Smoked Tofu

Smoked Tofu

Smoked Tofu

Yes, you can smoke tofu. All you have to do is press the liquid out of it for 30 minutes. I recommend extra firm tofu. It will have the least amount of moisture. Marinate for 2 hours. Smoke for 2 hours. That’s it. Really any type of wood will work. I used apple and cherry woodchips. You can eat the tofu as is or use it in numerous recipes. Check out the recipe for string beans with smoked tofu below.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Marinating Time2 hours
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Keyword: appetizer, electric smoker, main course, vegan
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • Electric Smoker

Ingredients

  • 2 blocks extra firm tofu pressed for 30 minutes
  • 1/4 cup light soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste

Wood Chips

  • applewood chips
  • cherrywood chips

Instructions

  • Mixed together the marinade ingredients.
    Smokers, appetizer, main course
  • Cut the blocks of tofu into thirds.
    Smokers, main course, appetizer
  • Place the tofu and the marinade into a gallon sized storage bag. Squeeze out the excess air. Marinate the tofu for 2 hours.
    Smokers, appetizer, main course
  • Place the tofu on a rack. Pat dry with paper towels.
    Smokers, appetizer, main course
  • Preheat your electric smoker to 225 degrees according to the manufacturer’s directions. Smoke for 2 hours.
    Smokers, appetizer, main course
Smokers, appetizer, main course
Let chill before using in various recipes.

Tips For Smoking Tofu

  • Extra firm tofu works best since it has the least amount of liquid.
  • Wrap the blocks of tofu in multiple layers of paper towels and press for 30 minutes.
  • Marinate the tofu for 2 hours.
  • Pat the tofu dry with paper towels before smoking to allow the smoke to stick.
  • Any type of wood works for smoking tofu. Tofu takes on whatever flavor you give it.
  • Tofu only takes 2 hours to smoke at 225 degrees.

String Beans with Smoked Tofu

Stir fried green beans with black bean sauce is a popular Chinese takeout menu item. You typically will see it with chicken. Instead, I made it with my smoked tofu recipe, making the dish vegan now. Honestly, just as good. You can make this entire meal in 15 minutes or less!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Chinese, East Asian, main course, vegan
Servings: 2
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 brick smoked tofu sliced into 1/2” thick squares
  • 1/2 lb green beans trimmed
  • 4 shiitake mushrooms sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tsp ginger minced
  • 3 green onions chopped

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup veggie stock or chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing cooking wine
  • 2 tbsp fermented black beans of black bean sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp cornstarch

Instructions

  • Heat up 2 tbsp of cooking oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add in the tofu.
    Chinese, main course, vegan
  • Fry for 3-4 minutes a side until crispy. Remove from the pan.
    Chinese, main course, vegan
  • Add in the last tbsp of oil. Stir in the green beans and shiitake mushrooms. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add in the ginger and garlic and fry for 1 more minute.
    Chinese, main course, vegan
  • Add the tofu back in. Stir fry for a minute.
    Chinese, main course, vegan
  • Mix together the sauce ingredients.
    Chinese, main course, chicken
  • Pour the sauce in the pan. Make sure to coat everything evenly.
    Chinese, main course, vegan
  • Turn off the heat. It only will take a minute for the sauce to thicken.
    Chinese, main course, vegan