Smoked tofu is a delightful and versatile dish that can be prepared using either a pellet smoker or a traditional offset wood smoker. The smoking process imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the tofu, making it a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, and more. Below, you’ll find the basic recipe, followed by variations for different flavor profiles ranging from sweet to savory.
Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu (about 14 oz / 400g), drained and pressed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (for sweet variations) OR 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for savory variations)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for spicy variations)
Instructions:
Preparing the Tofu:
- Slice the tofu block into 1/2-inch thick slabs. You can also cut it into smaller cubes if desired.
For Pellet Smoker:
2. Marinating the Tofu:
- In a shallow dish, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, maple syrup (or honey / rice vinegar), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the tofu slices to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover the dish and let the tofu marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
3. Preparing the Pellet Smoker:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up and preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use your favorite smoking wood pellets (such as hickory, applewood, or cherry) for added flavor.
4. Smoking the Tofu:
- Place the marinated tofu slabs directly on the smoker grates or use a grilling basket to prevent sticking.
- Smoke the tofu for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it develops a golden-brown color and absorbs a desirable level of smokiness.
- Remove the tofu from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
For Traditional Offset Wood Smoker:
2. Marinating the Tofu:
- Follow the same marinating instructions as mentioned in the pellet smoker method.
3. Preparing the Traditional Offset Wood Smoker:
- Build a fire in the firebox of your offset smoker using your choice of smoking wood logs (hickory, mesquite, applewood, etc.). Let the fire burn down until it produces a steady stream of smoke and the smoker reaches a temperature of 225°F (107°C).
4. Smoking the Tofu:
- Place the marinated tofu slabs on the main cooking grate, away from the direct heat source. You can also use a grilling basket for convenience.
- Keep an eye on the temperature, and adjust the airflow and wood as needed to maintain a consistent temperature and smoke production.
- Smoke the tofu for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it achieves a nice golden-brown color and absorbs the desired smoky flavor.
- Once done, take the tofu off the smoker and allow it to rest briefly before serving.
Recipe Variations:
1. Sweet and Smoky Tofu:
- Use maple syrup as the sweetener in the marinade. The natural sweetness will complement the smoky flavor.
2. Savory Herb-Infused Tofu:
- Replace the sweetener with rice vinegar and add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to the marinade.
3. Spicy Smoked Tofu:
- Include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the marinade or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix for some heat.
4. Asian-inspired Smoked Tofu:
- Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or liquid aminos, and add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil to the marinade.
Feel free to experiment with different marinade ingredients and smoking times to achieve your preferred flavor profile. Smoked tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and used in various dishes for a delicious and smoky twist. Enjoy!
