Vegan Tikka Tofu Skewers

Plantiful Palate
Jul 7, 2025
4 min read

A colourful Vegan BBQ Recipe with bold Indian spices and smoky summer flavour

Looking for vegan summer recipes that actually bring the heat? These vegan tikka tofu skewers are a standout choice for vegan barbecue recipes, with their sizzling spice and sunny-day flair. A zesty marinade packed with warming Indian spices gives the tofu a deep, smoky flavour — while turmeric, one of the star ingredients, adds more than just colour. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its natural support in protecting the skin from sun damage, turmeric offers a glowing boost that’s perfect for summer. Combined with juicy peppers, sweet red onions, and a satisfying char, this vegan recipe ticks every box for easy, flavourful, and skin-loving vegan main dishes.

Perfect for garden parties, Vegan BBQ spreads, or no-fuss weekday vegan dinners, these skewers make vibrant make-ahead vegan recipe ideas and deserve a place among the best vegan summer salad recipes too.

Recipe:

Serves: 4

Prep time: 25 mins (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 15 mins
Total time: 40 mins (active)

Ingredients:

For the Tikka Marinade:

200g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
3 tbsp unsweetened vegan yogurt
1 tbsp gram flour (besan)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp neutral oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ginger, freshly grated
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp chilli powder (adjust to heat preference)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt

For the Skewers:

1 red pepper, cut into squares
1 yellow pepper, cut into squares
1 green pepper, cut into squares
1 red onion, cut into petals
Wooden or metal skewers

Method:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until you have a thick, creamy, and well-blended tikka paste. It should be rich in colour and smell deeply aromatic — the blend of spices is what gives these skewers their bold personality.
Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and gently toss until each one is completely coated in marinade. Don’t hold back — a good massage with clean hands helps get the flavours into every nook. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for the fullest flavour).
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes while the tofu marinates. This helps prevent them from scorching during cooking.
When you’re ready to cook, prep the veg. Slice your peppers into bite-sized chunks and separate the onion petals. Try to match their size to the tofu cubes so everything cooks evenly and looks visually balanced on the skewers.
Thread the tofu, peppers, and onion alternately onto your skewers, pressing the pieces snugly together. The goal is a colourful, tightly packed mix that stays firm during cooking and looks striking on the plate.
Heat a BBQ, cast-iron griddle, or large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Brush the surface lightly with oil. Once hot, lay the skewers down and let them sizzle undisturbed for a couple of minutes. This helps create that gorgeous golden crust on the tofu.
Continue turning the skewers every few minutes to get an even cook and those irresistible charred edges. The peppers should soften, the onion should sweeten, and the tofu should crisp up beautifully while staying tender inside. Total cook time should be 10–15 minutes, depending on your heat source.
Serve the skewers straight from the grill with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and your favourite dip — think vegan raita, mint chutney, or even a swirl of dairy-free yoghurt. They’re perfect as a main dish, inside flatbreads, or sliced into a vibrant summer salad.

Additional Tips:

For maximum flavour, marinate the tofu overnight — the longer it soaks, the deeper the spice infusion.
For even juicier tofu, freeze and thaw it beforehand. This creates a more sponge-like texture that absorbs marinade beautifully.
Don’t skip the gram flour in the marinade — it helps the spices cling to the tofu and creates a lovely crust during cooking.
Thread everything tightly on the skewer to keep the ingredients from spinning or slipping around when flipping.
A scattering of fresh coriander and a side of lemon-dressed salad brings brightness to every bite.
Want extra texture? Add courgette slices or cherry tomatoes to the skewers.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

Oven: Preheat to 220°C (430°F) and place the skewers on a lined tray. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the tofu is golden and the veggies start to char.
Air fryer: Set to 200°C (390°F) and cook skewers for 12–15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway. This delivers an incredibly crisp finish with minimal oil.
BBQ: Perfect for outdoor summer cooking. Preheat the BBQ grill to medium heat, lightly oil the grates, and lay the skewers down. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning gently until everything is kissed with char. Keep a close eye — flare-ups can happen quickly, especially with oil-brushed marinades. The result is unbeatable smoky flavour and sizzling summer vibes.

Allergy information / alternatives:

✅ Gluten-free

✅ Nut-free

✅ High protein

✅ Lacto-vegetarian friendly

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: ~210
Protein: ~14g
Carbohydrates: ~11g
Fat: ~13g
Sugar: ~4g
Salt: ~0.7g

Note: The nutritional information provided is approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used and their proportions.

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