something nutritious and palatable on the table before bedtime. I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both quick and satisfying, and that's where this Memphis-Style Barbecue Tofu truly shines. I stumbled upon this recipe while browsing a vegan food blog – and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer.
Initially, I was skeptical. Tofu? Barbecue? The two didn't seem to naturally go together in my mind. I envisioned a bland, rubbery texture, a far cry from the smoky, tangy flavors I associate with classic barbecue. But my doubts quickly vanished the moment I took my first bite. The tofu, perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, was infused with a deeply flavorful, smoky sauce that was both sweet and savory, with just the right amount of spice. It was an explosion of taste, a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes that danced on my tongue.
The recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal solution, something I could make even on my busiest days. The process of preparing the sauce is surprisingly meditative – the slow simmering, the gentle stirring, it allows for a brief pause amidst the chaos. And the best part? The leftovers are even better the next day! I pack some for my lunch, and my kids devour the rest. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite, and it's a testament to how a simple, well-executed recipe can transform a weeknight dinner into a truly enjoyable culinary experience.
Beyond the Recipe: This barbecue tofu transcends being just a meal; it's a testament to the transformative power of culinary creativity. The unexpected pairing of tofu and barbecue sauce showcases how simple ingredients, combined with the right techniques, can result in an extraordinary culinary journey. It's proof that even the most basic of ingredients can be elevated to something truly special.
This recipe isn't just about convenience, it's about finding joy in the cooking process, in creating something delicious and nourishing for yourself and your loved ones. It's a reminder to slow down, savour the flavors, and appreciate the simple pleasures of a well-cooked meal. It's about more than just feeding your family; it’s about nurturing their souls with flavors that spark memories and create new ones.
I strongly encourage you to try this recipe, not just for its deliciousness, but for the potential to uncover your own unexpected love for tofu. This recipe proves that vegan cooking can be exciting, flavourful, and accessible to everyone – no matter your culinary skill level.
Serving Suggestions: As the original recipe suggests, serving this with biscuits, collard greens, and vegetarian baked beans elevates the meal to a truly satisfying experience. The combination of textures and flavors is delightful! Consider adding a side salad for some refreshing contrast.
Variations: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, depending on your personal preference. You can also experiment with different types of barbecue sauce to tailor the flavor to your liking.
So, if you're looking for a quick, delicious, and surprisingly satisfying vegan meal that will impress your family and friends, this Memphis-Style Barbecue Tofu is a must-try. It's a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with passion and a touch of culinary magic, can create a truly unforgettable dish.
Final Thoughts: This Memphis-Style Barbecue Tofu isn't just a recipe; it's a journey. It's a journey from skepticism to surprise, from apprehension to appreciation. It’s a journey into the heart of flavour, where simple ingredients meet culinary artistry to create something truly extraordinary. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
