Grilled North Carolina BBQ Tofu on the Arteflame

Introduction

If you think tofu can’t be bold, smoky, and deeply flavorful, think again. This Grilled North Carolina BBQ Tofu is marinated in a vinegar-forward NC-style sauce that delivers a punch of tang and spice. Perfectly caramelized on the Arteflame grill’s flat cooktop and finished with a sear near the center heat zone, this dish is all about texture and full-bodied BBQ flavor. Even without a lid, the Arteflame locks in flavor like no other, giving tofu a beautiful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Whether you’re a BBQ lover or a devoted plant-based griller, this recipe brings out the best in tofu, Arteflame-style.

Ingredients

• 14 oz extra-firm tofu (pressed and sliced into ½ inch slabs)
• 1 cup North Carolina-style BBQ sauce (vinegar based, not thick or sweet)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for slightly sweet balance)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking on the griddle)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the Arteflame grill bowl.
3. Stack split firewood neatly over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins. Let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop and center grate are hot and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Marinate the tofu

1. Place tofu slabs in a shallow dish or airtight bag.
2. Pour the marinade over the tofu, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Grill the tofu

1. Brush a layer of butter on the Arteflame flat cooktop near the center for high heat cooking.
2. Place marinated tofu slabs on the hot section of the flat griddle for 1-2 minutes to get a quick sear and caramelize the marinade.
3. Flip and sear the other side.
4. Move the tofu slabs outward to the medium heat zone to finish cooking, 3-5 minutes each side, until internal heat is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Carefully remove tofu from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh cracked black pepper.

Tips

• Always press your tofu before marinating to remove excess water and allow the marinade to soak in.
• If desired, save some BBQ marinade for brushing while tofu cooks, but make sure to separate it from the raw marinade.
• Use the center area of the cooktop briefly to sear, then move tofu toward a lower-heat area to finish. This reverse searing locks in flavor while preventing burning.
• Butter enhances the flavor and creates a perfect sear. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and less flavor impact when grilling.
• Tofu should be removed from the grill when it's about 15°F below your desired final internal temperature as it continues to cook while resting.

Variations

1. Spicy Carolina BBQ Tofu: Add 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for a fiery kick.
2. Honey Mustard Glazed Tofu: Replace NC BBQ sauce with a honey mustard blend (2 tbsp honey + 2 tbsp Dijon mustard + 1 tbsp vinegar) for a sweeter profile.
3. Maple Bourbon BBQ Tofu: Use a maple and bourbon BBQ sauce instead of the NC-style for a rich, smoky-sweet variation.
4. Asian-Inspired Tofu: Swap out the BBQ sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger for a bold umami flavor.
5. Herb Crusted Tofu: Press fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil) into the tofu before searing for a fresh, fragrant crust.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with smoked paprika butter
• Arteflame grilled collard greens with garlic
• Smoked mac & cheese grilled in a cast iron pan
• Sliced watermelon with mint and lime
• Sweet tea or a bold IPA

Conclusion

Who says tofu can’t shine on the grill? With the Arteflame’s flat cooktop and blazing-hot center sear zone, every tofu slab gets smoky, crispy edges and zings with bold North Carolina vinegar-based flavor. Clean up is a breeze, and the presentation is as exciting as the taste. Fire up your Arteflame and give this BBQ tofu a spot at your next cookout!