Grilled Pineapple Perfection: Sweet & Smoky BBQ Recipes
Grilled pineapple is a fantastic way to elevate your BBQ game! Its natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully over the flames, creating a delicious contrast with the smoky char. It’s incredibly versatile, lending itself to both sweet and savory applications. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grill pineapple like a pro, with several mouthwatering recipes to inspire you.
## Why Grill Pineapple?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s understand why grilling pineapple is such a great idea:
* **Enhanced Flavor:** Grilling intensifies the pineapple’s sweetness and adds a smoky depth that’s simply irresistible.
* **Beautiful Caramelization:** The natural sugars in pineapple caramelize on the grill, creating a gorgeous golden-brown crust and a delightful chewy texture.
* **Versatility:** Grilled pineapple can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from desserts to savory appetizers and main courses.
* **Easy to Prepare:** Grilling pineapple is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Grilled pineapple slices or wedges look stunning on a platter and add a touch of elegance to any BBQ spread.
## Choosing the Right Pineapple
Selecting the perfect pineapple is crucial for achieving optimal results. Here’s what to look for:
* **Color:** Look for a pineapple with a golden-yellow skin color. Green pineapples are often underripe, while overly brown pineapples may be overripe.
* **Scent:** A ripe pineapple should have a sweet, fragrant aroma at the base. If there’s no smell or a fermented smell, it’s likely not ripe or is past its prime.
* **Weight:** A ripe pineapple should feel heavy for its size.
* **Leaves:** The leaves should be green and healthy. You should be able to pull out a leaf from the top relatively easily, though this isn’t always a definitive test.
* **Avoid Bruises:** Inspect the pineapple for any bruises or soft spots.
## Preparing the Pineapple for Grilling
Once you’ve selected your pineapple, it’s time to prepare it for the grill. Here are a few options:
* **Rings:** This is the most common method. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice off the skin from top to bottom, following the curve of the fruit. Remove any remaining “eyes” (the small brown spots) with a paring knife or melon baller. Cut the pineapple into rings about ½ to ¾ inch thick. You can remove the core using a cookie cutter or a small knife. Rings are great for placing directly on the grill and are visually appealing.
* **Spears/Wedges:** Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand the pineapple upright and slice it in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into quarters, creating wedges. You can leave the core intact or remove it. Spears/wedges are easy to handle and cook evenly. They also work well with marinades and glazes.
* **Chunks:** Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice off the skin from top to bottom. Cut the pineapple into chunks. Chunks are perfect for skewers and are easy to eat.
**Important Note:** Pat the pineapple dry with paper towels before grilling. This will help it caramelize better and prevent it from steaming on the grill.
## Grilling Techniques
Now, let’s get to the grilling! Here are a few essential techniques to keep in mind:
* **Heat Control:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-450°F or 175-230°C). Too high heat will burn the pineapple before it has a chance to caramelize. Too low heat will result in a soft, soggy pineapple.
* **Clean Grates:** Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. You can use a grill brush to remove any debris and then rub the grates with an oil-soaked paper towel.
* **Grilling Time:** Grill the pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is heated through and slightly softened. The exact grilling time will depend on the thickness of the pineapple and the heat of your grill.
* **Don’t Overcrowd:** Don’t overcrowd the grill. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
* **Monitor Closely:** Keep a close eye on the pineapple as it grills, as it can burn easily. Turn it frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
## Grilled Pineapple Recipes
Here are several delicious recipes to try using grilled pineapple:
### 1. Classic Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar
This is a simple yet satisfying recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch thick rings
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
3. Brush each pineapple ring with melted butter.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the pineapple rings.
5. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is heated through.
6. Serve warm as a dessert or a side dish.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra flavor.
* Drizzle with honey or maple syrup after grilling.
* Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
### 2. Grilled Pineapple Salsa
This vibrant salsa is a delicious accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, or pork.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch thick rings
* 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
* ½ red onion, finely chopped
* 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
* ¼ cup chopped cilantro
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Grill the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is slightly softened.
3. Let the pineapple cool slightly, then dice it into small pieces.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately or chill for later. The flavors will meld together as it sits.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add other fruits like mango or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
* Use a different type of pepper, such as habanero or serrano, for a spicier salsa.
* Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder for a smoky flavor.
### 3. Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers
These skewers are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy grilled pineapple and chicken.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
**Marinade:**
* ¼ cup soy sauce
* ¼ cup pineapple juice
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Thread the chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers.
5. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, turning occasionally.
6. Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
* Add a splash of sesame oil to the marinade for extra flavor.
* Serve with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
### 4. Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream
For a tropical dessert experience, grill pineapple and serve it with creamy coconut ice cream.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch thick rings
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* Coconut ice cream, for serving
* Toasted coconut flakes, for garnish (optional)
* Chopped macadamia nuts, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Brush each pineapple ring with melted butter.
3. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is heated through.
4. Serve warm with a scoop of coconut ice cream. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and chopped macadamia nuts, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use vanilla ice cream or another flavor of your choice.
* Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate sauce.
* Add a sprig of mint for garnish.
### 5. Grilled Pineapple Pork Tenderloin
This recipe combines the sweetness of grilled pineapple with the savory flavors of pork tenderloin.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pork tenderloin (about 1-1.5 lbs)
* 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch thick rings
**Marinade:**
* ¼ cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients.
2. Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Remove the pork tenderloin from the marinade and discard the marinade.
5. Grill the pork tenderloin for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), turning occasionally.
6. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, add the pineapple rings to the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is heated through.
7. Let the pork tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve the sliced pork tenderloin with the grilled pineapple rings.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use other cuts of pork, such as pork chops or pork ribs.
