• Grilling
  • BBQ
  • Smoking
  • Miscellaneous
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

BBQing with the Nolands

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

Grilling

Hawaiian Grilled Tofu Skewers

Sharing is caring!

117 shares
  • Share
Jump to Recipe

These Hawaiian Grilled Tofu Skewers have a super tangy flavor with just a hint of smokiness from the grill and a sweet kick from the marinade. I know you are going to love this amazing recipe! Oh, and by the way, it’s pretty healthy for you too!

Actually, I really like tofu, and I think that over the years, it has gotten kind of a bad rap. Tofu is really versatile. You can get as creative as you like. It’s a flexible vegetarian option that you don’t have to be vegetarian to enjoy! 

Skewer of Hawaiian grilled tofu with red onions, green peppers and pineapple held over a bed of rice

HELPFUL ITEMS FOR THIS RECIPE

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small portion from qualifying purchases at no extra charge for you.

Bamboo Skewers

Metal BBQ Barbecue Skewer

Porcelain Serving Platter

Should you marinate tofu before cooking?

Hawaiian tofu skewers marinating on a white platter

Yes! Yes, you absolutely should marinate tofu! One of the most amazing properties of tofu, aside from the health benefits, is that it is really great at absorbing flavors. When you marinate tofu, the flavors of that marinade will shine in the final dish you are serving.

Tofu is made from dried soybeans. Similar to making cheese, they separate the curds from the whey when they make tofu. This results in a soft but firm protein, which is what we call tofu.

Tofu is high in protein and many other nutrients. It is full of amino acids, iron, calcium, and a variety of essential minerals. Tofu also contains vitamin B1. It is a heart-healthy food that is often underappreciated.

Ingredients

  • Tofu, firm
  • Red onion
  • Green bell pepper
  • Pineapple
  • Green onion
  • Ketchup
  • Maple syrup
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Ginger powder
  • Chili paste, Gochujang or Sriracha

How to prepare Hawaiian Tofu Skewers

To make the Hawaiian grilled tofu skewers, first mix up the marinade. Combine the ketchup, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and chili paste, or any spicy sauce in a medium bowl. Whisk well to blend all the ingredients and set aside.

Cube the tofu and pineapple, or you can just buy pineapple chunks. Slice the red onion and green pepper into large pieces. If you are using wooden skewers, you will need to soak them in water for at least 15 minutes; 30 minutes is better. This will help to prevent them from burning when you put them on the grill.

I find that reusable metal skewers work best. You don’t need to soak them, and they wash up easily afterward. Just a word of warning, you need to use tongs to handle them as the metal becomes very hot, and there can be a risk of burning yourself.

Start by threading a piece of tofu, then onion, pineapple cube, and finally green pepper. Repeat 3 times to complete the skewer. Place the skewers in a large dish and pour the marinade overtop. Allow to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

COoking Hawaiian Grilled Tofu skewers

Hawaiian grilled tofu skewers on cooking on the grill with one being held up with a pair of tongs.

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the marinated skewers onto the heated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Make sure that you have nice grill marks on all sides of the tofu and the pineapple. The onions and green pepper should be slightly charred and softened.

Platter of cooked Hawaiian grilled tofu skewers with a bowl of fried rice and pineapple chunks

Remove from the grill to a large platter. You can use the reserved remaining marinade to pour over the grilled skewers for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Plate of fried rice with a cooked Hawaiian grilled tofu skewer on top with a bowl of fried rice and fork on the plate.

There is a definite Asian or Polynesian flavor to these tofu pineapple skewers. This means that it pairs perfectly with fried rice or even plain rice.

Hand holding a cooked Hawaiian grilled tofu skewer over a plate of fried rice.

But it doesn’t mean is that you have to serve these wonderful skewers with rice. They would pair perfectly with all sorts of other sides. You could grill some veggies, serve them over mashed potatoes or with roasted vegetables.

These tasty little grilled tofu kebabs would go well with a peanut sauce for dipping. Yummo!

Stack of cooked Hawaiian grilled tofu skewers on a white platter.

When you are buying tofu for your skewers, make sure you look for the firm tofu. If you purchase the softer tofu, it will not stay on the skewers during the marinating and grilling process. The tofu you are looking for will have slightly less water content and will be firmer to the touch.

