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Home » Recipes » Tofu

Mediterranean Grilled Tofu

Published: Jun 11, 2020 · Modified: Sep 28, 2020 by Lexi

5.5K shares
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These grilled tofu kebabs are marinated in a flavorful Mediterranean/Moroccan spice blend and charred to perfection. Best served over a bed of creamy hummus with pita and a simple salad!

side view of Mediterranean grilled tofu kebabs

This is the ultimate summer meal in my book. It's laid back and easy, yet packed with flavor and makes great use of your grill. It's definitely the type of dish I would order at a restaurant!

I definitely don't use the grill nearly as much as I used to when I ate meat. But we're really trying to get a bit more creative with vegan grilling recipes this summer. There's so much you can do with different vegetables, fruits (grilled peaches are the BEST!) and yes, tofu!

Plain grilled tofu is fine, but not altogether that exciting. We brush on a super flavorful marinade of Moroccan/Mediterranean spices. It comes together in just a few minutes and it's super versatile. You can use it on grilled vegetables and other proteins, too!

Close up view of grilled tofu with hummus and pita

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for the marinade:

  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice: freshly squeezed is always best!
  • Tomato paste
  • Salt
  • Dried oregano
  • Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon and cayenne
  • Coconut sugar: a bit of sugar helps balance all of the flavors. You can sub with brown sugar if needed.
Moroccan spices tofu kebabs brushed with marinade

Yes, it's a lot of spices, but that's where you get all of the flavor!

All you have to do is whisk everything together into a smooth paste. Make extra and store it in the fridge for a week for using in a quick dinner.

How to grill tofu

Tofu can be a bit tricky to grill since it's so soft. We always use extra firm tofu for grilling. Anything less firm will fall right through the grates when you try to rotate the kebab.

Moroccan spices tofu kebabs brushed with marinade

It's important to remove as much moisture as possible from the tofu before grilling. Not only does this help keep the tofu together on the grill, but it also helps form a crispy, charred outer layer.

To do so, drain all of the liquid from the tofu, pat dry, then wrap in a clean towel or paper towel and set something heavy-ish on top (like a cookbook). Let sit for at least 30 minutes, preferably closer to an hour.

Then, slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Thread onto skewers, brush with marinade and you're good to go!

It's important to handle to tofu very carefully when it's on the grill. I use a small set of tongs, which allows me to easily maneuver the skewers without breaking the tofu. I've tried using a spatula, it just doesn't work that well.

Mediterranean tofu kebabs over hummus with a salad

Serving suggestions

We love serving these Mediterranean tofu kebabs over a bed of creamy homemade hummus. Roasted red pepper hummus is especially good! You could also serve with another dip, like baba ganoush.

It's also perfect with a quick and easy side salad. This Greek chickpea salad is packed with flavor and is always a huge hit at our house!

Side view of Mediterranean tofu kebabs over hummus with a salad

To round out the meal, add some pita or grilled bread on the side. If you're feeling up to it, try this vegan naan by A Couple Cooks. It looks amazing! This Instant Pot Rice Pilaf would be another great way to serve it.

More tofu recipes you'll love

  • Tofu Dan Dan Noodles
  • Grilled Barbecue Tofu Skewers
  • Potato Chip Tofu Nuggets
  • Tofu Bacon
Mediterranean tofu kebabs over hummus with a salad

If you make this grilled Mediterranean tofu, we’d love for you to leave a comment and rating below! We also love to see your creations on Instagram – tag us at @crowded_kitchen so we can see what you’ve been cooking.

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Mediterranean Grilled Tofu


★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Lexi
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

These grilled tofu kebabs are marinated in a flavorful Mediterranean/Moroccan spice blend and charred to perfection. Best served over a bed of creamy hummus with pita and a simple salad!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (14oz) extra firm tofu
  • 1 tsp coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ¼ tsp coriander
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp cayenne 
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • For serving: hummus, pita, salad

Instructions

  1. Drain excess water from tofu. Pat dry and wrap in a clean towel or paper towel. Set something heavy on top, like a cookbook, and let sit for at least 30 minutes-1 hour. 
  2. Heat grill to medium.
  3. Slice tofu into cubes. 
  4. Whisk together all remaining ingredients until the spices are well incorporated into a paste. 
  5. Transfer tofu to skewers and brush with marinade. Let sit for 15 minutes, then grill for 3-5 minutes on each side, until slightly charred. Optional: brush with more marinade while they're grilling, or reserve some for serving.
  6. Serve atop hummus with pita and a salad. Use any leftover marinade as a sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

Tofu cooks quickly on the grill. Keep a close eye on the kebabs so they don't burn! Be careful when handling the kebabs as they are a bit fragile. I've found that small tongs work best.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grill
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 605
  • Sugar: 4.4 g
  • Sodium: 889.1 mg
  • Fat: 54.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12.6 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: grilled Mediterranean tofu

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @crowded_kitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #crowdedkitchen

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Vicki

    February 07, 2023 at 4:56 pm

    I used the spices in ziploc bag and added cut up tofu and 1/3 cup cornstarch. Shook all together and fried in small amount of oil. Came out crispy and put them in pitas with white sauce for gyros! Outstanding! This is the best spice marinade!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  2. Stephanie

    August 01, 2022 at 8:10 pm

    The marinade was so flavorful and so easy to make!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Brent Harrison

      August 04, 2022 at 1:05 pm

      Awesome! Thanks for the review!

