BBQ Tofu Sandwich

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

Soft buns cradle crispy tofu smothered in BBQ sauce, layered with creamy cabbage slaw and ripe avocado. A simple plant-based option ready in no time!

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:53:41 GMT
Slices of toasted tofu smothered in BBQ sauce, paired with coleslaw and creamy avocado in a burger bun. Pin it
Slices of toasted tofu smothered in BBQ sauce, paired with coleslaw and creamy avocado in a burger bun. | chefmelt.com

I stumbled upon this awesome crispy BBQ tofu sandwich idea and it's totally transformed our meatless Monday lineup! Imagine super crunchy tofu smothered in thick BBQ sauce, topped with buttery avocado and a tangy cilantro cabbage mix. The coolest thing? This tasty vegan creation takes just half an hour to make. Even my buddies who usually go for meat can't stop asking for seconds – it's seriously that delicious!

These Handheld Delights Always Impress

  • Whipped up quickly making them great for hectic evenings.
  • Needs basic items you'll find at any grocery store.
  • Delivers amazing taste profiles smoky tangy with a slight kick.
  • Each mouthful balances crunchy tofu with refreshing cool slaw.
  • The slaw isn't just yummy it's nutritious too make more than you need!
  • Completely plant-based.
  • Believe me everyone gobbles these up even folks who doubt tofu.

Let's Round Up What We Need

  • Tofu: Grab firm or extra firm the organic kind tastes better.
  • Oil: You can use olive or coconut both give great results.
  • BBQ Sauce: Avoid ones containing corn syrup making your own is fantastic.
  • Spicy Option: Throw in sriracha or chili paste for some fire.
  • Cabbage: Green or purple varieties work fine buying pre-shredded saves prep time.
  • Red Onion: Brings a wonderful tang to your slaw.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Adds brightness to everything.
  • Vegan Mayo: Standard mayo works too if you aren't plant-based.
  • Vinegar: Apple cider or white vinegar will do the job.
  • Seasonings: Remember your salt and pepper.
  • Buns: Pick soft ones ready for toasting.
  • Avocado: Not required but definitely worth adding.

Let's Build These Mouthwatering Handheld Creations

  1. Handle Your Tofu: Slice into chunks that match your bun size dry them thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Warm Up That Skillet: Get your pan nice and warm with oil sprinkle in some salt and fresh ground pepper.
  3. Create Crunchiness: Fry the tofu pieces until they turn golden and crisp on each side.
  4. Mix Your Slaw: While frying combine your slaw ingredients cabbage cilantro onion mayo and vinegar sample it and tweak seasonings.
  5. Add The Flavor: Combine your BBQ sauce with hot sauce coat your crispy tofu let it become slightly caramelized in the pan.
  6. Brown Your Buns: Make them lightly golden and warm.
  7. Stack Everything: Put it all together slaw BBQ-coated tofu chunks avocado if you're using it.

My Insider Tricks For Perfect Results

  • Tofu Secret: Squeeze it for 15 minutes beforehand for extra crispiness.
  • Upgrade Your Slaw: Consider adding grated carrots or some fresh lime juice.
  • Perfectly Toasted: Don't rush past toasting those buns it really enhances everything.
  • Extra Flavor: Have additional BBQ sauce on the side for dunking.
Two burgers with a breaded protein patty, topped with coleslaw and barbecue sauce, served with a side of avocado. Pin it
Two burgers with a breaded protein patty, topped with coleslaw and barbecue sauce, served with a side of avocado. | chefmelt.com

Ready To Enjoy Your Creation

You're gonna love your new favorite handheld meal! These crunchy BBQ tofu creations nail everything you want quick healthy and totally filling. They work for lunch dinner or anytime hunger strikes and come together in just 30 minutes. Once you bite into one you'll see why they're always in my weekly meal plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the trick to getting really crispy tofu?

Remove as much water from the tofu as you can by pressing it dry. While cooking, don’t mess with it—let it naturally form a golden layer before flipping. Keep heat at medium-high and use enough oil.

→ Can I prepare the slaw earlier?

Absolutely. Make the slaw a day in advance and refrigerate it. The flavors actually improve as it rests.

→ Why go for extra firm tofu here?

The firmer texture stays sturdy during cooking and helps create that pleasing crispy edge. Softer tofu might break apart too easily.

→ Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Sure thing! Use gluten-free bread or lettuce leaves instead of buns. Double-check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free too.

→ What’s the purpose of adding chili paste to BBQ sauce?

Chili paste spices things up and cuts through the sweetness in BBQ sauce. You can tweak the amount to suit your taste for heat.

BBQ Tofu Sandwich

Enjoy a delicious crunchy tofu sandwich with tangy slaw, creamy avocado, and BBQ sauce. Comes together in 30 minutes flat.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil.
02 1 block of extra-firm tofu, drained.
03 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
04 1/4 teaspoon fine salt.
05 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste.
06 1/4 cup tangy BBQ sauce.
07 Two soft sandwich buns, toasted.
08 1 ripe avocado (optional).
09 3-4 tablespoons plant-based mayonnaise.
10 1/4 cup red onions, sliced thin.
11 1/4 teaspoon fine salt.
12 4 ounces shredded cabbage, about 3 packed cups.
13 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped.
14 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.

Instructions

Step 01

Pat your tofu dry, cut it into thick, bun-sized slabs, and set it aside for grilling.

Step 02

In a pan on medium-high heat, pour in your oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Lay the tofu down in the hot oil carefully. Let it cook undisturbed until it gets a nice golden crust.

Step 04

Mix the barbecue sauce with chili paste in a small bowl while the tofu cooks.

Step 05

In a mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, cilantro, vinegar, mayonnaise, salt, and sliced red onions.

Step 06

While waiting for the tofu to brown (which takes about 12 minutes), toast the buns to a light golden color.

Step 07

Lower the heat, coat the crispy tofu with the BBQ sauce mix, and let it caramelize just a little.

Step 08

Spread extra mayo on the toasted buns if you'd like, and layer the hot BBQ tofu slices on top.

Step 09

Generously add the fresh, creamy slaw on top of the tofu for a great flavor balance.

Step 10

Add avocado slices if you're using them. Serve right away while the tofu is still crispy.

Notes

  1. Perfect for vegan eaters.
  2. Swap for gluten-free buns if needed.
  3. Best enjoyed fresh after preparing.
  4. Spice up or tone down according to your taste.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big frying pan.
  • Mixing bowls for ingredients.
  • A sharp kitchen knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Tofu contains soy.
  • Wheat found in regular buns.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 527
  • Total Fat: 30.6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43.2 g
  • Protein: 21.6 g