grilled tofu

Grilled Watermelon and Tofu Tacos

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Ok, so I know watermelon and tofu tacos may seem weird, but trust me, they are delicious!

When the weather is nice, I would way rather grill than cook in my kitchen. I love to be outside and love not having a mess to clean up inside.

I will now speak for my husband and say watermelon is maybe one of his top 3 favorite foods of all time. When watermelon is in season, we always have one sliced up in the fridge! If I am being honest, on its own, its not my fave. I don’t dislike watermelon but I don’t normally crave it, either.

In an effort to use up the piles of watermelon on my counter or in my fridge, I decided to get creative. I have seen other grilled watermelon dishes and decided what the heck….why not tacos, and why not paired with tofu! I really liked the idea of a savory marinade of the tofu paired wit the sweet watermelon, and y’all, it WORKS!! It works and I really, really love it!!

Seriously, just toss the marinated tofu on the grill with the water melon slices. So easy. You can heat the tortillas right on the grill, too. I used corn but if you prefer flour, thats fine too! The sauce is also super simple and really quick to mix up. The tangy balsamic mixed with the creamy mayo and garlic is just simple perfection!

So, don’t be weirded it out and just try these tacos. I think you will be super surprised how good grilled watermelon on a taco actually is! Change up that taco Tuesday with these grilled watermelon and tofu tacos!!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 package extra firm tofu

  • 4-5 slices of watermelon with the rind still on

  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced

  • corn or flour tortillas

  • jalapeño slices (optional)

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons vegan mayo

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • salt and pepper to taste

Tofu Marinade

  • Juice from 1 lime

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vingar

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels, and place a few books on top for about 15 minutes. This helps remove excess liquid.

  2. Cut tofu into 1 inch strips, and soak in the marinade for 15 - 20 minutes.

  3. Heat your grill and place a cast iron, or an oven safe skillet on the grill to heat. If you do not own either skillet, you can cook your tofu on the stove top in whatever frying pan you have.

  4. Once the grill, and pan have heated, add tofu and the marinade to the pan, and close the grill lid.

  5. Check on the tofu in about 10 minutes, turning the pieces. Continue letting the tofu cook until all the marinade is absorbed, and the tofu begins to brown. You may need to turn pieces several times.

  6. Spray or brush the watermelon with some cooking oil, and add the slices to the grill. Allow them to grill for several minutes on each side or until they have nice grill marks on them.

  7. You can add the tortillas to the grill on the top rack for a few minutes if you have room, or heat them in your oven.

  8. Once watermelon and tofu are done, carefully remove from grill, (make sure to grab the pan handle with an oven mitt,) and cut watermelon off the rind in bite size pieces.

  9. Whisk together the ingredients for sauce, and build your tacos by adding a slice of tofu, some watermelon, avocado, onion, and cilantro.

  10. Drizzle with creamy balsamic sauce, and top with jalapeño slices.

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Alabama White Sauce Tofu Skewers

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If you have never had, or even heard of Alabama white sauce, let me introduce you!  Alabama white sauce is a mayo based bbq sauce that originated in, you guessed it, Alabama!

Alabama White Sauce (AWS) is a a tangy, vinegar and mayo based bbq sauce which originated it Northern Alabama at Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q.

Its tangy and creamy and perfect slathered all over some grilled tofu skewers, grilled veggies, or honestly, just about anything! 

Whip up a batch and let me know all the ways you found to use this delicious and easy summer favorite!

INGREDIENTS:

Alabama white sauce:

  • 1 cup vegan mayo

  • 1/2 cup giardiniera, just the veggies not the juice (this is and Italian condiment consisting for a variety of pickled vegetables, found in the pickle section of your grocery store)

  • Juice from 1/2 lemon

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

  • 2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. For the Alabama White Sauce, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor, and blend until it is smooth.

  2. Store in a mason jar in the fridge.

  3. Fro the tofu, Wrap 1 block of extra firm organic tofu with a clean kitchen towel or some paper towels, and place a few cook books on top. Let sit for 10 - 15 minutes to press out the extra liquid.

  4. Once tofu is ready, cut in half length-wise, then cut those halves in half length-wise again. Now cut 1 inch wide strips to form the pieces.

  5. Place tofu strips in a 9x13 baking dish and pour half the Alabama white sauce over the top.

  6. Let tofu marinate for at least an hour in the fridge.

  7. Once done marinating, put 2 pieces of tofu through a wooden or metal skewer.

  8. Heat your grill and spray the grates with some oil before adding the skewers. Once the skewers are on, give them as spray as well.

  9. Let each side of the skewers grill for several minutes before turning. I use a metal spatula to turn them to help avoid having them stick to the grill and rip. You may need to keep turning them until they have some nice grill marks on each side. Use the marinade left in your dish to brush on each side as you turn.

  10. Serve finished skewers with remaining Alabama white sauce for dipping or drizzling.