Sweet 'n Smoky Tofu, Mushroom and Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Have you been enjoying fresh pineapple as a snack throughout the summer? I hope so, because pineapple is rich in healing nutrients like carotenoids and bromelain, which can combat inflammation and free radicals. Additionally, its high water content helps keep you hydrated.

Here's the second question—have you tried grilling pineapple or pairing it with savory dishes? If not, act quickly before it's out of season! Pineapple's sweetness complements salty, umami flavors perfectly (take a look at this article on umami to understand why it's a crucial flavor) and can significantly enhance almost any dish. This smoky tofu recipe with pineapple is a great example of this combination.

Tip: If a dish seems to be missing something and you can't quite figure out what it is, try adding some chopped pineapple and see the difference it makes. We've used this trick for numerous summer dishes, and it always provides the perfect enhancement to elevate the recipe.

These skewers are enjoyable to prepare on the grill, but they can also be easily cooked in the oven. The marinade's smokiness and the umami flavor of the mushrooms, combined with the pineapple's natural sweetness, make this a delightful and festive summer dish. Enjoy it as is, atop whole grains, or incorporate it into a whole grain wrap or collard greens to create a sandwich (without the skewers, of course!).

This was pre-pineapple. I dissembled all skewers to add pineapple—it was worth it!

Sweet 'n Smoky Tofu, Mushroom and Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Serves: 2

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Sweet 'n Smoky Tofu, Mushroom and Pineapple Skewers Recipe Ingredients Marinade

• 1 Tbsp tahini

• 3 Tbsp organic reduced- sodium tamari or coconut aminos

• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar

• 1/2 tsp liquid smoke

• 1 Tbsp maple syrup or pineapple juice

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp mustard powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 medium lime, juiced

Skewers

• 6 ounces organic tofu, pressed* and cutu into 1 1/2-inch cubes

• 4 ounces portobello mushrooms, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

• 1 large organic red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

• 2 cups pineapple, cut into 1 1/2” cubes

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional) or green onions

Pressing tofu

If you want tofu to be firm and crispy, and not mushy, when you grill or bake it then you'll want to to press the water out of it at least 20 minutes before you cook it. Wrap the tofu in paper towels or a clean tea towel and set something heavy on top of it, like a cast iron pan or a few heavy books. Or, if you want to be more official, purchase a tofu press. Let it press for at least 20 minutes or up to an hour, if possible.

Directions for making Sweet 'n Smoky Tofu, Mushroom and Pineapple Skewers

1. In a large bowl, whisk all of the marinade ingredients together until the tahini is completely dissolved.

2. Add the skewer ingredients and mix well until the marinade has coated the tofu, mushrooms, peppers, and pineapple.

3. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes or place in the fridge for the day until you’re ready to prepare them for baking or grilling.

4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

5. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Alternating pieces, add the ingredients to skewers. For example, tofu, mushroom, pineapple, and red pepper, then repeat until all of the skewers are full.

7. If you don’t have skewers, no problem! Just spread the ingredients onto the parchment-lined baking sheet so they’re not overlapping. Leave any extra marinade behind (it’ll burn in the oven) and save it to pour on the skewers after baking.

8. Bake for 25 minutes, turning about halfway through or mixing and rotating if not using skewers.

9. Pour any extra marinade on top after baking.

10. Garnish with chopped cilantro and/or green onions.

11. Enjoy by themselves as an appetizer or wrapped in collard greens or a whole-grain wrap.

    
    

Grilling Instructions

1. Preheat the Grill

   • Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F).

   • Lightly oil the grill grates or brush the skewers with oil to prevent sticking.

2. Grill the Skewers

   • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes until the tofu is golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges, and the pineapple has caramelized grill marks.

3. Serve & Enjoy

   • Remove from the grill and brush with extra marinade.

   • Garnish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or green onions if desired.

Have you tried this? Please share your experience below!