Sliders with BBQ Tofu

Name: Sliders with BBQ Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 sliders
Ingredients: 1 block of firm tofu, pressed and sliced; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 8 slider buns; 1 cup coleslaw mix; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making sliders with BBQ tofu because they are a satisfying and delicious alternative to traditional meat sliders. The smoky, tangy flavor of the BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of the tofu, making it a hit at any gathering. I often prepare these for parties or weekend cookouts, and they never fail to impress my friends and family. Plus, they're simple to make and can be customized with a variety of toppings, adding to their appeal.

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:01:10.823Z

When I first experimented with BBQ tofu sliders, I was surprised by how quickly they became a favorite at my house. I marinated the tofu overnight, letting it soak in all the flavors, which made a huge difference in taste. Using firm tofu ensures that it holds its shape well when grilled, giving each slider a satisfying bite.

An essential tip I learned is to press the tofu before marinating it. This removes excess moisture, allowing the tofu to absorb more of the BBQ sauce, resulting in a richer flavor. It's these little details that transform a simple dish into something absolutely delicious.

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Smoky BBQ flavor that tantalizes your taste buds
Tofu provides a satisfying, hearty texture
Quick and easy recipe, perfect for gatherings

      

The Importance of Pressing Tofu

Pressing tofu is a crucial step in achieving the right texture for these sliders. By removing excess moisture, you allow the tofu to absorb the BBQ sauce more effectively, resulting in a more intense flavor. I usually press the tofu for at least 20 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit under a weight for longer will yield even better results. The firmer the tofu, the better it will hold up under grilling.

If you find yourself short on time, you can also slice the tofu beforehand and give it a quick press in a microwave by wrapping it in a clean towel and microwaving it for about 5 minutes. This method helps to release some moisture without needing to wait for prolonged pressing, making it a perfect quick fix for busy cooks.

Customizing Your Sliders

While the BBQ tofu and coleslaw are delicious on their own, there are countless ways to customize your sliders to elevate them even further. Adding pickled jalapeños provides an excellent spicy contrast to the sweet smokiness of the BBQ sauce, while fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the flavors. I often swap out the coleslaw for a refreshing mango salsa during summer gatherings, giving the sliders a tropical twist.

Additionally, experimenting with different BBQ sauces can yield unique results. Try a spicy chipotle BBQ for a smoky kick or a vinegar-based sauce for tanginess. If you prefer to go lighter, you can also use a yogurt-based dressing instead of mayonnaise in your coleslaw, creating a fresher and lighter topping that complements the grilled tofu perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, you can store the grilled tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. I recommend keeping the slider buns separate to prevent them from becoming soggy. When you're ready to enjoy them again, warm the tofu in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and slightly crisped up, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 30-60 seconds, though this may result in a slightly softer texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing the marinated tofu before grilling. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. When grilled, they will still maintain a wonderful texture, and you can have BBQ tofu sliders ready whenever the craving strikes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your BBQ tofu sliders:

For the Sliders

1 block of firm tofu, pressed and sliced
1 cup BBQ sauce
8 slider buns
1 cup coleslaw mix
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect BBQ tofu sliders:

Marinate the Tofu

In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce with the pressed tofu slices. Make sure all surfaces are coated. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Prepare the Coleslaw

In another bowl, mix the coleslaw with mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Grill the Tofu

Preheat the grill over medium heat. Grill the marinated tofu slices for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they have nice grill marks and are heated through.

Assemble the Sliders

Place a slice of grilled tofu on each slider bun, top with a generous scoop of coleslaw, and close the bun. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding pickles or jalapeños to your sliders. If grilling is not an option, you can also bake the marinated tofu in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common problem when grilling tofu is sticking to the grill grates. To prevent this, make sure your grill is preheated and properly oiled. Using a grill basket can also help prevent sticking while still allowing the tofu to gain those appealing grill marks. If your tofu still feels fragile, it may be due to using softer varieties; sticking with firm or extra-firm tofu will yield better results.

If your sliders end up too dry, check how long you marinated the tofu. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will develop. For added moisture, serve with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a side of your favorite dipping sauce. This not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the sliders juicy and delicious.

Scaling the Recipe

This slider recipe is easily scalable; simply increase the quantity of tofu and slider buns based on your needs. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider preparing two blocks of tofu for every 16 sliders you plan to serve. Just remember to adjust the BBQ sauce quantity accordingly, as each block typically requires about a cup for optimal flavor.

When scaling up, it might be beneficial to marinate the tofu in batches to ensure that all slices are evenly coated. You can place them in larger containers, mixing the BBQ sauce directly with the tofu, and this will save you time in the long run. Be mindful of your grill space as well; you may need to grill in two or more rounds to avoid overcrowding, which can affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked tofu.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other protein alternatives?

Yes, you can use tempeh or seitan as substitutes for tofu.

→ How can I make the sliders gluten-free?

Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure the BBQ sauce is also gluten-free.

→ Can I prepare the sliders in advance?

You can marinate the tofu and prepare the coleslaw ahead of time. Just assemble the sliders right before serving.

→ What toppings can I add?

Feel free to add sliced avocado, pickled onions, or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.