These Spicy BBQ Tofu Wraps are a deliciously vibrant, plant-powered meal perfect for busy weekdays.
Packed with protein from tofu, fiber from fresh veggies, and healthy fats from avocado, they’re a satisfying and guilt-free choice.
Quick to prepare, versatile, and family-friendly, these wraps are ideal for meal prep, grab-and-go lunches, or a simple, nutritious weeknight dinner.
Spicy BBQ Tofu Wraps
Equipment
- 1 large non-stick skillet or griddle
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef’s knife
- Paper Towels
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
For the Tofu:
- 12 oz 350 g extra firm or super firm tofu
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp coarse salt
- ½ tsp coarse black pepper
For the Wrap Filling:
- 1 –2 medium tomatoes sliced or chopped
- 1 cucumber cut into spears
- 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped or ribboned
- 1 avocado sliced or mashed
- 4 medium tortillas warmed
For the Spicy BBQ Sauce:
- ½ cup smoky BBQ sauce
- 1 –2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 carrot grated
- 1 –1½ cups sprouts
- 2 cups spinach or arugula
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- Pickled onions or raw red onion slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu for Cooking: Start by carefully removing your block of extra-firm tofu from its packaging. Wrap it in paper towels and gently press to absorb any excess moisture. If the tofu feels especially wet or soft, place it between layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and press with a heavy skillet or a few books for 15–30 minutes. Properly pressing the tofu ensures it crisps beautifully when cooked and allows the seasonings to stick effectively. Once pressed, cut the tofu into slabs roughly ¼ to ½ inch thick, arranging them evenly on a plate or clean paper towels.
- Season the Tofu Slabs: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, coarse salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice blend generously over both sides of each tofu slab, gently pressing the spices into the tofu so they adhere. This seasoning forms the flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the smoky, spicy BBQ sauce.
- Make the Creamy Spicy BBQ Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the smoky BBQ sauce, sriracha, and vegan mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you prefer a bolder heat. Set aside about half of the sauce for drizzling or dipping later—the other half will be used to coat the tofu during cooking.
- Cook the Tofu on the Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. If desired, lightly coat with a neutral oil to prevent sticking, though non-stick pans often do not require it. Place the tofu slabs in the pan and allow them to cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until the bottom edges turn golden brown. Carefully flip the slabs using a spatula, and brush the tops generously with the prepared BBQ sauce. Reduce the heat to medium to avoid burning the sugar in the sauce, then cook for another 3 minutes. Flip the tofu one last time, apply a final coating of BBQ sauce, and cook an additional 1–2 minutes. The tofu should be sticky, caramelized, and fragrant.
- Oven-Baked Tofu Option: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the tofu slabs in a single layer and season as directed in Step 2. Bake for 12 minutes, then flip each slab and brush with BBQ sauce. Continue baking for an additional 6–8 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the sauce is slightly caramelized. Baking is a great hands-off option that still delivers tender, flavorful tofu.
- Prepare the Fresh Veggie Fillings: While the tofu is cooking, wash and prep your vegetables. Slice or chop the tomatoes, cut the cucumber into spears, shred or ribbon the romaine lettuce, and slice or mash the avocado. If using optional ingredients, grate the carrot, slice the red pepper, prepare the sprouts, or chop any pickled onions. Arrange all vegetables on a serving platter or in separate bowls for easy assembly.
- Warm the Tortillas: To make the wraps pliable and soft, heat the tortillas on a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 20 seconds per side. Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds. Warm tortillas prevent cracking while folding and enhance the overall texture of the wrap.
- Assemble the Tofu Wraps: Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a plate or clean surface. Spread a layer of creamy BBQ sauce in the center of the tortilla. Place 2–3 slabs of the cooked tofu on top of the sauce, then layer the prepared vegetables evenly over the tofu. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the filling if desired for extra flavor.
- Roll and Secure the Wraps: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll the bottom flap over the filling and continue rolling tightly burrito-style until fully sealed. Use your hands to gently press the wrap so it holds together. Place the wrap seam-side down to prevent it from unrolling. For easier eating, cut the wrap diagonally in half with a sharp knife.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the wraps on a plate and serve with any remaining BBQ sauce for dipping. These wraps are perfect hot, warm, or even room temperature, making them ideal for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Enjoy the combination of smoky, spicy tofu, creamy sauce, and fresh, crisp vegetables in every bite.
Notes
- Tofu Prep: Always gently press tofu before cooking to remove excess water. This ensures a firmer texture and helps the seasonings adhere better. Extra-firm tofu generally requires minimal pressing, while softer blocks benefit from 15–30 minutes of pressing.
- Spice Flexibility: The spice blend in this recipe is fully adaptable. Feel free to adjust garlic, paprika, or sriracha to match your preferred heat and flavor.
- BBQ Sauce Tip: Make your sauce a little extra thick if you plan to bake tofu—this helps it caramelize without running off.
- Veggie Variations: You can swap or add any vegetables depending on what’s in season or available—bell peppers, zucchini ribbons, or shredded cabbage all work beautifully.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe holds up well in the fridge. Prepare tofu and sauce in advance for faster weekday lunches.
Chef’s Secrets: Elevate Your Wrap Flavor
To achieve maximum flavor, let the tofu marinate for 10–15 minutes after seasoning, even if briefly.
When pan-frying, allow the tofu to develop a golden crust without moving it too soon.
This creates a caramelized exterior that enhances the smoky BBQ flavor.
For added depth, lightly toast the tortillas before rolling, which adds warmth and a subtle nuttiness.
Consider mixing herbs like cilantro or fresh parsley into the veggie filling for an aromatic lift.
Finally, serve with a dollop of extra creamy sauce to balance the spicy notes—this combination of textures and layers of flavor is what makes these wraps irresistibly satisfying.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Meal Pairings
These Spicy BBQ Tofu Wraps pair wonderfully with a variety of sides.
For a light meal, serve with a crisp garden salad, pickled vegetables, or a small side of roasted sweet potatoes.
For a more filling option, accompany the wraps with a quinoa or couscous salad.
They also work well with simple chips or veggie sticks for a casual, grab-and-go lunch.
Drizzle extra sauce over the wrap or serve a small ramekin of dipping sauce on the side for added indulgence.
Storage Tips: Keep Wraps Fresh Longer
Cooked tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days, making this recipe excellent for meal prep.
Keep the BBQ sauce separate until ready to assemble to prevent the tortilla from becoming soggy.
If making wraps in advance, store the veggies in a separate container or loosely wrap them in a paper towel to maintain crispness.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked tofu (unassembled) for up to 2 months—defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating and assembling the wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use soft tofu instead of extra-firm?
Soft tofu can be used, but it will be delicate and harder to handle. Press thoroughly and consider cutting into thicker slabs to prevent breaking during cooking.
2. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free tortillas or wraps. Double-check the BBQ sauce and mayonnaise labels to ensure they are also gluten-free.
3. Can I make the wraps ahead of time?
You can prep all ingredients in advance, but assemble the wraps just before eating to maintain crisp veggies and soft tortillas. Store tofu, veggies, and sauces separately in airtight containers.
4. How can I reduce the spice level?
Reduce or omit the sriracha in the BBQ sauce. Alternatively, add a little more vegan mayonnaise to mellow out the heat while keeping the flavor balanced.
5. What are some protein alternatives to tofu?
Tempeh, seitan, or roasted chickpeas are excellent plant-based alternatives that maintain the high-protein content and can be prepared with the same BBQ sauce and seasoning.
