I’ve always said pineapple was my least favourite tropical fruit. Mango being my top choice, followed by any kind of melon, and not forgetting bananas and coconut (if they count). BUT, that was before I was introduced to it grilled.
Grilling pineapple completely transforms it. The sugars caramelize and the flavour really pops. Totally different from the raw stuff which kind of burns my throat…
I have a thing for sweet with spicy, and seeing as we’re in the Tropics with our pineapple, I decided the traditional Caribbean Jerk spice would be a nice pairing.
Jerk is a hot sauce/rub with a hint of sweetness and lots of fragrant spices (all spice, cinnamon and ginger). I streamlined the recipe a little and replaced the traditional Scotch Bonnet peppers for some cayenne as I prefer it to be “spiced” not too “spicy”. Go ahead and up the heat to your taste though.
Firm tofu soaks up the marinade really well but you could also try tempeh for an even meatier option.
It’s probably not quite barbecue weather yet but these Jerk Tofu & Pineapple Skewers would be even more fantastic cooked on a real grill for a little extra smoky flavour. I served them with coconut rice and a tangy slaw with lime and mint.
Ingredients
- 1 350g/12oz pkg Firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 Medium pineapple, skin removed, cored and cut into 1-1/2" cubes
- 2 Red peppers cut into 1-1/2" pieces
- Jerk Marinade:
- 3-4 Green onions, chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 2" Fresh ginger, minced
- 2 Cloves of garlic
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 2 tsp Ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne (or more if you like things spicy!)
- 2 Tbsp Lime juice
- 2 Tbsp Tamari
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1 Tbsp Oil
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak these in water while you prepare everything (this prevents them from burning on the grill)
- Put all ingredients for the marinade in a blender and blend until fairly smooth.
- Pour over the tofu and red peppers in a dish and toss to coat everything. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Thread the marinated tofu and red peppers, along with the cubed pineapple, onto the soaked skewers.
- Preheat the grill and generously wipe with coconut oil.
- Cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side, over medium-high heat. Or until you get a little char on the tofu, the pineapple is beginning to caramelize, and the peppers are tender.
What are your favourite vegan foods to grill?
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This looks SO GOOD! I can’t wait to try it!
Yay! Glad you approve Meredith. I loved them
This looks fantastic lady! I used to hate pineapple but have since grown to love it. As long as I don’t eat too much, otherwise my tongue stings!
You get the stingy thing too then?! Thought it was just me. Maybe I’ll learn to love it raw too, but for now I’m pretty happy grilling it.
I do love the deep and sweet heat of jerk x
Exactly that isn’t it? The sweet and spicy thing is soooo good.
i always forget about pineapple, but i do enjoy it! #1 tropical fruit is bananas (yes, do they even count?) then mango and coconut. these look so lovely and remind me of my childhood. i bet mushrooms would work perfectly in place of the tofu (for us non tofu eaters)
Your favourites are the same as mine
And yes mushrooms are always great on skewers. I actually thought about doing them here but figured I hadn’t had tofu in a while.
This looks so colorful and delicious Emma! I love roasted bell peppers and all of that jerk seasoning. I bet both the flavors and the smells are incredible. My hubby loves pineapple, I’m not really a fan of it unfortunately, but I bet I could like it if it is grilled! I have a kabob recipe coming up on Monday too, but it’s a sweet recipe.
Totally try it grilled and you might be convinced like I was!
Pineapple is one of the very few fruits I dislike fresh - I know what you mean about that strange “burning” taste! Somehow it never seems to pair well with other fruits either. But I like pina coladas, and I like dried pineapple. Weird. However what I know I LOVE is sweet-savoury combinations, and if I don’t like pineapple in a fruit salad, chances are I’m going to adore it grilled and paired with tofu…What is coconut rice? Sounds lovely. (And how the heck do you cut a pineapple?? XD)
It sounds as if a few people feel the same way about pineapple. And I’m the same in that I like it blended in smoothies too (and now grilled)
For the coconut rice I just cooked short grain brown rice in half coconut milk and half water
Sorry for not taking pics of cutting the pineapple. I found this little guide for you though! http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cut-a-whole-pineapple-75226
I’m taking my lunch break from the farm fields and this meal is making my poor salad look totally dismal. Can’t wait to make this!
I bet your lunches are pretty good now you’re so used to having to make something quickly for a midday break!
Hope you try this one out. I’m sure it’s hot enough to get out the grill with you
Oh yum! I see your coconut rice! Everything looks delicious, Emma.
We also really like grilled pineapple with a bit of chile flakes and lime juice!
I like the sound of spiking pineapple with a little chili! Sweet and spicy tastes good to me, whether a main dish or dessert.
This has just leapt to the top of my ‘must make’ soon list
I love pineapple in all forms really, but agree that grilled is particularly good. The spice mix sounds delicious too! I can imagine all the components coming together beautifully.
If you’ve never had Jerk you’re really in for a treat Kari. It’s such a great spice combo. Hope you’re having a good weekend.
I’m exactly the same with pineapple – unless it’s grilled I just can’t stomach it, it burns my throat!
If it’s minimum 15ºC in Scotland, it’s hot enough for a barbecue 😉
I totally thought I was alone with this pineapple thing but it seems there are lots of us!
I’m sure it’s got to be way above 15C in Scotland right now. We’re having a heat wave here!
I cannot wait to try this on the bbq this summer!! Grilled, caramelized pineapple sounds amazing! Before going veg I loved jerk chicken so I am really looking forward to trying this jerked tofu!! Haha, I had jerk chicken once in the caribbean as a young teenager and will never again ask for anything ‘extra spicy’ in the caribbean. After one bight my face was totally red and my tongue was on fire!! Let’s just say caribbean “spicy” is wayyy spicier than my version of spicy! I am really looking forward to trying your wonderful version! Thx! 😀
I am the opposite about pineapple - it is one of my favourite tropical fruits - though I know what you mean about how it can make your mouth ache - and water tastes odd after eating it. grilled sounds wonderful. Jerk is a bit more foreign to my tastebuds - I have been tempted by many recipes on blogs for jerk dishes and still not yielded - must try it one of these days - love the combo with pineapple and your photo of the pineapple - your meal looks amazing
These look sooooo good! I absolutely love the flavor of grilled pineapple! It’s so exciting to be grilling again.
So pretty and summery!
I’ve not had too much success with homemade jerk stuff in the past, but you’ve inspired me to give it another go - the skewers look really pretty.
Really? What went wrong? Definitely worth giving it another go. I love this marinade.