The secret to the best tofu is always in the marinade. That is what makes this Greek barbecued tofu amazing. That and of course the tangy, garlicy tzatziki! Serve this tofu with rice, roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables.
A note on some of the ingredients
Extra firm tofu: This tofu is best for this recipe, especially as the tofu will be grilled. To maximize the amount of flavor in the tofu press it before marinating. To press the tofu use either a tofu press or lay the sliced tofu in between layers of paper towel and tea towel and put your heaviest books on top.
Fresh rosemary: Fresh herbs always have a stronger flavor however if you don’t have fresh rosemary dried can be substituted. If using dried rosemary use 1/2 – 1 teaspoon and crush the leaves in your hands before adding to the marinade.
Plain vegan yogurt: I prefer to use oat based plain yogurts that are gluten free as the flavor is very neutral. A plain soy yogurt would work well in this recipe as well. I do find that any coconut based yogurt still faintly tastes of coconut so I would not use it in this recipe.
Fresh mint/dill: My preference in this recipe is to use fresh mint in the tzatziki however if you don’t have fresh mint or dill I would opt for 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill.
How the Greek barbecued tofu with tzatziki is made:
To maximize the flavor of the tofu it is best to press as much water out of it before marinating. You can use a fancy tofu press or do as I do. I slice my tofu into 8 pieces and then lay them out onto a tea towel lined with paper towels. Next I top the tofu with more paper towel, fold the tea towel over and place three large cookbooks on top. Let the tofu sit for a minimum of 30 minutes.
In a large 9 x 13 baking dish add all of the ingredients for the marinade and mix them together. Add the pressed tofu and turn the pieces so that they are all coated.
It is best to make the tzatziki, or any sauce, ahead of time so that the flavors have time to marry. To make the tzatziki first deseed the cucumber by slicing it in half lengthwise and use a spoon, scrape out the seeds.
Next, using a box grater carefully grate the cucumber. Place the grated cucumber onto a paper towel or clean tea towel and squeeze as much water out as possible.
Add the cucumber to the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt and pepper. I use white pepper here only because of the color, black pepper would work just as well.
To cook the tofu heat your grill on high for 5 minutes. Then using a barbecue brush, oil the grates and turn the heat down to medium low. Place the tofu on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side. Alternatively the tofu can be baked in a 400°F oven on a parchment lined baking sheet for 25 to 30 minutes.
Serve the tofu with roasted potatoes, rice and grilled vegetables.
Enjoy!