Author: This Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu recipe is easy to make and so meaty (but totally vegan). The tofu is shredded with a cheese grater and then baked in spices. This technique makes the most amazing tender and chewy bite. It's super satiating and full of BBQ deliciousness. A new fave in my house for sure! 
FEATURED COMMENT:
Making these again for supper. I've lost track of how many times I've made this...really delicious, and satisfies craving for pulled pork sandwich I remember from years ago! - Christine
Just 8 ingredients and super easy to make. It also stores well in the fridge for 3 - 4 days so it's great for meal prepping too. Once you have your shredded tofu you can layer it on a bun for a pulled tofu sandwich, pile it on a taco or in a burrito, use it for scrumptious lettuce wraps, top on a baked potato, scatter over nachos, or enjoy it any way you like! (I'm also a big fan of munching on it straight from the pan). New to cooking with tofu? Check out by Tofu 101 guide. 😉 
I came across the idea shredding tofu with a cheese grater from the blog Up Beet Kitchen, and I combined that technique with my method for making tofu crumbles and tah dah! Vegan shredded chicken. You just gotta love the amazing powers of tofu!! (Probably the most vegan statement ever said). Haha!
To make Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu:
There is no need to press the tofu as it will dry out in the oven. Simply drain off the excess water and pat dry. Use the large side of a cheese grater to grate the block of tofu into shreds. Set aside. 
Mix the oil, soy sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Add the shredded tofu, and use a spatula to gently toss to evenly coat the tofu in the seasonings. 
Spread the tofu evenly over the prepared pan. Bake for 28 - 33 minutes, stirring the tofu halfway through, until the tofu is browned. For chewier shreds you will want to bake them a little longer, or for more tender shreds bake them a little less. 
Remove the tofu from the oven. Heat the BBQ sauce and water in a pan, and then stir in the baked tofu. The tofu will absorb some of the liquid and it will soften to tofu slightly making the most perfectly meaty texture. 
Serve hot as a sandwich, in tacos, on nachos, in lettuce wraps, on a baked potato, any way you like! Or allow to cool completely before storing in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 - 4 days. Bon appetegan! Sam Turnbull.
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Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu
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Ingredients
- 1 350g block extra-firm tofu,, drained and shredded (see step 2)
- 1 tablespoon light oil, such as canola or vegetable
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, gluten-free if preferred
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup vegan-friendly BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- There is no need to press the tofu as it will dry out in the oven. Simply drain off the excess water and pat dry. Use the large side of a cheese grater to grate the block of tofu into shreds. Set aside.
- Mix the oil, soy sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Add the shredded tofu, and use a spatula to gently toss to evenly coat the tofu in the seasonings.
- Spread the tofu evenly over the prepared pan. Bake for 28 – 33 minutes, stirring the tofu halfway through, until the tofu is browned. For chewier shreds you will want to bake them a little longer, or for more tender shreds bake them a little less.
- Heat the BBQ sauce and water in a pan, and then stir in the baked tofu. The tofu will absorb some of the liquid and it will soften to tofu slightly making the most perfectly meaty texture. Serve hot as a sandwich, in tacos, on nachos, in lettuce wraps, on a baked potato, any way you like! Or allow to cool completely before storing in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 – 4 days.
Notes
Nutrition
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CK says
You already have a million ads on this page. It would be nice if I could print the recipe without signing up for your emails.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi CK, I am sorry you are having a bad experience. You don't need to sign up for any emails. Simply uncheck the box that says "Subscribe to newsletter" and you won't be sent any emails.
Christina says
Turned out great on my sandwich and I topped it with a homemade vegan slaw. Would definitely make this again as the tofu turned out flavorful.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks Christina! That sandwich with vegan slaw sounds delicious 😊
Lori says
I have a reaction to American soy, but I stumbled on a smoked tofu produced in the UK so I tried the shredded tofu recipe with it.... OMG!!!chef's kiss!
It was SO GOOD it has shot up to my #1 Sam Recipe... FYI the Pumfu shreds have NOTHING on the Tofu shreds. (Pumfu is tofu made with pumpkin seeds and water, which is what I use in all recipes that call for tofu)
I HIGHLY recommend doing a batch of this every weekend and store in an airtight container. it is GREAT for last minute or quick week night meals.
It made an AMAZING sandwich with lettuce, tomato and vegan ranch dressing.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Lori! OMG smoked tofu sounds incredible here, chef’s kiss indeed. Thanks for sharing that tip, and review!
LPD says
Followed exact recipe except used a food processor with grater attachment to shred the tofu. Worked perfectly and was delicious. Thanks for the awesome recipe.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Love that tip! Using the grater attachment is such a smart shortcut—so glad it worked well for you 😊
T S says
Easy peasy and delicious! made with firm and it was a little tricky to grate, but cooked up nicely.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Great! Thanks for your review!
Susan says
I was looking for something to boost the protein in a dish and found this recipe. I dialed back the chili and added some HP sauce to the pre-baked shreds. It was perfect and is now a regular addition to our meals when we need more protein. Just switch up the seasonings and it goes with anything. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh that's wonderful Susan! I am so thrilled you love it and are having fun switching up the seasonings too. Thank you for the review! 🙂
Heather says
Oh my goodness. This is amazing. My husband never usually likes eating tofu but this recipe was an absolute banger and it got a 5 star rating from him so thank you! He’s now a convert haha. I can’t wait to try your other recipes.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Ohhhh yes!!! I love helping people fall in love with tofu!! So thrilled you and your husband enjoyed it so much, Heather!
mary says
definitely one of the most delicious tofu recipes i've ever had. tofu is so bland and this recipe gives a meaty texture. i used simple firm tofu and it grated nicely.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! I am so happy you enjoyed it Mary! Thank you for the review 🙂
Jess says
My family loved this! Super impressed and it’s so easy! We love the shredded tacos too so I knew this wouldn’t disappoint! Thank you!! Another family favorite!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
We're so happy to hear it!
Kelly says
Looks delicious and I'm excited to try it out for a vegetarian pulled "pork" recipe! I'm going to smoke it in the Traeger vs bake in the oven, and I'm sooo excited to see how it comes out. Have you ever tried super firm tofu (vs extra firm)? Or, have you tried freezing the extra firm tofu first? Curious if that would make it even more "meaty."
Carissa says
I made with Super Firm that was previously frozen. It shredded okay and overall turned out well. I will try with extra firm next time for comparison.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Kelly 😊 Smoking it on the Traeger sounds amazing! I haven’t tested this one with super firm tofu but it would work great and could give it an even meatier texture. I wouldn't recommend frozen tofu as it can get spongey and crumbly and likely wouldn't grate well. Enjoy!
Jody Schroeder says
This says it can be made ahead. I’ve never cooked with Tofu. Would I prepare it without the sauce and then add it to sauce to warm?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
HI Jody, you can do it either way! The tofu will stay nice and chewy even when stored in the sauce, so it is whatever you prefer. Enjoy! I hope you fall in love with tofu 🙂
Kathy says
My favorite tofu recipe!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy to hear that!
Anne says
I have always used my hands to squish my tofu into pieces. Grating it! So much easier. Excellent recipe.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it Anne!
Danielle says
Flavourful and good texture. Looking forward to putting it on nachos 🙂 Thank you!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oooh that would be lovely! Enjoy!