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Bourbon Brined Tofu on Brioche

Bourbon Brined Tofu on Brioche

“Here’s a vegetarian dish with all the spice and smoke flavors of traditional barbecue. The secret? Marinate the tofu in a brine made with tamari (aged soy sauce), Worcestershire sauce, and Bib & Tucker The Classic Six Bourbon. For extra flavor, add hardwood chips or chunks to the fire to generate smoke.”
—Steven Raichlen
Serves
4
Ingredients Directions

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds extra firm tofu, drained
  • Extra virgin olive oil for brushing and the grill grate

FOR THE BRINE

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce (regular or vegan)
  • 1/4 cup Bib & Tucker The Classic Six Bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning or your favorite barbecue rub
  • 2 cloves garlic, flattened with the side of a cleaver and peeled

FOR SERVING

  • 4 brioche hamburger buns
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 tomato slices
  • 8 pickle slices
  • Your favorite condiments: mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, etc.

You’ll also need: Hardwood chunks or chips (optional)

Directions

  1. Cut each block of tofu through the side to obtain two flat slabs. Cut each slab widthwise in half. Press the tofu on a cutting board (one end should be raised), with a smaller cutting board on top of it to press out the excess liquid. Let stand for 15 minutes to drain. Place the tofu in a baking dish.
  2. Meanwhile, make the brine: Place the water, tamari, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, Montreal steak seasoning, and garlic in a large bowl and whisk to mix. Pour this mixture over the tofu, turning the pieces. Cover. Brine the tofu in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours turning the pieces a couple times. Drain the tofu well and pat the pieces dry with paper towels.
  3. Set up your grill for direct grilling and heat to high. If using hardwood, add the chips or chunks to the fire (or place in your gas grill’s smoker box). Brush or scrape the grill grate clean and oil it well.
  4. Brush the tofu pieces on both sides with olive oil. Arrange on the grill grate and grill until sizzling and browned on the bottom, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully invert the tofu and cook the other side the same way. You can also cook the tofu on a stand-up griddle.
  5. Meanwhile, open the buns and toast the cut sides on the grill, 15 seconds.
  6. To assemble the sandwiches, spread the bottom bun with your favorite condiments. Top with a lettuce leave, then the tofu, tomato, and pickles. Dig in!