BBQ Tofu & Polenta - Easy Vegan Recipe! | The Wicked Kitchen

Here's another lockdown-friendly, inexpensive, EASY vegan recipe-Pan seared tofu and onions covered in barbecue sauce and then roasted to perfection, served on a bed of homemade creamy jalapeño polenta and wilted spinach. This vegan recipe is cheap, easy, and best of all...frickin' delicious!
Full recipe below!
Make our Wicked Spicy BBQ Sauce to go with it! ▶︎ • EASY homemade SPICY BB...
That vegan "pork belly" tofu mentioned in the video ▶︎ • Vegan Sweet Chili Tofu...
SUBSCRIBE ▶︎ bit.ly/WickedHealthyKZbin
If you're looking for some more plant-powered recipes, check out our massive recipe archive here. Use the search thingy and see what you come up with ▶︎ wickedhealthyfood.com/
FOLLOW WICKED HEALTHY:
Wicked Instagram ▶︎ bit.ly/WHInsta
Chad's Instagram ▶︎ bit.ly/ChadSarnoIG
Derek’s Instagram ▶︎ bit.ly/DerekSarnoIG
WH Facebook ▶︎ bit.ly/WickedHealthyFacebook
In the U.K. get your groceries from Tesco ▶︎ bit.ly/WickedKitchenTESCOplc
The Wicked Healthy Cookbook ▶︎ bit.ly/WHCookbook
**************************************************
INGREDIENTS:
Tofu:
2 blocks extra firm tofu
2 red onion, quartered (watch video for chopping tips)
4 green onions (Scallions)
1 TBSP fennel seed
1 TBSP oregano
1 TBSP red pepper flakes
.5 tsp smoked paprika
.5 tsp garlic powder
.5 tsp aniseed
4 tbsp Oil Canola/Vegetable (optional fat from Tofu Pork Belly Recipe ▶︎ • Vegan Sweet Chili Tofu... )
x1 jar BBQ sauce (or make ours with this recipe ▶︎ • EASY homemade SPICY BB... )
Beer (optional)
Polenta:
.25 cup (approx 65g) corn meal, medium grind
2 cups water
1 large white onion, diced
1 spring onion, sliced
.5 cup frozen peas
.5 cup frozen corn
4 slices plant-based gouda (this one was Follow Your Heart, or use flavor/brand of your choice)
1 jalapeno, sliced
2 tbsp plant based butter
3 garlic cloves, crushed and sliced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp excess seasoning from tofu
.5 tsp smoked paprika
1 handful crushed tortilla chips
Oat milk (or plant based dairy alternative) if you need to thin it out just add a little to desired consistency
1 package (about 5 cups) Baby spinach
Optional: Nutritional yeast to make it “cheesier”.
Salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
Start by making a spice blend; grinding aniseed, fennel, oregano and crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika and garlic powder in a pestle and mortar, until combined, smooth and crushed.
Place tofu in a baking dish and drizzle over some ‘ fat’/oil, rubbing to coat evenly. Generously sprinkle spice blend over each side of tofu, pressing into the surface to coat.
Chop onions into quarters trim each end just enough so the onion layers are pierced, peel and 1/4 (check video to check how to do this without them falling apart!).
Heat Pan or cast iron until hot, add oil, place tofu onto the surface and sear each side for 2-3 minutes. Remove Tofu from the pan and place in sided baking dish
Add onion to pan and sear on each side evenly until golden, remove and add to baking dish with the tofu. Add BBQ sauce to cover tofu in the baking dish.
(Optional) Deglaze the cooking pan with a little beer to absorb the flavours and add to BBQ sauce.
When ready, preheat oven 420f/215c, once hot, roast for 20 minutes before serving. Or now’s a good time to throw it on the grill.
Polenta:
Heat a medium size saucepan over a medium-high heat. Add plant based butter, diced onions and garlic. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika and extra seasoning from tofu, pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips and saute for 1 minute.
Add 2 cups of water (approx 500ml) to the sauce pot, bring to a boil and slowly whisk in cornmeal. Lower heat and add corn, green onion and cheese. Thin as needed with a little plant-based milk. Lower heat to low, stir often for 10 minutes until thick and creamy. Keep tasting!
Remove tofu and onions from the oven.
Wilt baby spinach on stovetop with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Serve. Eat. Nap.
******************************************
Video by Ira Chute (@irachute) | www.highway93.com
Original Music by Gabriel Naïm Amor (@amorsonic) | www.naimamor.com
#wickedhealthy #wickedkitchen

[@goratanemaorani5290]

When he doesn’t edit out the likkle mishaps you know you are watching a real Chef👨‍🍳 BRAVO!!