With the rise in vegetable-based eating, tofu has become a popular substitution for other proteins we eat. My only caution would be that tofu is still tofu, as great and versatile as it is. I personally steer clear of meat substitutes that are made from tofu. I mean, if you want to eat bacon, you should eat bacon and not eat “bacon” made from tofu!

Fork with a piece of grilled tofu, pineapple, and red onion.
Close up of Hawaiian grilled tofu skewer over a grill.

Pin it HERE!!

These Hawaiian Grilled Tofu Skewers have a super tangy flavor and are a healthy option you can make on your grill!

Pin it HERE!!

These Hawaiian Grilled Tofu Skewers have a super tangy flavor and are a healthy option you can make on your grill!
Cooked Hawaiian grilled tofu skewer being held up over a plate of fried rice

Hawaiian Grilled Tofu Skewers

Ken Noland
These Hawaiian Grilled Tofu Skewers have a super tangy flavor with just a hint of smokiness from the grill and a sweet kick from the marinade.
4.50 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Additional Time 12 hours hrs
Total Time 12 hours hrs 32 minutes mins
Course Grilling
Cuisine Asian
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 109 kcal

Ingredients
 

Skewers

  • 14 ounces 1 block tofu in cubes about 1 inch
  • 1 onion diced about 1 inch
  • 1 green bell diced pepper about 1 inch
  • 2 cups pineapple in cubes about 1 inch
  • Green onion chopped for garnish
  • 6 skewers sticks

Marinade

  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha chili paste, or Gochujang

Instructions
 

MARINADE:

  • In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Whisk until blended and set aside.

SKEWERS:

  • On a skewer, thread a cube of tofu, a piece of onion, a pineapple cube, and finally, a piece of pepper. Repeat 3 times to complete the skewer. Continue using the same pattern until all the skewers are done.
  • Place the skewers in a large dish and pour the marinade over. Let it marinate for at least an hour or overnight.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-hot. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 min. Turn them regularly. You want to have grill marks on the tofu and pineapple, and the green peppers and onions should be slightly charred.
  • You can serve the skewers with fried or plain rice, potatoes, or grilled or roasted vegetables if desired.

Equipment

Unves Natural Bamboo Skewers 12 Inch, 100 Pcs Kabob Skewers for Grilling, Barbecue Kabob Sticks is Perfect for Hot Dog Kebab,Sausage,Vegetables,Fruit,Corn and More Food Crafting and Party
Unves Natural Bamboo Skewers 12 Inch, 100 Pcs Kabob Skewers for Grilling, Barbecue Kabob Sticks is Perfect for Hot Dog Kebab,Sausage,Vegetables,Fruit,Corn and More Food Crafting and Party
Kabob Skewers Flat Metal BBQ Barbecue Skewer 16.8" Long Stainless Steel Shish Kebob Sticks Wide Reusable Grilling Skewers Set for Meat Shrimp Chicken Vegetable, 12 Pack Including Bonus 14-Inch Skewers
Kabob Skewers Flat Metal BBQ Barbecue Skewer 16.8″ Long Stainless Steel Shish Kebob Sticks Wide Reusable Grilling Skewers Set for Meat Shrimp Chicken Vegetable, 12 Pack Including Bonus 14-Inch Skewers
Serving Tray with Handle Exrta Large Porcelain Serving Platter Perfet for Display 16-Inch White
Serving Tray with Handle Exrta Large Porcelain Serving Platter Perfet for Display 16-Inch White

Notes

If you are using wooden skewers sticks, place them in water to soak before using. This will help to prevent them from burning.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gSodium: 999mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g
Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!


1 Comment

Previous Post: « Grilled Grapefruit Greyhound Cocktail
Next Post: Greek Turkey Burger »

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. 20 Phenomenal Luau Finger Food Recipes 2021 says:
    October 14, 2021 at 11:51 pm

    […] Hawaiian Grilled Tofu Skewers […]

    Reply
4.50 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Ken thanks for stopping by BBQing with the Nolands! I was born and raised in Western Canada. I grew up on the great wide open farmlands that produce some of the worlds’ best livestock and grains.
Read More…

Footer

You might also like

Smoked pimento Patty Melt served on a plate with chips

Grilled Pimento Patty Melt

Garlic Herb Butter Grilled Oysters

Hickory Smoked Mixed Nuts

Smoked Scallops with Garlic

Crisp BBQ chicken wing being dipped into a bowl of ranch dressing.

Crispy BBQ Chicken Wings

Copyright © 2025 · BBQing with the Nolands · Privacy Policy

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.