Spicy, smoky, and full of flavor, this chipotle grilled tofu is an easy and delicious plant-based dish perfect for salads, grain bowls, or as a protein-packed main course. The combination of lime, chipotle, and cumin creates a bold and zesty marinade that enhances the tofu’s natural texture, making it crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold & Smoky Flavor – Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce bring heat and depth to the marinade.
- High-Protein & Plant-Based – A great meat alternative with plenty of protein.
- Quick & Easy – Simple preparation with minimal cooking time.
- Grill or Stovetop Friendly – Works on an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan.
- Versatile – Perfect for tacos, salads, bowls, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 16 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for grilling
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 inch ginger, peeled
- 1 chipotle in adobo pepper, plus 3 tablespoons of the chipotle sauce from the can
Directions
Press the Tofu:
- Drain the tofu and place it between two paper towels. Place a heavy object (such as a pot of water) on top and let it press for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Slice the Tofu:
- Once drained, slice the tofu crosswise into 1/3-inch slabs, then cut those in half to get about 8 pieces.
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a food processor or blender, combine:
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Chipotle pepper & adobo sauce
- Light brown sugar
- Salt
- Cumin
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Tofu:
- Lay the tofu in a shallow dish and brush with the marinade, reserving about 2 tablespoons for later.
- Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge).
Grill the Tofu:
Using a Grill Pan on the Stove:
- Heat a grill pan over high heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Lightly oil the pan and place the marinated tofu steaks in the pan.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until grill marks appear.
Using an Outdoor Grill:
- Preheat a gas grill over medium-high heat with the lid closed for 10 minutes.
- Oil the grill grates using tongs and an oil-soaked paper towel.
- Reduce the heat to low, place the tofu on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, flipping once.
Serve:
- Brush the grilled tofu with the remaining marinade and serve immediately!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Calories: 415 kcal per serving
Variations
- Extra Spicy – Add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Crispier Texture – Bake the tofu at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before grilling.
- Different Herbs – Swap lime for lemon or add fresh cilantro.
- Gluten-Free – Ensure the chipotle sauce is gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover tofu in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze grilled tofu for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm?
Yes, but extra-firm tofu holds up better to grilling.
What can I serve with chipotle grilled tofu?
Try it with rice, quinoa, tacos, or in a Buddha bowl with roasted vegetables.
Can I make this marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It’s lower in carbs, but for a keto version, replace the brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener.
Can I air-fry the tofu instead?
Yes! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I prevent tofu from sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill is well-oiled and don’t flip too early—let it sear before moving.
Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Yes! It works well with tempeh, mushrooms, or even chicken.
Can I skip pressing the tofu?
Pressing removes excess moisture for better texture, but if short on time, pat it dry well.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can finely chop the garlic, ginger, and chipotle pepper, then whisk the ingredients together.
Can I add other veggies to grill alongside the tofu?
Yes! Try bell peppers, zucchini, or onions for a full meal.
Conclusion
Chipotle Grilled Tofu is a bold, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for plant-based meals. Whether you’re grilling for a summer cookout or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this smoky, spicy tofu will become a favorite. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or alongside your favorite veggies for a deliciously satisfying meal!
Print
Chipotle Grilled Tofu
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chipotle Grilled Tofu is smoky, spicy, and packed with bold flavors! Marinated in a zesty chipotle-lime sauce and grilled to perfection, it’s the perfect plant-based protein for salads, bowls, or tacos. Great for a quick, healthy, and high-protein meal!
Ingredients
- 16 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for grilling)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled
- 1 chipotle in adobo pepper
- 3 tablespoons chipotle sauce (from the can)
Instructions
Press the Tofu:
- Drain the tofu and place it between paper towels.
- Place a heavy object (like a pot of water) on top and press for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Slice the Tofu:
- Once drained, slice the tofu crosswise into 1/3-inch slabs, then cut in half to get about 8 pieces.
3. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a food processor or blender, combine:
- Olive oil, lime juice, chipotle pepper, chipotle sauce, brown sugar, salt, cumin, garlic, and ginger.
- Blend until smooth.
4. Marinate the Tofu:
- Lay the tofu in a shallow dish and brush with the marinade, reserving 2 tablespoons for later.
- Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge).
5. Grill the Tofu:
➤ Using a Grill Pan (Stovetop):
- Heat a grill pan over high heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Lightly coat with olive oil and place the marinated tofu in the pan.
- Cook 4-6 minutes per side, until grill marks appear.
➤ Using an Outdoor Grill:
- Preheat a gas grill over medium-high heat with the lid closed for 10 minutes.
- Oil the grates using oil-soaked paper towels.
- Add the tofu, turn heat to low, close the lid, and grill for 4-6 minutes per side.
6. Serve:
- Brush the grilled tofu with the reserved marinade and enjoy!
- Serve with rice, salads, tacos, or grain bowls.
Notes
- Extra Crispy Tofu? Let it marinate longer for a deeper flavor and firmer texture.
- Make it Even Spicier! Add extra chipotle peppers or cayenne.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Vegan