[@tbmb7700]

Hell those are my favorite parts... opening those bags is a pain in the ass love these videos

[@ymb6987]

I'm living for every part of this meal - that polenta looks bangin!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

the polenta is truly a winner...

[@margarett_b]

Inspired by your recipes, I've recently made grilled bbq tofu skewers for my fam and my gosh, it was GAME CHANGING! My mum liked it (she does not like tofu), my dad like it (a real meat-lover), my sister liked it (one of the most picky person I know) and finally, MY 94 YEARS OLD GRANDMA LOVED IT! You've literally persuaded my closes ones tofu can be tasty and I will love you for that to the moon and back

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Wonderful! Thank you for your kind words and support!!

[@margarett_b]

@@mikeskylark1594 I was SO happy you would not believe :D

[@Fiftynine414]

I spend a lot of time in Tucson. Gonna try this with the beer you use.

[@youtub4e]

Such an inspiration 💚 I felt so calm watching you cook! Thank you, sure tastes amazing!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Bryan-df7kc]

I’m definitely going to make this later today! Thanks and God bless you and yours!

[@thisistheaccountname]

That Smoke Gouda is a wonderfully delicious cheese.

[@samanthabrandt286]

Oh my god. That looks incredible. Will definitely be making this next week. Thanks for showing how it's done!

[@Blissasndo]

I love having Caribbean cornmeal porridge for breakfast, and now after watching this cool recipe I can' t wait making a savory version. Looks amazing, thank you!

[@SimonGlassman]

Looks and sounds amazing, definitely going to be doing this in the next few days.. keep up the good work guys..🤟🤟

[@joaofarias6473]

It looks sooo good! Thank you for the recipe 😎✌️

[@ATFudgeAirsoft]

I really loved this one! Thank you!

[@justanotherday5531]

Yum, Yum , Yummy! 😋 Going to make this tomorrow!

[@deborahneumann9162]

OMGoddess! LOL Scrumptious-looking! A MUST for my food prep next week! Thank you SO much! (:

[@angelatillman4323]

Whoa! I am excited to try this!

[@karloskardenas2414]

You brothers are the best chefs-Period!🙏🏻

[@DerekSarnoChef]

if you say so! 😂🙌

[@patrickdaugharty7475]

I’m doing a 14 day water only fast. When I’m done I’m going to make this. Looks fantastic!!!

[@sonyakirchoff7643]

This polenta recipe is the best polenta I’ve ever made. The dimension, texture and flavor. Yummy. Thank you for all your recipes.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for sharing!

[@CreGoneVegan]

This looks appetizing!

[@jakestevanja1304]

This looks amazing!!! Drool

[@Linvg]

I just love watching you cook..

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thank you!

[@elenaketzal]

This looks súper y,umm y. When you freeze tofu, it gets a great texture when barbecued. And it absorbs sauce even better. Thanks!

[@ahnaahna7278]

I agree! I don’t mind the little mishaps at all. I feel right at home! I so enjoyed your rendition of the tofu and polenta. I am subscribed of course! 👏👏👏

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@renepere8916]

looks amazing. I've never prepared tofu this way. Definiitely gonna make this! Thank you.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

It's so good! Hope you enjoy!!

[@sandranartowicz3368]

Outstanding! All the Sarno brothers recipes have made a huge difference in our meal planning. Long live "Dirk and Chard"! 😉

[@OneWithManyThings]

I’m definitely going to make this, looks so good!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

It is soooo good!

