How much does this recipe make?

This recipe feeds 4 to 6 people. The exact number of servings depends on the intended use of the recipe, is it a sandwich filling or other plated, salad, or side dish? Serve multiple dishes at a family meal so everyone can assemble their own meal. Offer more food at larger events, but leave room to avoid crowding during frying.

Can picky eaters eat this tofu?

It could be a good option for picky eaters served as burgers or sandwiches. Grated tofu looks like pulled meat and is very different from solid blocks of tofu. Much of the barbecue flavor is mixed into the dish. Chilli powder provides heat, reduce or eliminate it to taste. Offer extra toppings such as coleslaw on the side so that diners can add them if they want to.

Can I use firm tofu instead?

Extra-firm tofu is recommended for this recipe. It grates easily and holds its shape. Grated firm tofu adds shredded texture and browns nicely in the pan with other filling and sauce ingredients. Softer types of tofu are more likely to break down and look less appealing in the final dish. Pregrate the tofu and stir often while cooking to avoid burning.

How do I keep the tofu from getting soggy?

Fry crumbled tofu to crisp it and prepare it to hold other ingredients. Crisping the tofu will help it stay crisp when combined with other ingredients in a dish made with barbecue sauce and water. Add tofu in small amounts to keep it from steaming rather than crisping. The final dish should be moist but not watery, with most of the sauce clinging to the tofu.

Can I make BBQ tofu pulled pork ahead?

Yes, this meal can be made ahead of time. The recipe says the meal can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. The tofu may soak up more barbecue sauce if made ahead of time. Uses for this meal include sandwiches and potatoes. Let finished meals cool thoroughly before refrigerating. Bread and other toppings used on cold meals should be made fresh immediately before serving for best results.

BBQ Tofu Pulled Pork with Sticky Smoky Sauce

By Emma CollinsSep 27, 2026

Prep

5 min

Cook

25 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Level

Easy

Jump to recipe

Serve this meal with burger buns and other bread items and baked potatoes. This vegan pulled pork recipe features shredded extra-firm tofu and sautéed white onions in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce for a hearty dish with a chewy texture and crunchy golden-brown spots.

BBQ Tofu Pulled Pork with Sticky Smoky Sauce

Thinly sliced onions are sautéed in oil and brown sugar to caramelize. Grated extra-firm tofu is a good protein alternative because it doesn't fall apart during frying and has a good texture for retaining sauce. Other spices and seasonings, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, hot chili powder, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke, can be added to barbecue sauce without making your own.

Stir tofu while cooking to brown and add color before adding the sauce. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as too much tofu adds moisture and prevents browning. You may want to cook the tofu in separate batches. Tofu and sauce should be thoroughly coated and saucy, not watery, after adding sauce and water.

Serve fresh with cole slaw and a burger bun or on a baked potato. Other serving ideas include Buddha bowls. Other ways to use the filling include nachos and salads. Leftover filling can be refrigerated for several days and used in other quick meals.

Why this recipe works

Serves a family meal in various ways, as the sauced tofu can fill burger buns, baked potatoes, sandwiches and bowls, top nachos, and be served in salads.
Good recipe for a pulled-tender tofu dish for tofu eaters. Shredded extra-firm tofu is small and soft and takes on the smoky flavor of barbecue sauce.
Simplifies preparing weeknight meals with minimal ingredients, including store-bought vegan barbecue sauce instead of homemade sauce.
Offers variable heat levels as the recipe contains only a small amount of hot chili powder. Other ingredients, including smoked paprika and garlic, add flavor.
Use leftover tofu in other recipes. Barbecued tofu will keep in the refrigerator for several days. Eat leftover barbecued tofu in other dishes.
Serves a variety of guests with many food options, including buns, potatoes, sandwiches, nachos, salads, and Buddha bowls.

Instructions

Finely chop the onion and fry it in a tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then add the brown sugar and cook for a further minute, stirring often.

Add the grated tofu and fry for 5 minutes until it starts to crisp and turn golden, adding a little more oil if needed and stirring often so it does not burn.

Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, hot chilli powder, vegan Worcestershire sauce, optional liquid smoke, BBQ sauce, and water.

Cook over low to medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until the tofu has absorbed the sauce and the mixture is saucy but not runny.

Serve straight away or keep for a few days in the fridge.

FAQ

Serve saucy tofu in hamburger buns with coleslaw, baked potatoes, sandwiches, and Buddha bowls. Other saucy tofu recipes and dishes to try without hamburger buns include nachos and salads. Choose other side dishes with solid textures to avoid excess moisture in the meal. To serve saucy tofu in hamburger buns, spoon the dish over hamburger buns right before serving to prevent the buns from falling apart.

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Dinner Pork Plant Based American Quick Meals