The Pineapple BBQ Tofu combines tangy barbecue sauce with fresh pineapple for a sweet, smoky vegetarian dinner. Tofu is pressed, cut into planks, and marinated in a simple pineapple BBQ sauce before being caramelized under the broiler.
You do not need an outdoor grill to make this recipe. The broiler gives the tofu flavorful, lightly browned edges, making it an easy tofu dinner you can prepare year-round. Use a gluten-free barbecue sauce to keep the entire recipe gluten-free.
It is not a secret that I am a pretty big fan of tofu. We eat tofu typically at least once a week at our house.
I am always trying to reinvent our recipes to spice things up in our little tofu world. Today I am sharing one of my recent favorites: Pineapple BBQ Tofu.
This recipe is extremely easy and tastes wonderful!
Many people tend to shy away from easy tofu recipes, and I’m not certain why. Tofu isn’t that hard to cook at all! You just need to remember to drain the tofu and follow directions, and you’ll be enjoying crispy tofu in no time at all!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple BBQ Tofu
- Sweet, tangy, and smoky BBQ flavor
- Made under the broiler without an outdoor grill
- Uses only five simple ingredients
- Easy to prepare ahead and marinate
- Vegetarian and easy to make gluten-free
- Delicious with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad
This dish pairs sweet-yet-sour pineapple with tangy BBQ sauce. It is the ultimate combination!
The trick is to marinate your tofu after pressing it with your EZ Tofu Press in a tasty blend of fresh pineapple and BBQ sauce!
I marinated mine for 2 hours.
We have lots more tofu recipes! Visit the recipe index, or jump to these delicious recipes:
How to Make Pineapple BBQ Tofu
Start by pressing the extra-firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the pressed tofu into long, narrow planks.
Blend the barbecue sauce, olive oil, and fresh pineapple in a food processor until combined. Pour the pineapple BBQ sauce over the tofu and allow it to marinate for two hours.
Arrange the tofu planks in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil for 10 minutes, flipping them after five minutes so that both sides can brown. Garnish with green onions and additional fresh pineapple before serving.
Ingredients for Pineapple BBQ Tofu
Extra-Firm Tofu: Extra-firm tofu holds its shape when it is pressed, marinated, flipped, and broiled. Pressing it first removes excess moisture and helps the pineapple BBQ sauce coat the tofu more evenly.
Barbecue Sauce: Use a barbecue sauce you enjoy because it provides most of the smoky, tangy flavor. Check the label and choose a gluten-free barbecue sauce when needed.
Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and a bright, fruity flavor to the barbecue sauce. Part of the pineapple is blended into the marinade, while additional pineapple can be used as a garnish.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the pineapple and barbecue sauce blend into a smooth marinade and promotes browning under the broiler.
Green Onions: Green onions add fresh flavor and color to the finished tofu.
Tips for the Best Pineapple BBQ Tofu
Use extra-firm tofu. Softer varieties can break when the planks are flipped.
Press the tofu first. Removing excess water helps the marinade stay on the surface.
Cut evenly sized planks. Pieces of similar thickness will cook at approximately the same rate.
Use a rimmed baking sheet. The raised edge helps contain the sauce as the tofu broils.
Watch the tofu closely. Broilers vary, and barbecue sauce can brown quickly because it contains sugar.
Flip carefully. Use a thin spatula to turn the tofu without breaking the planks.
What to Serve With Pineapple BBQ Tofu?
Great question! Tofu does a great job of taking on other flavors, so really, anything goes! You can top this vegan BBQ tofu with sesame seeds for a crunch, or stir-fry in some veggies as well.
Keep in mind that the star of this show is the barbecue sauce, so you really don’t have to do a ton to get a great taste!
And if you really need something to eat with your tofu, adding some brown rice can always be a great choice, too.
Serve Pineapple BBQ Tofu with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also cut the cooked tofu into smaller pieces and add it to a grain bowl with extra pineapple and green onions.
How hard is this barbecue tofu recipe?
Trust me, friends! It’s so easy! You’ll love this gluten-free firm tofu recipe! I promise! Just make it one time…once your taste buds get a hold of one bite, you’ll be making it over and over again.
All about that broiler!
Then I broiled my tofu. This is a very easy way to prepare your tofu. Think of our broiler as an upside-down grill.
Makes sense, right? The broiler exposes the tofu directly to high heat from above, rather than heating it from below as a traditional grill does.
My broiler is gas, but some stoves are electric. I’ve used my mom’s electric broiler, and it seems to run a bit hotter. Use caution when using your broiler; be sure to read the safety instructions that came with your stove.
Don’t have those instructions? You can always Google it! My broiler just has an on/off setting. I can’t control the level of heat.