      Reply
  3. Debbie

    July 28, 2022 at 1:33 pm

    Tried this tonight (with slight adaptation as I didn’t have any coriander or cayenne). Instead of grilling, I airfryed the tofu. It was delicious and the leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch are rapidly disappearing.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Brent Harrison

      July 28, 2022 at 1:55 pm

      Awesome! Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply
  4. Denise

    May 26, 2022 at 10:51 pm

    Just fantastic. Made as written and my partner and I both loved it. I may do a larger batch of the dry spices so I can have this blend easily accessible!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      May 30, 2022 at 1:25 pm

      Thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed!

      Reply
  5. rachel

    February 26, 2022 at 8:52 pm

    Would you recommend a grill pan or the broiler? Winter + snow = no outside grilling! Can't wait to try! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lexi

      February 27, 2022 at 12:06 pm

      A grill pan should work well!

      Reply
  6. Alison

    February 26, 2022 at 8:08 am

    Absolutely delicious—such a lovely mix of spices, acidity, and saltiness, with a bit of sweetness and heat! Will definitely make more marinade next time to use after grilling—it was so scrumptious I had to eat some right out of the bowl before I could start grilling…
    It’s so wonderful, I wouldn’t want to mess it up, but I wonder if adding a little sumac, black pepper, or even clove would be tasty?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      February 26, 2022 at 10:48 am

      Thank you, Alison, I'm so glad you enjoyed! I definitely think sumac and black pepper could make a great addition. If adding cloves, I would be careful not to add too much as it can definitely overpower!

      Reply
  7. Renee

    December 27, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    Hi Lexi,
    Planning a big lunch for friends, going to make these yummy skewers, could you make up the day/ night before?
    x

    Reply
    • Lexi

      December 28, 2021 at 11:16 am

      Yes, definitely!

      Reply
  8. dylan

    September 16, 2021 at 1:21 pm

    the best tofu recipe EVER! i make this every other week - it never ceases to amaze me. so delicious. works on baked tofu, chicken and zucchini. but bbq is the best! 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      September 16, 2021 at 1:49 pm

      So, so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for your rating and review, it means a lot!

      Reply
  9. Patty

    September 12, 2021 at 10:22 pm

    This recipe is great! Thanks for posting it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      September 12, 2021 at 10:23 pm

      Thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed!

      Reply
  10. Amaranthine

    August 08, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    Packed with phenomenal flavor! So delicious, its one of my favorite recipes and I've made this many times.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      August 16, 2021 at 9:17 am

      I'm so thrilled to hear that, thank you so much for your review!

      Reply
  11. Kim

    May 18, 2021 at 10:06 pm

    We usually get tofu kabobs from a nearby Mediterranean restaurant, but my family said this recipe was better! The marinade was great for chicken, too. Really good!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      May 19, 2021 at 7:22 pm

      This is the best review ever! So glad you and your family enjoyed! Appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment 🙂

      Reply
  12. Jen

    May 15, 2021 at 11:59 am

    Wow! This is an excellent recipe and so simple. This may be my favorite way to grill tofu. Served it with grilled veggie kebabs and couscous for an amazing dinner!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      May 17, 2021 at 1:51 pm

      Thank you so much, Jen! I'm so thrilled you enjoyed!

      Reply
  13. Helen

    May 12, 2021 at 5:20 pm

    This was delicious, especially the marinade! I just cooked the marinated tofu in my griddle pan on the hob without skewering them into kebabs. Had them with a Greek salad and flatbread with homemade hummus. It was a hit with me and my other half, will definitely make it again 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      May 17, 2021 at 1:52 pm

      Oh yay, that is so great to hear! Thank you so much for your comment!

      Reply
  14. Casondra

    May 05, 2021 at 3:14 pm

    This was ridiculously good! Served with your original hummus (also a huge winner), a traditional Greek salad, pita bread and vegan tzatziki sauce. My teenage sons loved it so much I'll triple the recipe next time!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  15. Nicole

    February 23, 2021 at 8:25 pm

    I don’t ever comment on recipes...but this was truly amazing! I cooked it in the air fryer and it was perfection. The taste was delicious and flavors unlike anything I have had before. Thanks!

    Reply
  16. Lin

    February 13, 2021 at 9:58 pm

    This sounds yummy & I think may be suitable to air fry. Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Lexi

      February 16, 2021 at 8:04 am

      Hi! I don't own an airfryer so I'm not 100% sure, but I think it should work!

      Reply
  17. B

    August 16, 2020 at 3:34 pm

    This is my favorite tofu recipe. My husband wants to eat less meat so we eat tofu once a week or every two weeks. Thank you for this recipe! The sauce is yum!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      August 16, 2020 at 4:05 pm

      Thank you so much, so glad to hear that! We have a few more great tofu recipes coming soon, so stay tuned 🙂

      Reply
  18. Stella

    June 21, 2020 at 1:15 pm

    This is one of the best tofu I have ever made! You have to try it. And it's also super easy to make, seriously! Ivm looking forward to try a few more of the recipe on your blog. Keep it up!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lexi

      June 22, 2020 at 6:28 pm

      So glad to hear you loved this recipe, Stella! It's one of my favorites! Thank you for your review.

      Reply

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