Bright, smoky, and full of flavor—your new favorite summer meal!
Hey friend,
If you’re looking for an easy, colorful dinner that even picky eaters might give a shot—this is the one!
These grilled tofu skewers with sweet pineapple and crunchy bell peppers are simple to prep, super fun to eat, and perfect for BBQs or even a weeknight dinner.
We’ve made this one with kids, friends, and picky cousins—everyone loves it.
You can even let the little ones help build their own skewers.
Just watch out, because once that pineapple caramelizes, it’s game over (in the best way).
Why I Love This Recipe ❤️
- Easy to make – just chop, marinate, skewer, and grill!
- Kid-friendly – they love the colors and the sweet pineapple.
- Vegan + Gluten-Free – perfect for lots of diets.
- Great for meal prep – leftovers heat up great!
- Totally customizable – swap veggies, use different sauces, have fun with it.
🍽️ Servings: 4
⏱️ Cook Time: 25 minutes (plus 30 minutes to marinate)
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 (14 oz) block of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup of fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving
- Wooden or metal skewers
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Press your tofu well – it helps soak up all the flavor.
- Don’t skip the marinate time – it really makes a difference!
- Use fresh pineapple – it grills way better than canned.
- Double up – these go fast, so make extra!
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 mins to keep them from burning.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Cutting board + sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Skewers
- Paper towels (for pressing tofu)
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- No tofu? Try tempeh or halloumi.
- No pineapple? Mango or peaches also grill great.
- Add-ons: Red onion, zucchini, or mushrooms are awesome here.
- Spicy version: Add a little sriracha to your marinade.
🕓 Make-Ahead Tips
- You can chop everything and marinate the tofu up to a day ahead.
- Skewers can be assembled a few hours ahead and kept in the fridge until ready to grill.
👩🍳 How to Make Grilled Tofu Skewers
Step 1: Press and Cut the Tofu
Place your tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Put a plate and something heavy (like a can or skillet) on top to press it for at least 15 minutes. Then cut into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Step 3: Marinate the Tofu
Place the cubed tofu into the marinade. Toss gently to coat and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Chop the Veggies and Pineapple
Cut bell peppers and pineapple into 1-inch pieces if you haven’t already.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Thread tofu, pineapple, and bell peppers onto the skewers, alternating colors and textures.
Step 6: Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on a hot grill or grill pan. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the tofu has grill marks and veggies are tender.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve hot with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if you like.
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Bonus idea: Chop leftovers up and toss them into rice or noodles the next day.
🍚 What to Serve With
- Jasmine or brown rice
- Grilled corn
- Quinoa salad
- Garlic noodles
- A side of peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping
❓ FAQ
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yep! Bake at 400°F on a lined sheet pan for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.
What if I don’t have skewers?
No problem! You can just roast everything on a baking tray or sauté it in a pan.
Can I use canned pineapple?
You can, but fresh gives the best flavor and texture when grilled.
Can I freeze tofu before using it?
Yes! It makes it chewier and meatier. Just thaw it fully first.
🌟 Wrap-Up
These grilled tofu skewers are bright, fun, and packed with flavor—perfect for a summer night or just when you want something colorful on your plate. I hope you give them a try and make them your own! If you do, come back and let me know how it went or drop any questions below. Happy cooking! 🧑🍳💛