Instant Pot Hawaiian Tofu (Tofu in Pineapple Sauce)

Instant Pot Hawaiian Tofu – extra-firm tofu tossed in a flavorful sauce made with pineapple juice!

Method

Before you start, press the extra-firm tofu with a heavy object for at least 20 minutes. Then dab with a paper towel and cut the tofu into cubes.

1- To a large add the tofu cubes. Then add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon pineapple juice and 2 teaspoons sambal oelek (or any hot chili sauce). Mix to combine until all tofu is coated with the marinade.

Let rest for 5 minutes.

2- Meanwhile, in a measuring jar or bowl, mix together all ingredients for the sauce- 1 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce. 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sambal oelek, 2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger and 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic.

Set it aside.

3- Now, press the saute button on the Instant Pot. Once it displays hot add 2 tablespoons of oil (I used avocado oil) and then add the tofu pieces in a single layer into the pot.

4- Cook undisturbed for around 2 minutes on one side and then flip and cook the other side undisturbed for another 2 minutes.

5- Add in the prepared sauce and also any leftover marinade that might have been left behind from the bowl of tofu. Use a wooden spatula to scrape down the bottom of the pot since some of the tofu might have got stuck while sauteing it.

6- Then add in the bell pepper and close the pot with the lid.

7- Press the manual or pressure cook button and cook on high heat for 2 minutes with the pressure valve in the sealing position. Let the pressure release naturally for 2 minutes and then do a quick pressure release.

8- Meanwhile, whisk together 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a bowl until combined.

9- Open the lid and press the saute button. Add in the prepared cornstarch slurry (make sure to whisk it once before adding as cornstarch settles at the bottom).

10- Stir, the sauce will thicken immediately.

11- Add in the green onions.

12- At this point, if you want to thin out the sauce a little, add 1-2 tablespoons extra pineapple juice. This is optional and do it only if the sauce looks too thick.

I added 2 tablespoons of juice at this point.

Serve Hawaiian Tofu with brown rice or white rice! You may sprinkle some white sesame seeds on top.