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Shredded BBQ Tofu Bowls with Apple Fennel Slaw


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5 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Courtney West
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Ready in just 30 minutes, these shredded BBQ tofu bowls with apple fennel slaw are packed with flavor and plant-based protein! Shredded tofu is cooked in a pan until crisp and golden then tossed with spices and BBQ sauce. It’s served over fluffy quinoa alongside a fresh and crunchy apple fennel slaw.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 16-ounce block super firm tofu
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 18-ounce jar BBQ sauce
  • 1 bulb fennel
  • 1 sweet crisp apple, such as Pink Lady, Cosmic Crisp, or Honeycrisp
  • 2 heaped cups bagged shredded cabbage mix
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup vegan mayo
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • 1 handful cilantro leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 splash maple syrup, optional

Instructions

Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.

While quinoa cooks, heat a large skillet or frying pan a tad higher than medium with the olive oil. While the pan heats up, shred the tofu with a box grater. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shredded tofu and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring every 2 minutes, until the tofu is golden and crisp (will take about 15-18 min). Add the spices and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then reduce heat to medium low. Add 1 ½ cups of the BBQ sauce. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring regularly, to allow sauce to warm through and coat the tofu.

While the tofu cooks, cut the fennel in half lenthwise, then cut out and discard the core (at the root end). If stems and fronds are attached, remove them and save them for another use. Thinly slice the fennel and add it to a large bowl. Thinly slice the apple then add it to the bowl along with the shredded cabbage and thinly sliced scallions. Whisk together the mayo, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a good pinch of salt. Pour the dressing over the slaw then toss to coat. Taste it, then add more salt as needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add a splash or two of maple syrup. 

Serve the BBQ tofu over cooked quinoa with the slaw and the leftover BBQ sauce on the side. Garnish with additional sliced scallions if desired. 

Keep leftovers of each component stored separately. Reheat leftover quinoa and shredded BBQ tofu in the microwave or on the stove top, adding a splash of water as needed. 

Notes

  • I’ve made this with and without the added spices (chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder) – the spices definitely give it a punchier BBQ flavor but it’s also great with just a super flavorful BBQ sauce if you don’t have any of the spices on hand. 
  • I like the bagged shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot mix from Trader Joe’s but feel free to use one that you like. Or, shred some cabbage by hand. 
  • If you can’t find or don’t like fennel, use 4 ribs of thinly sliced celery or 1-2 thinly sliced kohlrabi. 
  • If you’re not vegan, feel free to use regular mayo.
  • There’s an overlap with prep and cook time thus the total time involved for the recipe is 30 minutes. 
  • Prefer a BBQ sandwich? Pile the BBQ tofu and slaw onto your favorite bread and skip the quinoa!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: main