Tofu Satay

When cooked the right way, tofu is a vegan delicacy! With the right marinade and cooking technique, you can turn tofu into any main or side dish. I, for example, think tofu is like a sponge. Not only does it absorb flavors, but it can also be cooked in a variety of ways. Tofu satay, for instance, is one of my favorite tofu recipes! 

HOW TO KNOW WHAT TOFU TO BUY FOR TOFU SATAY

Since then, of course, I have learned a thing or two. First and foremost, the type of tofu you buy is significant. For instance, soft tofu is used for dressing, dips, and sauces.

On the other hand, extra-firm tofu is made for entrees and can be baked, air-fried, grilled, or sauteed. As a general rule, I always buy the firmest tofu I can find. 

Additionally, sprouted tofu is the firmest tofu, and it does not require pressing. This one is my favorite, simply because I don’t have to press it. I use a paper towel to dry it off, and it’s ready to go.

TOFU SATAY MARINADE FOR GRILLING AND DIPPING

Once the tofu is pressed and cut into 1/2 inch sticks, I place them in a lite peanut marinade overnight. Despite my preference to marinate overnight, I suggest at least a couple of hours. 

So, the marinade soaks into all the tofu, pour a small amount of marinade in the bottom of the container, then layer tofu, and repeat. 

Next, please place it in the refrigerator and let it soak for as long as you can. When it is time to grill, remove each piece of tofu and gently insert a stick. 

I also keep the extra marinade and place the tofu back in the container to get the extra sauce or set it aside to use later. 

Again, tofu satay can be served hot, right off the grill, or cold!  

GRILLING TIP FOR VEGAN KABOBS AND TOFU SATAY

If using wooden grill sticks when grilling tofu satay or any kabob, be sure to soak your sticks in water. 

For example, I soak my grill sticks for at least an hour before I plan to use them. Then, right before grilling, I remove them from the water. As a result, the tofu, or any food, slides right off the stick without breaking apart. 

And, it prevents anyone from eating a sliver of wood as well. 

GRILLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR TOFU SATAY

Although tofu can be baked, sauteed, or air-fried, I grilled my tofu for this tofu satay recipe. 

But, if you wish to choose a different way, click this link to help Pressed Tofu for Grilling, Baking, Air-frying, or Cooking in a Skillet.

As a rule, my favorite method of cooking tofu is using the grill. Without a doubt, I love the grill lines and the deep flavors of grilled tofu. 

First, to grill the perfect tofu on the grill, pre-heat the grill to medium or 400 degrees. Then, arrange the tofu directly on the grill for a total of 20 minutes, flipping four times to get the pretty grill marks.

TOFU SATAY RECIPE CAN BE USED DIFFERENT WAYS

Without a doubt, I love a recipe I can use for different dishes and in versatile ways. Tofu satay recipe, for instance, can be served with a side of peanut sauce for dipping.

Or, tofu satay added to a favorite salad or noodle bowl works as well. Because I prepared a fabulous zucchini slaw salad, I decided to use the tofu satay as my protein for my salad.

Of course, tofu satay can be added to any of these dishes as well:

• Grilled Asian Sesame Tofu with Vegetable Slaw 
• Spicy Tofu Asian Salad
• Kale Asian Pasta Salad
• Yum Yum Noodles
• Vegan Spicy Thai Drunken Noodles
• Vegan Zoodle Pad Thai

TOFU SATAY MARINADE IS ALSO THE DRESSING

Since I marinaded the tofu first, I reserved half to use as a dip, or in this instance, a dressing. 

Subsequently, with very few ingredients, you can make a great marinade and dressing. All you need is a high-speed blender and common ingredients in your pantry:

• Homemade Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
• Lime Juice
• Rice vinegar
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari
• Pure Maple Syrup or agave nectar
• Fresh Ginger Root
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Water 

Regardless of how you choose to serve tofu satay, I promise you won't be disappointed in the results. 

If you love grilled tofu as I do, give these grilled tofu recipes a try: 

• Lemongrass Tofu Recipe
• Grilled Maple & Stone Ground Mustard Tofu
• Teriyaki Tofu
• Pressed Tofu for Grilling, Baking, Air-frying, or Cooking in a Skillet

Yield: 6 servings

Tofu Satay

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Tofu satay is full of flavor and perfect served with peanut dipping sauce or as a topping for a salad or noodle bowl

Print

Ingredients

• 1 14 ounce package extra-firm or sprouted tofu

Peanut Marinade/Dressing

• 1/4 cup homemade peanut butter, almond butter (or peanut butter of choice)
• 2 Tablespoons lime juice
• 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or Tamari
• 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup or agave nectar
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger root
• 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/8 cup water

Asian Slaw

• 1 zucchini, julienned
• 1 yellow summer squash, julienned 
• 1/2 red onion, julienned
• 1/2 purple cabbage, shredded
• 2 large carrots, shredded, or julienned
• 1 red pepper, julienned
• 4 mandarin oranges, peeled, sectioned, and cut into bite-sized pieces

Garnish (optional)

• Chopped peanuts
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

WOODEN GRILL STICKS ( if using)

1. Soak wooden grill sticks (if using) in a container and cover with water until ready to use.

TOFU

1. Press tofu using a tofu press
2. Cut into 1-inch strips.
3. Prepared tofu satay marinade

PEANUT MARINADE/DRESSING

1. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
2. Blend until smooth
3. Add extra water if necessary if the dressing is too thick.
4. Pour a small amount of the dressing into a container.
5. Add a layer of tofu, a little more dressing, and repeat.

GRILLING TOFU

1. Pre-heat grill to 400 degrees or medium-low
2. Gently, place a grill stick into the middle of each piece of tofu.
3. Place marinated tofu directly on the grill for 16 minutes, flipping every 4 minutes.
4. Remove from the grill and return to a container with extra marinade, or sprinkle with sesame seed and serve.

OTHER COOKING OPTIONS

1. Tofu can also be baked, air-fried, or sauteed.

ASIAN SALAD (if making with salad)

1. Julienne all the vegetables and cut r=oranges into bite-sized pieces
2. Place the purple cabbage on the bottom, and layer the other ingredients on top of the cabbage.
3. Add a few pieces of grilled tofu.
4. Top with chopped peanuts (optional)
5. Drizzle with peanut dressing
6. Add chopped green onions

Notes

SERVING OPTIONS:

• Serve tofu satay on the sticks with a side of the peanut dipping sauce
• Remove tofu from the sticks and serve on top of a noodle bowl or salad
• Remove tofu from the stick and chop to put on a salad or in an Asian wrap sandwich.

SHORT-CUTS

• Skip the homemade sauce and use astore-bought brand

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information

Yield

6 servings

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 229Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 0mgSodium 411mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 5gSugar 11gProtein 13g

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Kathy Carmichael

Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me