with summer right around the corner it is a great time to make these easy vegan bbq ribs! made with tofu and baked in the oven, these are perfect for anytime of year.
the inspiration
A few years ago I shared a recipe for vegan ribs using seitan. They were delicious but I do know some people of course can’t eat gluten and I wanted to create an alternative version.
Cutting the tofu into long rectangles creates nice pieces to bit into and giving it a similar shape to ribs (without the actual ribs of course!) I still wanted to create something full of flavor and packed with BBQ goodness!
the ingredients
- Super Firm Tofu: the base of our recipe is of course tofu. Super firm tofu works best here because it is the firmest tofu. I also think using frozen and thawed tofu would work well here. Just be sure to press it beforehand if you do this.
- Barbecue Sauce: for our vegan bbq ribs we do need barbecue sauce. Most ones in the store are vegan friendly. I like Sweet Baby Ray’s.
- Seasonings/Spices: you don’t need much here but I like to do paprika, garlic powder, and cinnamon.
- Agave: to add a little extra sweetness. You can also use maple syrup or omit it if the barbecue sauce is sweet enough for you.
- Liquid Smoke: the liquid smoke helps to add a bit of a smokey flavor, making it feel like this was smoked on a smoker.
marinating the tofu
The first step is to marinate the tofu in liquid smoke and agave. This will help to give the tofu a lot of flavor so when you bite into it, there is flavor within the tofu. I like that it has a little subtle flavor of the smokiness and sweetness.
You want to marinate the tofu for at least 20 to 30 minutes. However, the longer it marinates the more flavor it will have. You can marinate it for up to 8 hours in the fridge.
preparing the vegan bbq ribs
After the tofu is done marinating it will be time to start preparing the vegan ribs! You need to take a parchment lined baking sheet and place the tofu on there.
Then, you will brush over the barbecue sauce onto all sides of the tofu. Make sure to flip it and coat everything really well. Once everything is coated well in the bbq sauce it will be time to bake.
baking the vegan bbq ribs
Now, you are finally ready to bake! Place them in the oven for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then, you will remove them from the oven. Next, you will brush them all thoroughly again with the barbecue sauce.
Coating it in the barbecue sauce a few times and baking helps to ensure that the vegan bbq ribs are packed with flavor. Then, you will bake them again for 30 minutes to create nice texture and flavor.
Baking the vegan bbq ribs ensures a nice deep flavor and it does make your house smell amazing! It also creates a crispy outside and a nice soft inside.
why you’ll love this recipe
I think these vegan bbq ribs are such a fun recipe and great for summer. You will love how delicious they are and how easy they are to make.
It is also great for people who can’t have gluten as this recipe is soy based and doesn’t use vital wheat gluten. You will be enjoying some nice plant protein that is full of flavor.
Also, I am personally am not a fan of jackfruit so I enjoy that this recipe doesn’t use it. You will love how the tofu has a meaty texture and delicious flavor.
vegan bbq ribs faq
- Is this recipe soy free? No, it uses tofu. However, you can try making it with the soy free fava bean tofu. You can also check out my seitan based vegan ribs.
- Is this recipe gluten free? Yes, as long as your barbecue sauce doesn’t have gluten in it.
- Is this recipe nut free? Yes.
- How long does this recipe last in the fridge? Up to 4 days.
- How do I reheat it? You can warm them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
- Can I freeze this recipe? I don’t recommend it as the sauce will get dried out.
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Vegan BBQ Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 block (16 ounces) super firm tofu
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons agave divided
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cut the tofu into 12 long rectangles. If you would like a visual on how to do this please watch the video. Start by slicing the tofu in half so the block is divided into two long rectangles. Then flip each rectangle on its side and cut in half to create thinner slices. Then, cut those slices into thirds resulting in 3 large and long rectangles. Repeat the process until all 12 have been made.
- In a container add the tofu with the 1 tablespoon of agave, liquid smoke, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Marinate the tofu for at least 20 to 30 minutes. However, you can marinate the tofu for up to 8 hours in the fridge.
- Before you are ready to cook the tofu you will make the barbecue sauce. Combine the barbecue sauce, seasonings, 1 tablespoon agave, and then drain the container that had the tofu in it for any remaining liquid. Mix until it is well combined.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Place the tofu on a large parchment lined baking sheet. Generously brush the tofu with the barbecue sauce, flipping and coating each side. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven. Generously brush the tofu again, flipping and coating all sides. Be careful as the tofu is hot. Bake again for 30 minutes.
- Remove the tofu and give it one final brush of the barbecue sauce before serving. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition facts are based on my gram measurements put into Cronometer. Yours may vary, they are to help you get an idea.
- Please do not repost recipes without my permission. Sharing a direct link is always highly encouraged and appreciated.
- For more information on the recipe and any questions you may have please refer to the FAQ above the recipe card
- This recipe makes 12 vegan ribs. I have the serving size as 4, to be 3 vegan ribs per serving.
I’m going to try making this I hope it turns out well.
Awesome I think you will enjoy them!
Hi, you need to press the tofu first, right?
Hi Tara, as we are using super firm tofu you do not need to press it! if you can’t find super firm tofu and you are substituting with an extra firm tofu then you can press it/
Would freezing the tofu sticks in the liquid smoke and agave mix, then thaw and cook whenever ready would work ? I feel like having sit ready would be handy.
If you want to try it out you can! Have fun and experiment 🙂
Hi – can you actually cook the tofu ribs on BBQ?
Hi Julie, growing up my mom always did oven baked ribs so that was really what I was modeling this recipe after. If you put tofu on the grill I always worry about it sticking so I would at least put some foil down.
I made these yesterday and ate them today…. they were soooo yummy!! And I love that they’re not complicated to make.
Thank you for sharing the recipe!!
Hi K, yay I am so glad you enjoyed them. Thank you so much for trying them and taking the time to leave a comment/review! means so much!
Hi I wanted to triple the recipe but the numbers are cut off, or part of it. So can you send me the ingredients using 4-4 blocks of the ribs please. They look tasty.
Thank you
Hi Alice can you explain to me what device you are looking on that it is showing them cut off? I can see them just fine on a cell phone and laptop so curious to know what is causing an issue.
1 block (16 ounces) super firm tofu
⅓ cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons agave
2 teaspoons liquid smoke
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
If you hit print recipe as well it will come in a seperate tab and you should be able to view it fine there
Do you divide the agave between the marinade and BBQ sauce so they each have 1 tbsp? The recipe doesn’t specify. Going to try this recipe soon!
Hi thank you for bringing to my attention all fixed now. yes just 1 tbsp per step 🙂