BBQ Tofu with Grilled Pineapple

Short description

This vibrant recipe features extra‑firm tofu marinated in barbecue sauce, paired with char‑grilled pineapple and vegetables for a sweet, smoky, and satisfying plant‑based main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A dynamic blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors

• Crisp, char‑bitten texture from grilled tofu and pineapple

• High in plant‑based protein and versatile for bowls, kebabs, or sheet‑pan meals

• Simple prep and adaptable for grill, broiler, or indoor cooking

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• extra‑firm tofu, pressed and cubed or sliced

• fresh pineapple, cored and sliced or cubed

• barbecue sauce (store‑bought or homemade pineapple‑BBQ)

• optional vegetables: bell pepper, zucchini, red onion

• cooking oil (e.g. olive or sunflower oil)

• cornstarch or arrowroot (optional, for extra crispiness)

• salt and pepper to taste

• optional toppings: cilantro, avocado, coconut flakes

directions

1. Press the tofu: Remove tofu from the package and press between paper towels or in a press for 15–30 minutes to drain excess moisture

2. Marinate: Cut tofu into ½–1 inch cubes or planks. Toss in barbecue sauce, optionally cornstarch for crisp, and let marinate 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor) .

3. Grill or broil pineapple: Slice pineapple and grill or broil 2–5 minutes per side until caramelized and charred Vegetarian Mamma.

4. Cook tofu: Grill or broil tofu on oiled grates or pan. Cook about 4 minutes per side until charred and caramelized, brushing additional sauce as needed

5. Optional vegetables: Toss bell peppers, zucchini, and onion in oil, then grill or roast until tender and lightly charred

6. Assemble: Serve grilled tofu and pineapple over quinoa, rice, cauliflower rice, or greens. Arrange vegetables around and top with optional garnishes like cilantro, avocado, or coconut flakes.

Servings and timing

• Yields approximately 4 servings (depending on portion size)

• Prep time: 20–35 minutes (pressing tofu may take 15–30 minutes).

• Cook time: 15–30 minutes.

• Total time: 40 – 60 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetable Kebabs: Alternate tofu, pineapple, peppers, onion, and mushrooms on skewers; grill as kebabs 

• Sheet‑pan meal: Roast tofu, pineapple, and vegetables together in the oven at ~200 °C (400 °F) for ~30 minutes The Herbeevore.

• Sauce tweaks: Spice it with garlic powder, smoked paprika, adobo or sriracha for sweet‑and‑spicy notes Facebook.

• Grain or rice base: Use quinoa, brown rice, jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or coconut rice depending on dietary preferences.

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (pineapple salsa up to 2 days)  teaspoon of oil or bake at ~200 °C (400 °F) until warmed. Add fresh sauce or pineapple slices if needed.

FAQs

What kind of tofu works best?

Extra‑firm tofu is ideal. Pressed tofu ensures a firmer, chewier texture and helps the marinade adhere better.

How long should I press the tofu?

Aim for at least 15 minutes, though pressing for 30 minutes yields drier tofu and better grilling results

Can I make this without a grill?

Yes. Use the broiler or oven: bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for ~20–25 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with sauce

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve over quinoa, brown or jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice. Side salad or grilled greens are excellent complements.

Can the tofu be frozen after cooking?

You may freeze tofu, but texture can change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short term.

How spicy is the dish?

Basic BBQ version is mild and sweet. To add heat, include sriracha, adobo sauce, or smoked chili powder.

Is this gluten‑free?

It can be, if you choose gluten‑free BBQ sauce and soy sauce (or tamari).

Can I substitute other fruits for pineapple?

Yes—mango, peaches, or watermelon also grill well, but pineapple pairs especially well with BBQ flavours.

How can I increase crispiness?

Lightly coat tofu in cornstarch or arrowroot before cooking and grill on high heat with oil on the grates can I marinate tofu?

Up to 2 hours in the refrigerator yields deeper flavor. For shorter prep, 10 minutes still works.

Conclusion

This BBQ tofu with grilled pineapple is a deliciously flavorful vegan option—combining sweet, tangy, and smoky notes with satisfying texture. Whether served in a vibrant bowl, on skewers, or roasted on a sheet pan, it’s easy to customize for your taste and kitchen setup. With simple ingredients and prep, this recipe brings tropical flair and plant‑based protein to the table

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