I love that my broiler can get the job done in 5-10 minutes! Just keep an eye on it, because it can go from done to burnt… quickly!
Press that tofu!
Let’s back up a bit and talk more about pressing your tofu. I never used to understand the importance of pressing your tofu before you cook it.
By pressing the tofu, you remove excess moisture, which helps it cook better and taste better. I use the EZ Tofu Press each and every time I make tofu! If you love tofu, you need one!
Still wondering? Here are a few more reasons why I love it!
- EZ Tofu Press can press virtually all sizes of firm and extra firm tofu.
- Pressing can be achieved in 15 minutes or less.
- You can prepare the marinade while turning the knobs every two minutes during the 10- to 15-minute pressing time.
- Presses substantially faster than spring-based tofu presses. Easy to clean- small, compact, dishwasher-safe, and fewer parts to break.
- Saves on paper or cloth towels!
Are you looking for some yummy TOFU recipes to use with your EZ Tofu Press? Check out the Pinterest account of EZ Tofu Press! As a foodie, I am always on the hunt for new recipes! If you want some more delicious vegan BBQ flavors, I would suggest you check out this Vegan BBQ Chickpea Salad!
How to Store Leftover Pineapple BBQ Tofu
Allow leftover tofu to cool before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three or four days.
Reheat the tofu under the broiler, in a skillet, or in the air fryer until warmed through. The microwave will work, but the exterior will be softer.
Only keep the three-to-four-day recommendation if that matches your own recipe testing and food-safety practices.
Pineapple BBQ Tofu FAQs
Do I have to press the tofu?
Pressing removes excess water and helps the pineapple BBQ marinade coat the tofu. It also makes the tofu planks firmer and easier to flip without breaking.
Can I make Pineapple BBQ Tofu without a grill?
Yes. This recipe is specifically made under the broiler, so you do not need an outdoor grill. Broil the tofu for 10 minutes and flip it after five minutes.
How long should tofu marinate in BBQ sauce?
This Pineapple BBQ Tofu marinates for two hours. That gives the tofu time to absorb the sweet and tangy flavor of the pineapple BBQ mixture.
Is Pineapple BBQ Tofu gluten-free?
Tofu, pineapple, olive oil, and green onions are naturally gluten-free. However, barbecue sauce ingredients vary, so check the label and use a gluten-free barbecue sauce when needed.
Why does BBQ tofu burn under the broiler?
Barbecue sauce and pineapple both contain sugar, which can brown quickly under high heat. Keep the baking sheet within reach so you can monitor it, and remove the tofu if the sauce begins to burn.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Press and cut the tofu, prepare the pineapple BBQ mixture, and let the tofu marinate in the refrigerator until you are ready to broil it.
Pin this Pineapple BBQ Tofu for later:
Pineapple BBQ Tofu
Pineapple BBQ Tofu combines extra-firm tofu with a sweet and tangy fresh pineapple barbecue sauce. The marinated tofu is cooked under the broiler, so no outdoor grill is needed.
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Instructions
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Using your EZ press, press the tofu for 15 minutes.
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Cut tofu into long skinny planks (as shown in pictures)
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Using a food processor, blend BBQ sauce, olive oil and fresh pineapple.
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Marinate tofu planks in BBQ sauce mixture for 2 hours.
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Place planks on a lipped baking sheet.
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Broil for 10 minutes, flipping sides after 5 minutes. Keep an eye on your broiler as it goes quickly from done to burnt.
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Garnish with diced green onions and more fresh pineapple, if desired.
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ENJOY
Notes
- Use extra-firm tofu. Softer varieties can break when the planks are flipped.
- Press the tofu first. Removing excess water helps the marinade stay on the surface.
- Cut evenly sized planks. Pieces of similar thickness will cook at approximately the same rate.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet. The raised edge helps contain the sauce as the tofu broils.
- Watch the tofu closely. Broilers vary, and barbecue sauce can brown quickly because it contains sugar.
- Flip carefully. Use a thin spatula to turn the tofu without breaking the planks.
Nutrition
Serving: 2piecesCalories: 374kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 11gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 1556mgPotassium: 565mgFiber: 2gSugar: 51gVitamin A: 336IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 3mg
Chances are, you are here because you already like tofu, but if you are new to tofu, we have got you covered! You might be wondering what tofu tastes like. Check out that post, and we explain and share some tofu recipes for beginners! If you already know you like tofu or have decided to try it, check out these recipes: Tofu Chili, Tofu Fried Rice, and Buffalo Tofu.
Do you like to cook tofu? I’d love to hear from you!
We’ve got you covered with these tofu articles!
Leave me a comment telling me your favorite way to eat tofu! Oh, and we just updated the pictures for this recipe. Check out the difference below!
