Grilled Spicy BBQ Tofu Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Marinated tofu cubes grilled to smoky perfection and paired with a fresh, sweet-tart pineapple salsa for a vibrant plant-based BBQ option. This bbq & smoked (vegetarian) ready in about 95 minutes blends block extra-firm tofu, soy sauce, sriracha sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 80 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz block of extra-firm tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika to make the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Toss tofu cubes gently in the marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup diced pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated tofu cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill tofu skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until grill marks appear and tofu is heated through with slightly crispy edges.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot skewers topped with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa for a balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Spicy BBQ Tofu Skewers with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (80 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Spicy BBQ Tofu Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Spicy BBQ Tofu Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Spicy BBQ Tofu Skewers with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Grilled Spicy BBQ Tofu Skewers with Pineapple Salsa vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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