[@margarett_b]

This recipe for bbq tofu, although different than the previous ones, seems to be real wicked! Lots of flavours, delicious charring on the tofu and onions and fantastic pairing with the lovely polenta! I will definitely have to try this recipe out as it is just amazingly crafted!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Definitely try this one! It is a bit different in technique than some of the other ones on our channel, but anytime you can get that nice char from searing it in the pan first...then bake it or grill it...that's where the magic happens! Hope you enjoy!

[@sandradavis4359]

Everything looks delicious! I can see myself cooking this at least once a month.❤️❤️

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Hey Sandra, thank you! This is a yummy one, and so easy to just switch up the sauce to get different styles and flavors!

[@JohnC-24]

Man !!! You are truly wicked... Loved every bit of it .

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!!

[@davidsmith8376]

I’m salivating

[@k8ti]

Definitely a great idea for a family dinner...and very budget friendly-haha! 😄🙏🏻✨

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Totally! And really easy to prepare the tofu, onion, polenta and spinach...so when it all comes together at the end it’s extra impressive!!

[@pdblouin]

I need to start cooking with fennel more...maybe I'll try this to start.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Fennel is so underrated. This is a great gateway recipe...

[@serafimb2319]

I love this

[@EvanBlack11]

Making this tonight

[@Satz50]

I love the home feel to this video

[@lizmariewest1514]

You are freaking amazing!😀 thanks for sharing.

[@beachykat723]

Awesome!! Looks delicious 😋

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thank you 😋

[@stephaniederry6906]

I just tried this dish tonight and wow! It was fantastic! Everything paired well together! Careful with all the spices I was choking because how spicy my small kitchen smelled lol.

[@margaridasabina7594]

Amazing 🤩

[@thezssue]

It looks yummy🤩 I'll try to cook it as soon as possible when this extreme sizzling heat wave goes away!😄

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Yes...you might want to wait for the weather to cool down a bit before getting the kitchen too hot! But to be fair, we shot this video in Arizona and it was about 100ºF/38ºC and it was WORTH IT!!! 🥵😂

[@cynthiamackey1342]

I made the polenta to go with it dinner and OMG... It's my favorite by far! Thank you so much for sharing. I added the green peas and nutritional yeast too. It was perfect! I could have eaten a whole bowl of just the polenta :)

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Oh, I'm right there with you...that polenta is one of my favorite things!!

[@drvincentesposito]

Wow this looks amazing! Love the WFPB dishes you guys make!😋

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thanks, Vincent! We try to do as much WFPB cooking as we can!

[@drvincentesposito]

@Wicked Healthy I can see that and, as a practitioner, I think it is fantastic! The reason I started recording videos on my own channel is because I had patients asking me how to make plants taste good!😂 However, I'm obviously not a trained chef, so I like taking some time to learn from the professionals! So I'm hoping I've upped my cooking game over the past few years to keep up!

[@jenwylie4093]

Looks amazing!!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thank you!!

[@veganyummies5443]

That looks great! I'm going to make it for supper!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Hope you enjoy!! Thanks for watching!

[@linzertube]

Woweee! Looks delicious!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

It is!!

[@fakehair01]

This will be my Sunday meal can't wait.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Awesome! This is such a good Sunday meal!!

[@8schopra]

I hv made all sorts of tofu even tofu hummus 😎 but never bbq style tofu ..that loooked sooo 👌👌👌 Must try . Such recipes u don't hv to taste in order to tell how they taste ...💚👍 Thankiu for being vegan .👍

[@TyehimbaJahsi]

I'm not vegan, but watching your videos makes me believe I can be!

[@patricesanfilippo2563]

OMG! That looks so delicious! Did I hear you mention you are in Tucson???

[@TheCarrionShow]

awesome work i love watching your videos, we got the same taste in food and spices... Thumbs up!!!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Nice!! Thanks for saying so and glad you’re enjoying the channel!

[@corrupt_librarian]

Этично, вкусно, полезно! Спасибо 🙏

[@garya3056]

One of your best... same level of wicked as the oyster mushrooms recipe! 👍

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thanks, Gary! Glad you’re digging the recipes and thanks for your support!!

