Tofu Caesar Kabobs
These Tofu Caesar Kabobs bring classic Caesar salad flavors to the grill! Caesar-marinated tofu, Brussels sprouts, and red onions are grilled to perfection for a protein-packed dinner that everyone loves! Perfect for summer get-togethers and backyard barbecues!
Ingredients
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1 (16-ounce) block of silken tofu
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon rinsed capers
- 2 teaspoons white miso paste
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
For the Kabobs:
- 1 (16-ounce) block of super-firm tofu, cut into 2”- inch pieces
- 1 pound brussels sprouts, as equal in size as possible
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 red onion, cut into 1 ½ - inch wedges
- Garlicky breadcrumbs for garnish, optional
- Vegan shredded parmesan for garnish, optional
- Sliced lemon wedges for serving, optional
Instructions
- Before starting, if using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning.
- Quickly prepare the Caesar dressing. Add all the ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
- Reserve half of the dressing for serving and place the other half (about 1 cup) in a large bowl.
- Add the tofu pieces to the bowl and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2 to 3 hours).
- Next, trim the ends of the brussels sprouts, remove any outer brown leaves.
- Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the brussels sprouts to the boiling water and boil until they turn bright green and just slightly tender, but still crisp, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Transfer them immediately to an ice bath, cut them in half lengthwise, and pat dry.
- Whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt in a large bowl. Add the brussels sprouts and onion, tossing to coat.
- When ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat for at least 10 minutes.
- Thread the marinated tofu, brussels sprouts and onions onto the skewers, alternating between the 3.
- Grill until the tofu is golden and slightly charred at the edges, 10 to 15 minutes, flipping and brushing with any of the leftover marinade.
- Remove the skewers from the grill. Garnish with Caesar dressing, garlicky breadcrumbs and parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
Video
Notes
• Air-Fryer Instructions: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Thread the marinated tofu, blanched Brussels sprouts, and onion wedges onto your skewers as directed in the main recipe. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded so the hot air can circulate effectively; you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your appliance. Lightly spray the tops with a bit of extra olive oil to encourage browning. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or carefully flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. You are looking for the tofu edges to turn golden brown and slightly crisp while the vegetables become tender. Once done, remove them carefully (they will be hot!), drizzle with the reserved fresh Caesar dressing, parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
• Stovetop Instructions: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil until the oil shimmers but isn't smoking. Carefully lay the assembled skewers flat across the pan (working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan). Let the kabobs cook undisturbed for 4 to 6 minutes, or until tofu and vegetables turn golden-brown and slightly crisp around the edges. Use tongs to gently rotate the skewers, continuing to cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, turning every few minutes and brushing occasionally with the leftover marinade until everything is heated through and nicely charred. The key here is patience; allowing the heat to build a good sear before moving them prevents sticking and ensures that delicious smoky flavor. Once the tofu is firm and golden and the vegetables are tender-crisp, transfer the skewers to a serving platter, garnish generously with the reserved creamy dressing, and enjoy your indoor version of this summer favorite!
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