Vegan Barbecue Recipe for Yakitori Grills: Grilled Tofu and Vegetable Skewers

Yakitori grills, traditionally used for grilling skewered chicken, are also perfect for creating delicious vegan dishes. The compact size and high heat of a yakitori grill make it ideal for quick and flavorful grilling. Here’s a fantastic vegan barbecue recipe for grilled tofu and vegetable skewers that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. First time doing yakitori? Check out our how-to guide!

Grilled Tofu and Vegetable Yakitori Skewers

Ingredients:

• For the Skewers:
  • 1 block of firm tofu, drained and pressed
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 red onion
  • 8-10 cherry tomatoes
  • Wooden or metal skewers
• For the Marinade:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu and Vegetables

Start by draining and pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size ensures they grill evenly and stay intact on the skewers.

Next, wash and chop the vegetables. Cut the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces, slice the zucchini into half-inch rounds, and cut the red onion into similar-sized chunks. Keep the cherry tomatoes whole.

2. Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup or agave nectar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you like, add sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

3. Marinate the Tofu and Vegetables

Place the tofu cubes and chopped vegetables in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring everything is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.

4. Assemble the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated tofu and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between tofu and different vegetables to create a colorful presentation.

5. Preheat the Yakitori Grill

Preheat your yakitori grill to medium-high heat. The high, direct heat is perfect for achieving a nice char on the tofu and vegetables without overcooking them.

6. Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the yakitori grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Brush the skewers with any remaining marinade during grilling for extra flavor.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve them hot, garnished with additional sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. These skewers pair wonderfully with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Yakitori

• Pressing the Tofu: Make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, which helps it absorb the marinade better and achieve a firmer texture on the grill.
• Uniform Pieces: Cut the tofu and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• High Heat: Yakitori grills are designed for high, direct heat, which is ideal for quickly cooking and charring the skewers. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Marinating Time: Allow sufficient time for marinating. The longer the tofu and vegetables marinate, the more flavorful they will be.
• Serving Ideas: These skewers are versatile and can be served with various dipping sauces, such as spicy mayo, peanut sauce, or a simple soy sauce-based dip.

Vegan BBQ Rocks!

Grilled tofu and vegetable skewers are a delightful and healthy option for vegan BBQ lovers, especially when cooked on a yakitori grill. This recipe is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any barbecue gathering. Enjoy the delicious combination of marinated tofu and fresh vegetables, and impress your guests with this tasty vegan dish. Happy grilling!