[@garya3056]

Wicked Healthy 😎

[@dilsaliosatos8797]

Very good meal tank you

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@Irkiie]

That's pretty good

[@YA-st2ye]

my bags are also pains in the a--es to open :))) loved it !! ahaha

[@ninaninette1735]

Best ever tofu bbq

[@kirlynz2554]

Looks great, I'll be making the polenta soon! One question, the video said approx 1/2 cup cornmeal but the typed out description says 1/4 cup? I guess I'll just switch my scale over to grams and weigh, since both places say 65 grams lol! Also oops, the cornmeal I have is 'course ground', will that work or should I try to grind it a bit finer in my blendtec? Lol! Thank you! 😁

[@dianem7771]

Yum! Looks amazing. Love that vegan cheese. I'm glad I'm not the only one who struggles with opening those darn bags. 😀

[@DerekSarnoChef]

LOL...glad you stuck around for that little nugget at the end. Those bags can be impossible!! 😂

[@ohmomoko]

MMM Polenta & Tofu - dream team

[@andreeamarinasi4890]

Good idea.. I just don’t like bbq sauce so I’ll replace with tomato sauce, I’ve just put the tofu in the seasoned sauce and marinade till dinner tonight, probably going to make some polenta as well but like plain one... with some soy milk as well and a salad maybe... Amazing recipe anyway. Love the channel. Hope the subs nr is growing ❤️❤️

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thanks, Andreea! Appreciate the support and love hearing about your subs with the recipe...that’s the whole idea with our brand of cooking: take the techniques and run with them!!

[@rjbenson9621]

Also not big on bbq sauce. I was thinking a mixture of tomato paste/sriracha/dark soy sauce.

[@ddunsson2]

It looks so delicious. You're very good at cooking. That's a good recipe. wow good Information 😍😋🤍❣️

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Thank you!!

[@Lucas_Straccioni]

Just 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@lifesawhispr5431]

Are your products available in the states? I just discovered your videos and can’t wait to make these meals.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Soon! We are working on bringing the Wicked products to the US and beyond! Thank you for watching!

[@Muzyka706]

so, i have plans for tomorrow

[@kbs1212]

15:05 “Top CORNtine meals” I see what you did there! 😆🌽 A charming vegan chef with nice arm tats. We are not worthy 😍

[@angelamcmullen3670]

What are your thoughts on polenta sold in a tube? Can I turn it into a creamy dish or is destined to stay in silver dollar shapes

[@myggggeneration]

Was hoping for a snappy demo of your signature tong cymbals :-)

[@DerekSarnoChef]

There Will Be Tongs!

[@AYDTMAN72]

Looks delicious! I'm always looking for new ways to cook tofu. I've never had polenta before, I'm definitely going to have try that! For the polenta do I have to use vegan gouda or can I use any other kind of vegan cheese? As far as the barbecue sauce is that home made or store bought?

[@bellisperennis42]

The link to the BBQ-Sauce is in the videodesctiption, right at the to! :-) From my experience, you can use any vegan cheese - but chosing a nice flavourfull one like the smoked cheese mentioned is best!

[@AYDTMAN72]

@@bellisperennis42 Thanks!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Just chiming in: the sauce in the video was store bought from a bottle, but as @bellisperennis42 mentioned, we do have a link to a homemade version if you want to give that a try! We always encourage people to just do what works for them-if you don’t have the time or ingredients, don’t feel bad about buying something from the store to get you to the finish line! And regarding the cheese, pretty much any flavor you want...it just adds some extra creaminess but isn’t necessary if you want to skip it. 👍

[@AYDTMAN72]

@@DerekSarnoChef Thanks!

[@buckets212]

One tablespoon of rec pepper flakes? I usually use 1/4 a teaspoon.

[@thebeverlykidd]

Can't wait to try this AND I'm totally going out to buy a mortar and pestle! Then I'll be legit! LOL!

[@jacqey40]

Try and keep the garlic on the board... If I had a euro for every time I say that 🤣

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Oh boy, we’d all be rich!

[@MGrace-16180]

Love the polenta ideas, making it for lunch today. Did you press the tofu?

[@DerekSarnoChef]

No pressing the tofu 👍

[@MGrace-16180]

Sweet! 😋

[@crystaltabron3163]

Referring to polmenta, Can I do same thing with cheesy savory grits?

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Yes they are very similiar.

