Smoked Tofu Burnt Ends
Tofu burnt ends is how I really learned to adjust my recipes and technique for world class BBQ to plant based proteins. This is a very simple recipe but the complexity of flavor is amazing, as the tofu really takes on the flavor of the rub and sauce! Beef brisket burnt ends can take over 24 hours easy to make them right, but you can have amazing tofu burnt ends cooked and on your table in less than an hour! Admittedly, I really didn’t love tofu like a lot of plant based foodies, however, when smoked, I literally can’t stop eating it!
Ingredients
2 14-oz packages extra firm tofu
1 Tbsp Fool’s Gold Original or Salt Free Rub
1 cup of Fool’s Gold Original BBQ Sauce
Prep
Remove the tofu from the package and drain as much liquid as possible.
Place the tofu on a plate lined with paper towels or clean kitchen towels, and cover on the top with towels, as well. Place a plate with a heavy pan, or any other weight, to press the tofu firmly. This removes any excess water and will help your tofu absorb more flavors. Let drain for at least an hour.
Remove the weights from the tofu and transfer the tofu to a cutting board.
Chop lengthwise into large rectangles that are about an inch thick then cut those into square chunks about the size of a burnt end. Bigger pieces are okay, but if they are too small they could fall apart in the smoker.
Delicately mix then Rub into and on the tofu thoroughly.
Note: Smoking times and temperatures will vary based on your smoking method, equipment, etc. The great thing about smoking plant based food is that it really can’t be ruined (it won’t taste amazing if overcooked) unless you just forget about it, which I do not recommend, unless you like your food cremated!
Smoker Cooking
Temp: 225 | Time: 1 hour | Woods: Hickory, Alder, Cherry
Oven Smoker Bag Cooking
Can also be used on any grill or over a campfire
Temp: 475 for 10-15 minutes then 375 for 20-30 minutes | Time: 30-45 minutes | Woods: Hickory, Alder, Cherry
Range Top Smoker Cooking
Temp: Medium heat | Time: 30-45 minutes | Woods: Hickory, Alder, cherry
Regular Range or Oven Cooking
It’s also possible to use your regular oven or stove (times and temps vary). But, using a smoker or smoker bag will yield a more authentic “smoked bbq”flavor. Do NOT under any circumstances add Liquid smoke to any of these recipes or I will hunt you down!
Finish
Being very careful not to break up the tofu (unless you like it that way) finish on the stove in a hot skillet with Fool’s Gold Sauce (as much as you like) . . . and leave some sauce for dipping, if that’s your thang like it is mine!
Serve
Serve with sweet potato fries, pit beans and a piece of bread or a bun. Smoked tofu is also an amazing egg substitute for an incredible smoked tofu scramble, breakfast burrito or skillet!
Pro Tips
If you are cooking for a large group or meal prepping you do not need to do the last finishing step of the recipe. Just cool and wrap the tofu and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to use and finish it off with some sauce at that time.
Just before finishing it on the stove, toss it in a little sauce and put in oven or air fryer to crisp it up a bit before proceeding to finish.
For an even deeper, richer flavor, add some sauce to the rub before applying it to the tofu and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 4 or more hours, even overnight, before smoking.