Grilled pineapple is a classic tropical treat, but it can often be difficult to get the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. This recipe for Sweet and Tangy Grilled Pineapple Skewers uses a simple marinade to infuse the pineapple with flavor, then grills it to perfection for a caramelized, juicy finish.
The history of grilled pineapple is a long and storied one, dating back to the indigenous peoples of South America. The pineapple itself is native to the region, and it was a staple food for many of the tribes that lived there. When European explorers arrived in the Americas, they were quick to adopt the pineapple into their own diets, and it soon became a popular food throughout the world.
In the early days, grilled pineapple was often simply cooked over an open fire. However, as grilling techniques developed, so did the recipes for grilled pineapple. Today, there are many different ways to grill pineapple, and each method produces a unique flavor and texture.
One of the most popular methods for grilling pineapple is to use skewers. This method allows the pineapple to cook evenly and prevents it from falling through the grates of the grill. Skewers also make it easy to serve the grilled pineapple, as they can be easily removed from the grill and placed on a plate.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 medium pineapple, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss to coat.
Thread the pineapple onto skewers.
Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the pineapple is slightly charred and caramelized.
Transfer the skewers to a plate and sprinkle with cilantro.
Why It Works
The marinade helps to tenderize the pineapple and infuse it with flavor.
Grilling the pineapple over high heat caramelizes the sugars and gives it a slightly smoky flavor.
The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the skewers.