[@Wwetitanfan27]

please don't forget the written version :)

[@DerekSarnoChef]

We’ll add that asap! Sorry about the lag!

[@melissacarroll6633]

How do you get your tofu to hold together so well? I use extra firm tofu, but after pressing it, it still seems to hold a lot of water and crumbles a lot. You were able to maneuver it around a bunch before even cooking it, and it stayed together. Is it a brand thing, or the way you press it, or some other special technique? I am using organic tofu in the US.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

It’s honestly more of a brand thing as every company makes it differently. This was Hodo tofu, which you can get in the US, but I hear ya...some brands (even with the extra firm) are just more delicate than others and you have to handle them less until they firm up in the searing/baking process.

[@melissacarroll6633]

Ah. Thank you! I'll have to look for that brand! I've been looking for local tofu sources too. But I have had little luck in the Denver area so far. Thanks again!

[@jimmy-jamesolivier-mccutch2126]

@@melissacarroll6633 check out uni-soya, that's the only brand i use in canada, its hard as a brick all other brand even ''extra-firm'' have been the tofu scramble type..like 40% water LOL no wonder almost nobody like tofu...what a shame

[@chefstarrr]

Can't wait to try this dish 💚💚 and oven set to 420? Hehehe

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Best oven temp. Period. 😎

[@rjbenson9621]

@@DerekSarnoChef these recipes are great munchies material.

[@thrivingat50plus]

I would love it if you would add the recipe in the narrative.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Done!

[@thrivingat50plus]

Thank you. I made it the other night it was delicious. Your recipes are awesome. Perfect for my newly vegan teenage son😍

[@maureenbullis1805]

Thank you for mentioning a no oil option as many of us are trying to avoid heart disease. 🌈🌈

[@DerekSarnoChef]

You are welcome! We will be doing more of these in the future!

[@incognitoatunknown2702]

That is NOT my grandmother's polenta (thank goodness.) Question about the tofu though: Are you freezing and unfreezing the tofu before you cook with it or do you just cook with it straight from the store/fridge?

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Straight out of the pack. No time for freezing or pressing.

[@willcwhite]

Nice job syncing up the chopping rhythm to the music.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

I’m so glad someone else noticed that!! 🤩

[@lcoleman6046]

It looks delicious...but tofu doesn't hold flavor any suggestions?

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Season it properly, i've never had an issue but i do find that most people just don't season it enough.

[@lcoleman6046]

@@DerekSarnoChef Thanks

[@veganvocalist4782]

Holy Moses , whom ever is in your life they are one luuuucky toad to have those kinda meals to share bwwwoyyyy 😂

[@DerekSarnoChef]

😂 LOL...just me and the squirrels! (But they eat like kings!)

[@JustOneAsbesto]

You know, I always thought you were a little corny.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

LOL

[@bushnellentertainment5759]

Ya but who cares you are the only one I've seen that can make mushrooms the best and into anything and it looks delicious! Thanks for being vegan and helping to save the animals!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

@@bushnellentertainment5759 Thank you! We're just doing our thing and hope people enjoy the eating! Thanks for watching!

[@MazBringsby]

@@DerekSarnoChef Thank you for the great content and have a blessed day.

[@8schopra]

@@bushnellentertainment5759 😎💚✌️👍👍👍👍 Great Msg .

[@tracytruelove7352]

Wowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowow 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@WriterSnider]

You need to meet my mom. She’s cute. Are you available? If that’s super awkward, you can just tell me your favorite plant-based butter.

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Dang...if Follow Your Heart made a plant-based butter I would have had the perfect reply. 😂 We love Miyoko's: miyokos.com/pages/products

[@bushnellentertainment5759]

Bacon grease? I always thought u were vegan!!

[@DerekSarnoChef]

It's not actual "bacon" fat, as mentioned in the video several times. It is the oil remaining from the "pork belly" style tofu from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKLOqWqYbreNi9U

[@manacrafts7555]

Tofu is gastronomical stuff! Feels like I have gut rot when I wake in the morning....beans man 🤢

[@jakubsz4602]

Tofu is so unhealthy

[@DerekSarnoChef]

Whatever you say.

[@sandranartowicz3368]

Seem to be under-informed or just don't like tofu.