* Add other vegetables to the grill, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
* Serve with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
### 6. Grilled Pineapple Pizza
Yes, even pineapple pizza can benefit from grilling! Grilling the pineapple intensifies its sweetness and adds a smoky char that complements the other pizza toppings.
**Ingredients:**
* Prepared pizza dough
* Pizza sauce
* Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Cooked ham or bacon, chopped
* 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch thick rings, then grilled
* Optional toppings: red onion, bell peppers, jalapeños
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (or preheat your oven to 450°F/230°C if baking indoors).
2. Prepare your pizza dough according to package instructions or your favorite recipe.
3. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
5. Top with ham or bacon, grilled pineapple, and any other desired toppings.
6. If grilling: Place the pizza dough directly on the grill grates. Grill for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Rotate the pizza frequently for even cooking and prevent burning. Use a pizza peel or large spatula to remove the pizza from the grill.
7. If baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, parmesan, or goat cheese.
* Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking or grilling.
* Use a wood-fired grill for an extra smoky flavor.
### 7. Spicy Grilled Pineapple Glaze for Salmon
This glaze combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, perfect for grilled salmon.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
* Salmon fillets
**Instructions:**
1. Grill the diced pineapple until slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the grilled pineapple, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and sriracha.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. You can use an immersion blender to smooth out the glaze, if desired.
4. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grates.
5. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the salmon generously with the pineapple glaze.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness.
* Use other types of fish, such as tuna or mahi-mahi.
* Serve with rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables.
### 8. Grilled Pineapple and Halloumi Skewers
Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese that holds its shape well when grilled, making it a perfect partner for grilled pineapple.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
* 8 oz halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
* Olive oil
* Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grates.
2. Thread the pineapple, halloumi, bell pepper, and red onion onto skewers.
3. Brush the skewers lightly with olive oil.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes, or until the halloumi is golden brown and slightly softened, and the vegetables are tender, turning occasionally.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Marinate the halloumi and vegetables in a balsamic vinaigrette before grilling.
* Add other vegetables, such as zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
* Serve with a side of couscous or quinoa.
### 9. Grilled Pineapple Upside-Down Cake (Individual Portions)
Take the classic pineapple upside-down cake to the next level by grilling the pineapple slices for extra flavor and caramelization. Prepare as individual servings in cast iron skillets or ramekins.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch thick rings
* Butter
* Brown sugar
* Your favorite cake batter (yellow, vanilla, or spice cake work well)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Brush pineapple rings with melted butter and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and pineapple softens slightly.
3. While pineapple is grilling, lightly butter individual cast iron skillets or ramekins. Sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar into the bottom of each.
4. Place a grilled pineapple ring on top of the brown sugar in each skillet or ramekin. Cut rings to fit if needed.
5. Pour your prepared cake batter over the pineapple rings, filling each container about 2/3 full.
6. Carefully place the skillets or ramekins on the grill, ensuring they are stable. Close the grill lid and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
7. If using a regular oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
8. Let the cakes cool slightly before inverting them onto plates. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use a store-bought cake mix for convenience.
* Add cherries to the bottom of the skillets or ramekins for a more traditional upside-down cake.
* Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for a richer flavor.
### 10. Grilled Pineapple Rum Punch
Use grilled pineapple in a refreshing rum punch for a tropical twist on a classic cocktail.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and grilled, then juiced (about 1 cup of juice)
* 1 cup white rum
* ½ cup dark rum
* ½ cup orange juice
* ¼ cup lime juice
* ¼ cup grenadine
* Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Grill pineapple rings or chunks until slightly caramelized, then juice them using a juicer or blender. If using a blender, strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the grilled pineapple juice, white rum, dark rum, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill the punch for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve over ice, garnished with pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy punch.
* Use different types of rum, such as spiced rum or coconut rum.
* Add other fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries.
## Grilling Pineapple: Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues you might encounter when grilling pineapple and how to solve them:
* **Pineapple is sticking to the grill:** Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Use a spatula to gently loosen the pineapple before attempting to turn it.
* **Pineapple is burning:** Reduce the heat of your grill. Move the pineapple to a cooler part of the grill if necessary. Turn the pineapple more frequently.
* **Pineapple is not caramelizing:** Make sure the pineapple is dry before grilling. Pat it dry with paper towels. Increase the heat of your grill slightly.
* **Pineapple is too soft:** You may have grilled it for too long, or the pineapple may have been overripe to begin with. Choose a firmer pineapple and reduce the grilling time.
* **Pineapple tastes bland:** Marinate the pineapple before grilling to add more flavor. Use a glaze or sprinkle with spices during grilling.
## Serving Suggestions
Grilled pineapple is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
* **As a side dish:** Serve grilled pineapple alongside grilled meats, poultry, or fish.
* **As a dessert:** Serve grilled pineapple with ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt.
* **In salads:** Add grilled pineapple to salads for a touch of sweetness and smokiness.
* **In sandwiches and wraps:** Use grilled pineapple as a topping for sandwiches and wraps.
* **On skewers:** Thread grilled pineapple onto skewers with other fruits, vegetables, or meats.
* **In cocktails:** Use grilled pineapple in cocktails for a tropical twist.
## Storage Tips
* **Grilled pineapple:** Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
* **Grilled pineapple salsa:** Store leftover grilled pineapple salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
## Conclusion
Grilling pineapple is a simple yet rewarding way to elevate your BBQ experience. With its caramelized sweetness and smoky char, grilled pineapple adds a unique flavor dimension to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re grilling it for dessert, salsa, skewers, or as a glaze, this tropical fruit is sure to impress your guests. So, fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of grilled pineapple! Experiment with the recipes above, customize them to your liking, and create your own grilled pineapple masterpieces. Happy grilling!