These tofu and vegetable skewers are a delightful and healthy option for your next grilling session. Combining the rich flavors of marinated tofu with the vibrant tastes of bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, this dish is sure to be a hit. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are both easy to prepare and delicious.
If you don't usually cook with tofu, you might need to head to the supermarket to pick up a block of firm tofu. It's often found in the refrigerated section, near other plant-based products. Make sure to also grab fresh bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion from the produce section. These ingredients are essential for the vibrant and flavorful skewers.
Ingredients for Tofu and Vegetable Skewers Recipe
Tofu: Firm tofu is ideal for grilling as it holds its shape well and absorbs the marinade flavors.
Bell peppers: These add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the skewers, along with a pop of color.
Zucchini: A mild-flavored vegetable that grills beautifully, adding a tender texture to the skewers.
Red onion: Provides a sharp, sweet flavor that complements the other vegetables and tofu.
Olive oil: Used in the marinade to help coat the tofu and vegetables, adding richness and aiding in grilling.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the marinade, enhancing the taste of the tofu and vegetables.
Garlic powder: Infuses the marinade with a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color to the marinade.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the marinade.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your tofu absorbs maximum flavor, press it before marinating. Place the tofu block between paper towels and set a heavy object on top for about 20 minutes. This will remove excess moisture, allowing the marinade to penetrate better.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a firm texture and absorbs marinades well, making it a great alternative to tofu.
bell peppers - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color, similar to bell peppers.
zucchini - Substitute with eggplant: Eggplant has a similar texture and can be grilled to a tender consistency like zucchini.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be skewered easily, providing a similar taste profile.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for grilling.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and offers a similar umami flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that enhances the grilled taste of the skewers.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the natural taste of the vegetables.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder heat and a slightly different flavor profile, complementing the other ingredients.
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How to Store / Freeze Your Skewers
Allow the skewers to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the tofu and vegetables soggy.
Store the cooled skewers in an airtight container. If the skewers are too long, you can remove the tofu and vegetables from the skewers and store them separately.
For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The tofu and vegetables will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent sticking.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the tofu and vegetables are frozen solid. This step is called flash freezing and helps maintain the texture.
Once frozen, transfer the skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to eat, thaw the skewers in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be careful not to overdo it.
Reheat the skewers on the grill, in the oven, or in a skillet. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For best results, brush the skewers with a little olive oil or additional marinade before reheating to keep them moist and flavorful.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu and vegetable skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Place the skewers in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu and vegetables are heated through and slightly crispy.
Microwave Method: Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
Grill Reheat: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers back on the grill and heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu and vegetables are warmed through and have a slight char.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Grill: Used to cook the skewers, providing a smoky flavor and char to the tofu and vegetables.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Skewers: Used to thread the tofu and vegetables, making them easy to handle and cook on the grill.
Basting brush: Used to apply the marinade evenly onto the skewers.
Tongs: Used to turn the skewers on the grill, ensuring even cooking and preventing burns.
Knife: Used to cut the tofu, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into chunks.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the tofu and vegetables.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and paprika accurately.
Plate: Used to hold the skewers before and after grilling.
How to Save Time on Making Skewers
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-marinated tofu: Purchase pre-marinated tofu to skip the marinating step.
Preheat the grill: Start preheating your grill while you assemble the skewers to save time.
Batch assembly: Thread multiple skewers at once to speed up the process.
Use a brush: Quickly coat the skewers with marinade using a brush for even distribution.
Tofu and Vegetable Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Tofu firm, cut into cubes
- 1 cup Bell Peppers cut into chunks
- 1 cup Zucchini cut into chunks
- 1 cup Red Onion cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- 2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Thread tofu and vegetables onto skewers.
- 4. Brush the skewers with the marinade.
- 5. Grill the skewers for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender and tofu is golden.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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