Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Introduction:

Indulge your taste buds with a tantalizing blend of sweet and spicy flavors with this delectable Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or simply craving a burst of tropical goodness, this dish promises to elevate your culinary experience. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of how to master this irresistible dish.

Ingredients:

1 fresh whole pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears
¼ cup of light brown sugar

¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt

Vegetable oil spray for the grill

Directions:

Begin by preparing your pineapple. Peel, core, and slice the pineapple into 8 spears, ensuring they are of uniform thickness for even grilling.
In a large mixing bowl, place the pineapple spears and add the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, vanilla extract, and kosher salt.

Gently toss the pineapple spears until they are evenly coated with the brown sugar mixture. Allow the pineapple to marinate in the flavorful blend for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For a more intense flavor profile, refrigerate the pineapple overnight.
As the pineapple marinates, preheat your grill pan over high heat. Once hot, lightly spray the grill with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Carefully place the pineapple spears on the preheated grill and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until grill marks develop and the pineapple caramelizes slightly.

While the pineapple grills, transfer any excess marinade liquid to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 90 seconds or until it becomes bubbly and syrupy.
Once the pineapple is grilled to perfection, transfer it to a serving platter and drizzle with the warm marinade syrup for an added burst of flavor.
Serve the Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and spicy notes.

Serving Tips:

Serve the Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple as a delightful side dish alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for desserts like ice cream or pound cake.
For an extra special presentation, garnish the grilled pineapple with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
Consider serving the pineapple skewers on a decorative platter or wooden board for a rustic touch that enhances the visual appeal of the dish.

Storage Tips:

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
To reheat, simply place the grilled pineapple spears on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can enjoy leftover grilled pineapple cold straight from the refrigerator or use it to make refreshing fruit salads or smoothies.

Avoid freezing the grilled pineapple as it may affect the texture and flavor once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of grilling for optimal taste and texture.

Variations of Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple:

Rum Glazed Pineapple: Add a tropical twist by brushing the pineapple spears with a mixture of rum, brown sugar, and a squeeze of lime juice before grilling. The rum adds a rich, boozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramelized pineapple.
Coconut-Lime Pineapple: For a refreshing and zesty variation, combine coconut milk, lime zest, and a touch of honey to create a marinade for the pineapple. Grill as usual and serve with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for added texture.

Spiced Honey Pineapple: Infuse your grilled pineapple with warm spices by mixing honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. This combination adds a comforting, aromatic flavor to the fruit and complements its natural sweetness.
Teriyaki Pineapple Skewers: Give your grilled pineapple an Asian-inspired twist by marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar. Thread the pineapple onto skewers and grill until caramelized, then serve as a flavorful appetizer or side dish.
Chili-Lime Pineapple Spears: Add a kick of heat to your grilled pineapple by dusting it with chili powder or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before grilling. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a vibrant burst of citrus flavor.

Maple-Balsamic Glazed Pineapple: Create a sophisticated flavor profile by drizzling the pineapple spears with a mixture of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar before grilling. The sweet-tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, resulting in a rich and complex taste.
Mediterranean Grilled Pineapple: Infuse your pineapple with Mediterranean flavors by marinating it in olive oil, lemon zest, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a touch of honey. Serve alongside grilled halloumi cheese or as a topping for Greek yogurt for a light and refreshing treat.

These variations offer a range of flavor profiles to suit different preferences and occasions, allowing you to customize your grilled pineapple experience according to your taste preferences and culinary creativity.

Nutritional Information:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes (includes marinating time)
Calories: 84 kcal per spear
Servings: 8 spears

Conclusion:

With its perfect balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and a subtle kick of heat from the cayenne pepper, Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is sure to become a favorite on your menu. Whether served as a side dish, dessert, or even as a topping for grilled meats, this dish offers a burst of tropical flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more. Easy to prepare and bursting with freshness, this recipe is a must-try for any pineapple lover looking to elevate their grilling game.

FAQs about Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple:

Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for this recipe? A: While fresh pineapple is recommended for optimal flavor and texture, canned pineapple can be used as a substitute if fresh is not available. Just make sure to drain the canned pineapple well before grilling.
Q: Is it necessary to marinate the pineapple before grilling? A: Marinating the pineapple helps infuse it with flavor and enhances its sweetness. While it’s not absolutely necessary, marinating for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator will result in a more flavorful end product.

Q: Can I grill the pineapple outdoors instead of using a grill pan? A: Absolutely! Grilling the pineapple outdoors on a barbecue grill adds a delicious smoky flavor. Just preheat your grill to medium-high heat and follow the same grilling instructions provided in the recipe.
Q: How do I know when the pineapple is done grilling? A: The pineapple is done grilling when it develops grill marks and caramelizes slightly on each side. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes per side, depending on the heat of your grill.
Q: Can I skip the cayenne pepper if I don’t like spicy food? A: Yes, you can omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder flavor. The brown sugar and vanilla extract will still impart plenty of sweetness and flavor to the grilled pineapple.

Q: Can I prepare the marinade in advance? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just give it a quick stir before adding it to the pineapple.
Q: What can I serve with Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple? A: Grilled pineapple pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats such as chicken or pork, seafood, salads, and desserts like ice cream or cake.
Q: How should I store leftover grilled pineapple? A: Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Enjoy it cold or reheat it gently in the microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze grilled pineapple? A: While it’s technically possible to freeze grilled pineapple, the texture may become somewhat mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for optimal taste and texture.
Q: Can I adjust the amount of brown sugar in the marinade? A: Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of brown sugar, or reduce it for a less sweet taste.