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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    May 27, 2020 106 Comments

    Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu (shredded chicken)

    7.7K shares
    Jump to Recipe

    I know I've been posting a lot of tofu recipes recently, but I just can't help it. I love the stuff! The textures and flavours you can make with tofu are endlessly delicious, and this recipe for Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu is no exception. 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!

    Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu! (Vegan shredded chicken). Just 8 ingredients and super easy to make. Use it any way you like- pile it bun for a pulled tofu sandwich, layer in a taco or in a burrito, use it for lettuce wraps, top on a baked potato, scatter over nachos. Make-ahead and meal-prep friendly. Gluten-free and oil-free options. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #veganrecipes #tofu

    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). 😉

    Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu! (Vegan shredded chicken). Just 8 ingredients and super easy to make. Use it any way you like- pile it bun for a pulled tofu sandwich, layer in a taco or in a burrito, use it for lettuce wraps, top on a baked potato, scatter over nachos. Make-ahead and meal-prep friendly. Gluten-free and oil-free options. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #veganrecipes #tofu

    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:

    Use a cheese grater to make shredded tofu chicken!

    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.

    Toss the tofu shreds with seasonings

    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 over a baking tray and bake

    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.

    The shredded tofu will get browned.

    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.

    Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu! (Vegan shredded chicken). Just 8 ingredients and super easy to make. Use it any way you like- pile it bun for a pulled tofu sandwich, layer in a taco or in a burrito, use it for lettuce wraps, top on a baked potato, scatter over nachos. Make-ahead and meal-prep friendly. Gluten-free and oil-free options. #itdoesnttastelikechicken #veganrecipes #tofu

    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.

    Print Recipe
    4.95 from 57 votes

    Vegan BBQ Shredded Tofu

    Just 8 ingredients and super easy to make. Use it any way you like- pile it bun for a pulled tofu sandwich, layer in a taco or in a burrito, use it for lettuce wraps, top on a baked potato, scatter over nachos. Make-ahead and meal-prep friendly. Gluten-free and oil-free options.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time33 mins
    Total Time43 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    ingredient tag: tofu
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 117kcal
    Author: Sam Turnbull • It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

    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
    US Customary - Metric
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    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

    Oil-free option: sub the oil for vegetable broth, aquafaba, or water.
    BBQ sauce: feel free to substitute BBQ sauce for any other kind of sauce.
    Tofu: extra-firm tofu is essential for this recipe. I tried other firmness, but even firm tofu was too soft to grate succesfully. So make sure you get extra-firm. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1(recipe makes 4 servings) | Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 508mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram and Hashtag #itdoesnttastelikechicken
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Hilary says

      January 20, 2023 at 8:38 am

      Could your lentil tofu (which I love) be ok to used for this recipe?

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        January 26, 2023 at 9:32 am

        Hi Hilary, I think it might be a bit soft so your shreds may turn to crumbles, but maybe if you freeze the lentil tofu first it will grate better? I hope that helps!!

        Reply
    2. Bianca says

      January 18, 2023 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      DELICIOUS!
      I love this technique, so clever.

      Reply
    3. Olivia says

      November 28, 2022 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      Made this last night at it was so so good! Great texture and flavor, all ingredients that I always have on hand. Excellent leftovers for lunch today as well. I only had firm tofu (and didn't see the warning not to use until after) but I just pressed it for maybe 10 mins and it shredded perfectly (Trader Joe's brand).

      Stuffed this in parker house rolls to make little sliders, along with coleslaw mix, a homemade pickle and ranch. This will definitely be part of our regular rotation - hooray!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        December 03, 2022 at 1:24 pm

        So happy you love it! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Jacqui says

      November 17, 2022 at 12:05 pm

      can this be frozen?

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        November 17, 2022 at 5:34 pm

        Yes, but it will change the texture of the tofu.

        Reply
    5. Lindsey B says

      October 19, 2022 at 11:38 am

      love your recipes! I will be trying this one soon. I'm using it in another recipe as a sub for chicken. About how many cups of tofu is in the finished product after it's baked? (My other recipe calls for "4.5 cups cooked shredded chicken".)

      Thanks! I will come back to edit with a review but I'm sure it will be just as delicious as your other stuff.

      Reply
    6. joyce says

      August 29, 2022 at 2:41 pm

      Will be my go to recipe. Delicious

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 02, 2022 at 3:48 pm

        So happy you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    7. Ann M says

      August 12, 2022 at 8:24 pm

      5 stars
      Well, my shreds didn’t survive the mixing; so Sloppy Joe’s it is! LOL. I served this on a brioche bun and topped it with coleslaw. It was delicious! Maybe I will try a different brand of tofu next time.

      Reply
    8. Erika says

      July 16, 2022 at 9:59 pm

      5 stars
      Favorite tofu recipe hands down. We make this on the regular!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        July 20, 2022 at 9:27 am

        Yay!!

        Reply
    9. Meghan R says

      April 12, 2022 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious!! I've seen shredded tofu recipes, and I would think, "ok they can do it, but there's no way that would work for me." It did! My husband was so impressed, and he would even make this recipe for himself, versus making meat. I used the today for sandwiches, but like you said, the opportunities are endless.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        April 14, 2022 at 5:10 pm

        That's wonderful Meghan! Happy you enjoyed 🙂

        Reply
      • Sparrow says

        August 03, 2022 at 4:55 pm

        Lucky! My tofu just turned to tiny crumbles even though it was extra firm 🙁 I'm hoping the taste will be amazing since we love all of Sam's recipes, so wish us luck and share any tips you have on getting shreds rather than crumbles..lol

        Reply
        • Sam Turnbull says

          August 04, 2022 at 9:25 am

          It definitely depends on the tofu brand you use. Try another brand next time 🙂

    10. Tracy says

      April 02, 2022 at 7:17 am

      This is great! I can’t be,e I’ve how easily the tofu shreds. If I wanted to use a different type of sauce as you mention in the notes, do I still use the soy sauce and spices before baking?

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        April 06, 2022 at 6:08 pm

        So happy you loved it Tracy. Yes, I would still season the tofu before baking or it will be pretty bland. You can use the same seasonings, or adjust if you want to play around a bit. Just don't increase the liquid anymore or you run the risk of soggy tofu shreds 🙂

        Reply
    11. Katie says

      January 22, 2022 at 7:52 am

      5 stars
      This was absolutely delicious - thank you!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        January 25, 2022 at 4:37 pm

        You're welcome 🙂

        Reply
    12. Peggy Does Cake says

      December 03, 2021 at 1:15 pm

      Sam, thanks for all your bomb recipes! I see you suggest "extra" firm tofu for this recipe, but we love love love Nasoya "super" firm (if you haven't ever tried it, you literally cannot squeeze any water from it it's so firm). Do you think that would be too dry, or do you think it would work? Thanks again for all you do!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        December 06, 2021 at 4:14 pm

        I think that would work just fine, you just might need to cook it less. Enjoy!

        Reply
    13. Jenny says

      October 04, 2021 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      I make these oil free and just sub water in place of the oil. They turn out great and are so versatile!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 14, 2021 at 12:25 pm

        Wonderful!

        Reply
    14. Melissa Mertens says

      October 02, 2021 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      I made this. Again. Super delicious. Thanks so much for the great recipe.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 14, 2021 at 12:21 pm

        You're most welcome, Melissa! So happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
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    I'm Sam. Bestselling cookbook author and full-time vegan recipe creator! I LOVE vegan food, but it didn't start that way. As someone who comes from a family of hunters, butchers, and chefs I'm the last person I thought would go vegan. Here's My Story →

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