Description
This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with the rich, caramelized depth of brown sugar. The grill intensifies the flavors, creating a perfect balance between sweet and tangy with a subtle smoky aroma. This dish is incredibly versatile, serving as a tropical side for grilled meats, a refreshing dessert when paired with ice cream or yogurt, or even as a sweet topping for salads and savory dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Place the pineapple spears in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the brown sugar, cayenne, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss to combine.
- Cover the pineapple with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the brown sugar mixture for 30 minutes at room temperature. You can also place the pineapple in the refrigerator to marinate overnight.
- Preheat your grill pan over high heat and spray with cooking spray just before adding the pineapple.
- Grill pineapple for one to two minutes on each side.
- While the pineapple is grilling, place the excess marinade liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 90 seconds or until bubbly and syrupy. Set aside.
- Remove the grilled pineapple to the serving platter and drizzle it with the excess marinade syrup just before serving.
Notes
- Pineapple Selection: Choose a ripe pineapple for the best results. A ripe pineapple will have a sweet aroma and a slight give when pressed. This will ensure that the natural sugars caramelize well during grilling.
- Cutting Tips: To prevent the pineapple from falling apart on the grill, cut it into thick slices or spears. Thick pieces will hold up better and allow for even caramelization.
- Coating the Pineapple: Generously coat the pineapple with brown sugar before grilling. You can also mix cinnamon or nutmeg into the brown sugar for a spiced variation. If you prefer a tropical twist, add a splash of rum or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Grilling: Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the sugar has caramelized. Be careful not to burn the sugar, as it can darken quickly at high temperatures.
- Serving Suggestions: Grilled pineapple pairs well with grilled chicken, pork, or seafood. For dessert, serve it with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt, and drizzle with honey or caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Leftovers: Leftover grilled pineapple can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the grill or in a pan to restore its texture and flavor.
- Variations: Experiment with adding other fruits like mango, peach, or bananas to the grill for a fruit skewer option. Alternatively, serve grilled pineapple in tropical salads or as a topping for tacos and burgers for a sweet, tangy twist.