Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with our Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple. This easy-to-make recipe transforms fresh pineapple spears into a caramelized treat with a touch of cayenne pepper, adding a delightful kick to every bite. Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert or a tasty side dish, this grilled pineapple is sure to impress.
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 grill
Directions:
Prepare the Pineapple: Place the pineapple spears in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with the brown sugar, cayenne, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss to combine.
Marinate: Cover the pineapple with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the brown sugar mixture for 30 minutes at room temperature. For deeper flavor, marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill pan over high heat and spray with cooking spray just before adding the pineapple.
Grill the Pineapple: Grill the pineapple for one to two minutes on each side until caramelized and lightly charred.
Prepare the Syrup: While the pineapple is grilling, place the excess marinade liquid in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 90 seconds or until bubbly and syrupy. Set aside.
Serve: Remove the grilled pineapple to a serving platter. Drizzle with the excess marinade syrup just before serving.
Serving Tips:
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of toasted coconut, a drizzle of honey, or a few fresh mint leaves.
Pairing Options: Serve the grilled pineapple alongside grilled meats like chicken, pork, or fish. It also makes a great addition to salads or as a unique topping for burgers.
Dessert Twist: For a special treat, top the pineapple spears with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
Presentation: Arrange the grilled pineapple on a platter and drizzle with the reserved marinade syrup for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it on skewers for a fun, finger-food style.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place the pineapple spears in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a resealable freezer bag or container. Frozen pineapple can be kept for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Reheat leftover pineapple on a grill pan or in a toaster oven to retain its texture. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the pineapple mushy.
Freshness Tips: For the best flavor and texture, consume the grilled pineapple within a few days of grilling. Freshly grilled pineapple has the best taste and texture, so try to enjoy it as soon as possible.
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FAQs:
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple as a substitute. However, be sure to drain the pineapple well and pat it dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper caramelization on the grill.
How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
To customize the spice level, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your taste. For a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper to ⅛ teaspoon or omit it entirely. If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare the pineapple in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pineapple spears ahead of time. Marinate the pineapple as directed, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to infuse deeply. If storing longer, keep the marinated pineapple covered and refrigerated until ready to grill.
What can I do with leftover grilled pineapple?
Leftover grilled pineapple can be enjoyed in several ways. Try adding it to salads, using it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or incorporating it into fruit salsas. It can also be used in smoothies or as a flavorful addition to desserts like cakes or tarts. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion:
This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe is a must-try for any grill enthusiast or pineapple lover. Its quick preparation and mouthwatering flavors make it a perfect addition to any summer gathering or casual weeknight dinner. Enjoy the caramelized sweetness with a hint of spice, and savor the delightful taste of grilled pineapple.
📖 Recipe:
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Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 8 spears
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple. This easy recipe features fresh pineapple spears coated with brown sugar, a hint of cayenne pepper, and vanilla extract, then grilled to perfection. The result is a caramelized treat with a touch of heat that’s ideal as a dessert, side dish, or unique addition to any meal. Ready in under an hour, this grilled pineapple is a must-try for summer BBQs and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 fresh whole pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Vegetable oil spray for grill
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Place pineapple spears in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cayenne pepper, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss to combine.
- Marinate: Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill pan over high heat and spray with vegetable oil.
- Grill Pineapple: Grill the spears for 1-2 minutes on each side until caramelized.
- Prepare the Syrup: Heat the remaining marinade liquid in a microwave-safe bowl for 90 seconds or until syrupy.
- Serve: Drizzle the grilled pineapple with the warmed syrup just before serving.
Notes
For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Marinating overnight enhances the flavor.
For a tropical twist, garnish with toasted coconut or fresh mint leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 spears
- Calories: 84 kcal per spear
