BBQ Vegetable & Tofu Skewers with Peanut Satay Sauce
BBQ Vegetable & Tofu Skewers with Peanut Satay Sauce
These skewers are a fantastic way to enjoy a flavourful and healthy vegetarian meal straight off the grill. The combination of colourful vegetables and protein-rich tofu, all infused with smoky BBQ notes, is elevated by a rich and creamy peanut satay sauce.
Ingredients:
For the BBQ Vegetable & Tofu Skewers:
- 1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed for at least 30 minutes and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces1
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch2 thick rounds or half-rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup button mushrooms
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes3 to prevent burning)
For the Peanut Satay Sauce:
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2-4 tablespoons hot water, to thin to desired consistency
Equipment:
- BBQ grill
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for sauce
- Whisk
- Skewers
Instructions:
Preparation:
- Press and Cube Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water.4 Cut it into firm 1-inch cubes.
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash and cut the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Leave the mushrooms whole if they are small, or halve or quarter larger ones.
- Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Tofu and Vegetables: Add the tofu and vegetables to the marinade. Toss gently to ensure everything is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavour.
- Prepare the Peanut Satay Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chilli flakes (if using). Gradually add hot water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency (it should be thick but pourable). Set aside.
- Preheat the BBQ Grill: Preheat your BBQ grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
- Thread the Skewers: Thread the marinated tofu and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating colours and textures. Don't overcrowd the skewers so the ingredients cook evenly.
Grilling the Skewers:
- Grill the Skewers: Carefully place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill.
- Cook the Skewers: Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and have nice grill marks, and the tofu is heated through and slightly golden.
- Warm the Sauce (Optional): If desired, you can gently warm the peanut satay sauce on the stovetop or in a microwave before serving. Do not boil.
Serving:
- Serve Hot: Remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle or Serve Alongside: Drizzle the peanut satay sauce generously over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately as a delicious and satisfying vegetarian main course.
Tips for Success:
- Press the Tofu: Pressing the tofu is crucial for removing excess water, allowing it to absorb the marinade better and achieve a firmer texture on the grill.5
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: Cut the vegetables into roughly the same size so they cook evenly on the skewers.
- Don't Overcrowd Skewers: Leave a little space between the pieces on the skewers to allow for even cooking and better caramelisation.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Oiling the grates prevents the skewers from sticking.
- Watch Carefully: Keep an eye on the skewers while grilling and turn them regularly to prevent burning.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add more or less hot water to the peanut satay sauce to achieve your preferred thickness.
- Customise Vegetables: Feel free to use other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers of different colours, baby corn, or chunks of pineapple.
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the tofu and vegetables and prepare the peanut satay sauce ahead of time. Assemble the skewers just before grilling.
A Short Telling on its Delicious Taste and Why People Love to Eat It:
These BBQ Vegetable & Tofu Skewers are a vibrant explosion of flavours and textures that make vegetarian grilling exciting. The smoky char from the grill enhances the natural sweetness of the bell peppers, the slight bitterness of the zucchini, and the subtle tang of the red onion. The tofu, infused with the savoury marinade, offers a satisfyingly chewy bite.
What truly elevates this dish is the luscious peanut satay sauce. Its creamy richness, balanced by the salty soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar and lime juice, and a hint of sweetness and spice, coats the grilled vegetables and tofu in an irresistible embrace. People love to eat this because it's a harmonious blend of smoky, savoury, sweet, and tangy notes, all in one colourful and satisfying skewer. It's a healthy and flavourful way to enjoy the outdoors, offering a delightful contrast of textures from the slightly crisp vegetables to the tender tofu, all bathed in that addictive peanut sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even meat-lovers will enjoy!