Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Indulge in the ultimate summer delight with our Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe. This tantalizing dish combines the natural sweetness of fresh pineapple with a touch of caramelized brown sugar and a hint of cayenne pepper for a burst of flavors that will elevate any barbecue gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh 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 the grill

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pineapple: Place the pineapple spears in a large bowl and generously sprinkle with brown sugar, cayenne pepper, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Toss well to coat evenly.
2. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the pineapple marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator. Ensure to retain the marinade liquid.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill pan over high heat and spray with vegetable oil just before grilling.
4. Grill the Pineapple: Grill the marinated pineapple spears for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until caramelized grill marks appear.
5. Prepare the Marinade Syrup: While grilling, heat the reserved marinade liquid in a microwave-safe bowl until bubbly and syrupy, approximately 90 seconds.
6. Serve: Arrange the grilled pineapple on a serving platter and drizzle with the warm marinade syrup just before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 46 minutes
• Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped mint or a dusting of cinnamon over the grilled pineapple for an extra burst of freshness and aroma.
• Pairing: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a delightful contrast of warm and cold textures.
• Presentation: Arrange the grilled pineapple spears on a decorative platter with a wedge of lime for a visually appealing presentation.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reuse: Use leftover grilled pineapple as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or as a flavorful addition to salads.
• Freezing: To freeze, place cooled grilled pineapple spears in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or using.

Additional Serving Suggestions:

• Party Platter: Create a tropical fruit platter with grilled pineapple, mango, and papaya for a festive and colorful display.
• Sweet and Savory: Pair grilled pineapple with grilled meats such as chicken or pork for a balanced and flavorful meal.

Incorporate these tips to elevate your enjoyment of this delightful summer treat. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying it yourself, these suggestions will help you make the most of your Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple experience.

Variations:

1. Honey Glazed Pineapple: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a milder sweetness and a glossy finish.
2. Coconut Rum Pineapple: Add a splash of coconut rum to the marinade for a tropical twist. Grill as usual and serve with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
3. Maple Cinnamon Pineapple: Substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup and add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the marinade for a warm, comforting flavor.
4. Citrus Infused Pineapple: Enhance the marinade with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice along with the zest for a citrusy zing.
5. Spicy Chipotle Pineapple: Replace the cayenne pepper with finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
6. Mint Lime Pineapple: Add freshly chopped mint leaves and a squeeze of lime juice to the marinade for a refreshing twist.
7. Ginger Soy Pineapple: Incorporate grated fresh ginger and a splash of soy sauce into the marinade for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
8. Balsamic Glazed Pineapple: Replace the brown sugar with balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey for a tangy-sweet glaze.
9. Chili Lime Pineapple: Use chili powder instead of cayenne pepper and finish with a drizzle of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.
10. Herb-Infused Pineapple: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an earthy, aromatic flavor.
11. Pina Colada Pineapple: Combine coconut milk with the brown sugar and grill as usual for a tropical and creamy treat.
12. Cinnamon Sugar Pineapple: Sprinkle the pineapple spears with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before grilling for a sweet, comforting flavor.
13. Honey Ginger Pineapple: Replace the brown sugar with honey and add grated ginger to the marinade for a subtly spicy and sweet combination.
14. Smoked Paprika Pineapple: Substitute the cayenne pepper with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor that pairs well with grilled dishes.
15. Vanilla Bean Pineapple: Infuse the marinade with scraped vanilla bean seeds or a dash of vanilla extract for a rich, aromatic sweetness.
16. Lemon Pepper Pineapple: Replace the cayenne pepper with lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper for a citrusy and mildly spicy flavor.

Experiment with these variations to discover your favorite twist on this classic grilled pineapple recipe. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile, perfect for tailoring to your taste preferences and culinary adventures.

FAQs:

1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh? While fresh pineapple is recommended for its flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple rings or spears. Drain them well before marinating and grilling.
2. How do I know when the pineapple is properly grilled? Look for caramelized grill marks and slightly softened texture. It should be heated through but still have a firm bite.
3. Can I grill the pineapple on an outdoor grill? Yes, you can grill the pineapple on an outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. What can I substitute for cayenne pepper if I prefer less spice? You can omit the cayenne pepper altogether or substitute it with a pinch of paprika for a milder flavor.
5. How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill? Ensure your grill grates are well-oiled before placing the pineapple on them. Using a grill basket or grilling on skewers can also help.
6. Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before using.
7. What other spices can I add to the marinade for different flavors? Experiment with ground cinnamon, ginger, or a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth and complexity.
8. How should I store leftover grilled pineapple? Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
9. Can I reheat grilled pineapple? Yes, you can reheat grilled pineapple briefly in the microwave or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
10. What are some creative ways to serve leftover grilled pineapple? Use it as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or as a filling for tacos. It also pairs well with grilled meats, salads, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.

These FAQs provide additional guidance and tips to ensure you can enjoy your Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple to the fullest. Incorporating these answers will help readers navigate through various aspects of preparing and serving this delicious dish.