Best Grilled Tofu Recipe

Grilled tofu steak with herbs

đź•‘ 35 minutes  Vegetarian   Vegan 

Grilled Tofu for Liver Detox

If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and liver-friendly meal, this Best Grilled Tofu Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with detoxifying spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cilantro, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports your liver’s natural detox process. Whether you’re vegan, looking to lose weight, or simply aiming to improve your liver health, this grilled tofu recipe has it all.

Tofu often gets a reputation for being bland, but when you infuse it with a potent spice rub and grill it to perfection, it transforms into a flavorful, protein-rich dish that’s great for detoxification. The liver-loving ingredients in this recipe not only add layers of flavor but also work wonders for your health.

Why Your Liver Will Love This Recipe

Spices aren’t just for flavor; they play a key role in supporting liver health. In this best grilled tofu recipe, you’ll find ingredients like:

  • Coriander, cumin, and cilantro flakes: These help flush out toxins from the liver, supporting its natural detoxification process.
  • Turmeric: Known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can help reduce liver inflammation, a common issue for those with fatty liver.
  • Parsley and oregano: These herbs act as gentle cleansers for the liver, aiding in overall detoxification.
  • Pepper flakes: Adding a kick of heat, these spices stimulate circulation and digestion, helping your body eliminate toxins more effectively.

This is more than just a tasty tofu dish—it’s a detoxifying boost for your liver.

Bowl of turmeric powder

Spice Rub Grilled Tofu: A Vegan Detox Recipe

Tofu might seem simple, but its nutritional benefits are profound. It's rich in protein and contains eight of the nine essential amino acids your body needs. Tofu also acts as a natural diuretic, helping to flush out impurities through the kidneys. When you pair it with a spice rub packed with liver-friendly ingredients, you’ve got a meal that not only tastes great but also works to support your body’s detoxification process.

This recipe will surprise you with its smoky, caramelized umami flavor and crunchy texture. It’s perfect on its own or served alongside a fresh salad for a complete, nutritious meal.

Ingredients for 4 Servings

For the Tofu:

  • 1 12-oz package extra-firm tofu, drained well
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the Spice Rub:

  • 2 teaspoons dried cilantro flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ÂĽ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Âľ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Âľ teaspoon ground coriander
  • Âľ teaspoon black pepper
  • ÂĽ teaspoon ground bay leaf
  • Âľ teaspoon turmeric powder
Paprika powder on wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Place the tofu block between two layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Set a heavy object (like a skillet) on top and let it press for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for helping the tofu absorb all the spice rub flavors and to ensure it doesn’t fall apart when grilling.

2. Make the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine all the spices:

  • Cilantro flakes
  • Parsley flakes
  • Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Sea salt
  • Red pepper flakes (if using)
  • Cumin
  • Coriander
  • Black pepper
  • Ground bay leaf
  • Turmeric powder

Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

3. Coat the Tofu

Rub the tofu block with extra-virgin olive oil, making sure it’s lightly coated on all sides. Then, sprinkle the spice rub over the tofu, pressing it into the tofu to ensure the flavors absorb. Let the tofu sit for about 15 minutes to fully soak up the spices.

4. Grill the Tofu

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. If you’re using a pan, lightly oil the surface with extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the tofu for about 4 minutes per side, until the exterior is golden and crispy, and the spice rub has caramelized beautifully.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the tofu from the grill and serve immediately. This grilled tofu pairs perfectly with a fresh arugula salad, which adds a light and peppery contrast to the smoky, spicy tofu. You can also serve it with stir-fried veggies or a whole grain like quinoa or brown rice for a more filling meal.

Why This Recipe Is the Best for Liver Health

This best grilled tofu recipe is packed with detoxifying and anti-inflammatory ingredients, making it perfect for those who want to support their liver health. Tofu itself is a nutrient-dense, low-fat protein that’s easy on the liver, while the spices used in this recipe help cleanse and reduce inflammation. Coriander, cumin, and turmeric are particularly powerful for supporting liver detoxification, while the diuretic properties of tofu help flush out impurities.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds, this grilled tofu recipe is your go-to.

Notes

  • For a low-histamine version of this recipe, omit the paprika and red pepper flakes.
  • Make a larger batch of the spice rub and store it in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in a dry, cool place for up to six months.
  • This tofu is best served with fresh greens, like arugula, to create a balanced and detoxifying meal.

Share this article


Nico Fabian

Dr. Nico Fabian, MD

I'm a physician and board-certified internist who completed my Internal Medicine training at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. See Full Bio.

    1. KARGULEWICZ Angelika et al. Dietary recommendations for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease . Przeglad Gastroenterologiczny Journal. 9. 1; 18–23, 2014


Tofu

Crispy Sesame Tofu  A delicious, protein-rich dish with a crunchy sesame crust, perfect for supporting liver health and adding flavor to plant-based meals.


Tzatziki dip creamy greek yogurt sauce with cucumber and herbs

Veggie Platter with Tzatziki Dip  Packed with detoxifying veggies and a creamy, tangy dip—perfect for supporting liver health and clean eating.


Kale and quinoa salad

Kale and Quinoa Salad  A nutritious, protein-packed dish rich in antioxidants, perfect for liver health and a refreshing addition to any meal.

Nico Fabian

You might enjoy more articles by

Dr. Nico Fabian, MD