Tofu Kebabs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re already a veggie-lover, you can tell at a glance that these grilled tofu kebabs are going to be great. In case you need a bit more convincing, however, consider just a few reasons why you must make this recipe:

• They’re Packed with Color and Flavor. Tofu kebabs are full of bright veggies and tasty marinades that look great and taste even better. Each bite is bursting with smoky, savory goodness.
• Perfect for Grilling or Baking. Whether you’ve got a grill going or just an oven at home, these kebabs cook up beautifully. They’re super flexible and easy to make year-round.
• Great for Meal Prep. These kebabs hold up well in the fridge and even the freezer. Just prep ahead, cook when you’re ready, and enjoy a quick and healthy meal.
• Fun to Eat and Serve. There’s something extra fun about food on a stick. They’re perfect for outdoor BBQs, informal picnics, or weeknight dinners that need a little flair.
• Full of Plant-Based Protein. Thanks to tofu, these kebabs are loaded with satisfying plant protein. They’ll keep you feeling full and energized without any meat needed.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Only a few basic ingredients stand between you and this brilliantly easy kebab creation.

• Super-Firm Tofu – It’s important to get the right type of tofu that can stand up to being skewered without crumbling under pressure. “Super-firm” tofu is the most firm type sold in stores, usually refrigerated in vacuum sealed packages, which is ideal for kebabs. You don’t even need to press it since most of the water has already been removed. Hodo’s tofu works perfectly here too (it’s called “Extra Firm” but acts like super firm tofu because it’s already pressed).
• Veggies – Add color, texture, and flavor to your kebabs. Go for firm veggies like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini that hold up well when grilled or roasted. Try cherry tomatoes, eggplant chunks, or even pineapple for a fun twist!
• Soy Sauce – Brings that deep, savory umami flavor and helps season both the tofu and veggies. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to cut back on salt. Let your tofu soak in it for extra flavor. Use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
• Sesame Oil – Gives your kebabs a warm, nutty flavor that makes the whole dish taste amazing. A little goes a long way! Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor and always add it to your marinade—not for high-heat cooking. You can use olive oil or avocado oil, but add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds as well.
• Vegan Worcestershire Sauce – Adds tang and a rich, slightly smoky depth that really boosts the marinade. Not all Worcestershire sauces are vegan, so double-check the label. Try balsamic vinegar or a splash of tamari with a dash of liquid smoke if you don’t have any.
• Brown Sugar – Adds a little sweetness to balance the salty and tangy flavors in the marinade. Just a spoonful makes a big difference, especially for grilled kebabs. You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar instead.

Colorful Rainbow Veggie Ideas

For the best balance of flavors—and an awesomely appealing plate—consider all the colors of the rainbow when building your kebabs. Just a few of the many options to build your rainbow kebabs include:

• RED – cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper
• ORANGE – orange bell peppers, yams, butternut squash
• YELLOW – yellow squash, yellow bell pepper
• GREEN – bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus
• PURPLE – red onion, purple potatoes, eggplant

How To Make Tofu Kebabs

Making vegan tofu kebabs is easier than you might think and super fun to put together. With colorful veggies, flavorful tofu, and your favorite marinade, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to grill or bake in no time!

Advanced Prep – Marinate the tofu for at least 12 hours (or up to three days) before grilling.

Step 1: Prepare the Veggies – Microwave halved baby potatoes for 2 minutes, then chop veggies into kebab-sized pieces.

How To Serve Up Your Tofu Kebabs

Although these quick kebabs are already a complete meal by themselves, you can round out your plate with all sorts of other tasty sides and finishing touches.

• Serve with a Creamy Dipping Sauce – Whip up a tasty tahini garlic dip or a cool vegan ranch on the side. Everyone loves dipping, and it adds extra flavor to each bite!
• Pile Them Over Fluffy Rice or Couscous – Turn your kebabs into a full meal by serving them over a bed of warm jasmine rice, savory couscous, or even nutty quinoa salad. The grains soak up all those grilled veggie juices.
• Stuff Them into Pita Pockets – Slide the grilled tofu and veggies off the skewers and tuck them into warm pita bread. Add lemony hummus or diced avocado for an easy and delicious wrap.
• Turn Leftovers into a Colorful Salad – Chop up leftover kebabs and toss them with greens, crispy chickpeas, and a light dill dressing. Boom—next day lunch is ready and just as pretty.
• Pair with Grilled Pineapple or Mango – Grill some pineapple (like in this sweet pineapple smoothie) or mango chunks (such as in this creamy sorbet) alongside your kebabs for a sweet and smoky twist. The fruity flavor makes the meal feel tropical and fun.

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