New Mexico Adobo Grilled Tofu on the Arteflame

Introduction

New Mexico Adobo Marinated Grilled Tofu is all about deep, smoky flavor and beautiful sear marks—all made possible with the Arteflame Grill. Adobo sauce provides rich Southwest-inspired spice while grilling on the flat top and center grate layers in an incredible charred crust and juicy center. Whether you're vegetarian or just love bold plant-based flavor, this tofu recipe brings out the best of New Mexico grilling tradition.

Ingredients

• 1 block extra-firm tofu (pressed for 30 minutes)
• 1 cup adobo sauce (from chipotles in adobo)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins at the bottom of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to get up to temp. The center grate will reach over 1,000°F, perfect for searing!

Step 2: Marinate the Tofu

1. Cut the pressed tofu into thick slices or slabs for grilling.
2. In a bowl, mix adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Coat the tofu slices with the adobo marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill Side

1. Place 1 tbsp of butter on the flat top cooktop near the center heat zone where it’s hotter (use the gradient heat zones for perfectly controlled cooking).
2. Spread the butter evenly to prevent sticking and add flavor.

Step 4: Grill the Tofu

1. Place the tofu slices directly over the center grill grate for 30–60 seconds to get steakhouse-level sear marks and a crust.
2. Move the seared tofu pieces to the surrounding flat cooktop to cook through gently in their own juices (about 6–8 minutes total).
3. Flip occasionally, basting with marinade if desired for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove tofu from grill and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a pinch of salt if needed.
2. Remember, while this tofu doesn't rely on internal temperature like meat, it should be hot and golden with a crisp crust and juicy center.

Tips

• Always press the tofu thoroughly to remove extra moisture before marinating—it helps absorb flavor better and grill beautifully.
• Use the hottest part of the cooktop for quick sears; then let the tofu finish cooking gently on the medium heat zone.
• Butter gives superior flavor and helps with browning—better than any oil!
• If using the Arteflame rotisserie or pizza oven, you can rotate tofu skewers over high heat or nestle the tofu onto a hot pan surface inside the pizza oven dome for extremely smoky flavor.

Variations

1. Sweet Chipotle Tofu: Add 1 tbsp of maple syrup to the marinade for a sweet-and-spicy flavor punch.
2. Green Chile Tofu: Use roasted New Mexico green chile and tomatillo sauce instead of adobo. A lighter, tangy twist packed with flavor.
3. BBQ Tofu: Swap adobo with a thick New Mexico red chile BBQ sauce and grill until caramelized.
4. Coconut Adobo Tofu: Add 1/4 cup coconut milk to the adobo marinade for a creamy, tropical Southwest fusion.
5. Smoky Herb Tofu: Mix in oregano, thyme, and sage into the sauce for an earthy blend of flavors with adobo’s fire.

Best pairings

• Grilled street corn with cotija and lime
• Charred vegetables like bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion
• Black bean and mango salad
• Warm flour or corn tortillas for wraps
• A refreshing hibiscus iced tea or spicy margarita

Conclusion

Grilling tofu on the Arteflame brings out the soul of New Mexico cuisine—bold, spicy, and deep with smoky flavor. The high-heat sear from the grill grate locks in the marinade, while the flat top finishes everything to perfection. Virtually no cleanup and full-flavored results every time make this a staple recipe for your next cookout.