A burst of tropical sunshine on a stick! These Grilled Pineapple Skewers are a simple yet sophisticated dessert or side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, summer parties, or any time you crave a sweet and tangy treat. The caramelized pineapple, infused with warm spices, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 large, ripe pineapple
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or neutral cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed, optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers (8-10 if using wooden)
Preparation:
- Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple:
- Lay the pineapple on its side on a sturdy cutting board. Using a large, sharp chef’s knife, slice off the top crown and the bottom base, creating two flat surfaces.
- Stand the pineapple upright on one of the flat ends. Carefully slice downwards, following the contour of the pineapple, to remove the tough outer skin. Rotate the pineapple and continue slicing until all the skin is removed. Remove any remaining “eyes” (the small brown spots) with the tip of your knife.
- Slice the pineapple into 1-inch thick rounds, then use a small round cookie cutter or a knife to remove the tough central core from each slice. Alternatively, quarter the pineapple lengthwise, then slice away the V-shaped core from each quarter.
- Cut the cored pineapple flesh into uniform 1 to 1.5-inch chunks. Aim for pieces that are substantial enough to hold up on the skewers and during grilling. You should have about 4-5 cups of pineapple chunks.
- Step 2: Soak Wooden Skewers (if using):
- If using wooden or bamboo skewers, place them in a shallow dish or a tall glass filled with water. Ensure they are fully submerged. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step prevents the skewers from catching fire and burning on the hot grill. Metal skewers do not require this step.
- Step 3: Prepare the Glaze/Coating:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional ground nutmeg and pinch of salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
- In a separate small bowl, melt the coconut oil if it’s solid. You can do this in the microwave in short 10-15 second bursts or in a small saucepan over low heat.
- If using, add the freshly squeezed lime juice to the melted coconut oil.
- Step 4: Coat the Pineapple:
- Place the pineapple chunks in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the melted coconut oil (and lime juice, if using) over the pineapple. Toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and spice mixture over the pineapple. Toss again, ensuring that each chunk is well coated with the sweet and spicy mixture. The mixture should adhere to the oiled pineapple, creating a sticky, delicious coating.
- Step 5: Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the pineapple chunks onto the prepared skewers. Leave a small space between each piece to allow for even grilling and caramelization. Aim for about 4-5 chunks per skewer, depending on their size.
- Step 6: Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. You can use a grill brush to clean the grates and then rub them with an oil-soaked paper towel using tongs.
- Step 7: Grill the Skewers:
- Carefully place the pineapple skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the pineapple is heated through, slightly softened, and beautifully caramelized. Watch closely to prevent the sugar from burning. The goal is to achieve a nice char and grill marks without incinerating the sugar coating.
- Step 8: Serve Immediately:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. The skewers are best enjoyed warm when the pineapple is at its juiciest and the caramelization is at its peak.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and Quick: It requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Deliciously Sweet and Tangy: The combination of caramelized pineapple, warm spices, and a touch of lime creates a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
- Versatile: It can be served as a dessert, a side dish, or even a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or grilled meats.
- Impressive Presentation: The colorful and neatly arranged skewers add a touch of elegance to any table.
- Healthy-ish: Pineapple is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this a relatively guilt-free treat.
Presentation Suggestions:
- Elegant Platter: Arrange the grilled skewers on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh mint sprigs or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
- Individual Servings: Serve each skewer on a small plate, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut cream.
- Tropical Theme: If you’re hosting a tropical-themed party, serve the skewers alongside other tropical fruits like mangoes, papayas, and passion fruit.
- Dipping Sauce: Offer a small bowl of coconut yogurt or a simple honey-lime glaze for dipping.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of finely chopped macadamia nuts or a drizzle of dark chocolate can elevate the presentation even further.
Tips:
- Pineapple Selection: Choosing a ripe pineapple is crucial. Look for one that has a sweet aroma, a golden-yellow color, and a slight give when gently squeezed.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your personal taste. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
- Grill Temperature: Maintaining a medium heat is key to preventing the sugar from burning. If the skewers are browning too quickly, reduce the heat or move them to a cooler part of the grill.
- Skewers: Using metal skewers is more environmentally friendly and eliminates the need for soaking. However, wooden skewers add a rustic charm.
- Marinating: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the pineapple chunks in the coconut oil, lime juice, and spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- No Grill? You can broil the skewers in the oven for a similar effect. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and broil for 2-3 minutes per side, watching closely to prevent burning.
Preparation time: 20 minutes Cook time: 8-12 minutes Total time: 28-32 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per skewer, approximate)
- Calories: 120-150
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 5-10mg
Conclusion:
Grilled Pineapple Skewers are a delightful and easy way to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple. The combination of warm spices and caramelized goodness makes this recipe a winner every time. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert, a flavorful side dish, or a tropical treat, these skewers are sure to satisfy your cravings. So fire up the grill and get ready to experience a taste of paradise!
Q&A:
- Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
- A: While fresh pineapple is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple chunks in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before coating them with the sugar and spices. Canned pineapple tends to be sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
- Q: What if I don’t have coconut oil?
- A: You can substitute coconut oil with any neutral cooking oil, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or even melted butter. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different, as coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note.
- Q: Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
- A: Yes, you can assemble the skewers up to a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. However, grilling them immediately before serving is best to ensure they are warm and caramelized. If you refrigerate them, let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling.
- Q: Can I add other fruits to the skewers?
- A: Absolutely! You can get creative and add other fruits to the skewers, such as strawberries, mangoes, peaches, or even bell peppers for a savory twist. Just be sure to choose fruits that can hold their shape on the grill.
- Q: What other spices can I use?
- A: Feel free to experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Ground ginger, cloves, cardamom, or even a pinch of chili powder can add a delicious twist. You can also add a splash of rum or pineapple juice to the marinade for extra flavor.
