How to Grill Pineapple So It's Sweet, Caramelized + Smoky in 10 Minutes
Of all the foods you expect to see on a grill — hot dogs, ribs and corn on the cob — pineapple might not even make the list. But there's a sweet reason you'll want to toss it on your next barbecue: Grill up some pineapple, and the direct heat will caramelize the fruit's natural sugars, mellowing out its sourness and making it extra delicious. It's perfect for anyone who finds pineapple's tart flavor a bit too pucker-inducing. Plus, this cooking method also gives the fruit lovely char marks that add a smoky taste. Here's how to grill pineapple in 10 minutes so you can enjoy it plain, with ice cream or on top of a burger.
Flavor ideas for grilled pineapple
Cooking pineapple on the grill (whether fresh or canned) creates sweet and smoky flavors with the fruit. So, you'll want to add ingredients that boost those flavors. For an extra sugary taste, brush pineapple rings or spears with 2 to 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey or molasses. These ingredients stick to pineapple better than brown or granulated sugar, and they form a delicious syrupy coating around the fruit. Alternatively, you can sprinkle pineapple with spices like chili powder or ground cinnamon for a warming, zesty kick. Or you can go even simpler by sprinkling salt over the fruit, which draws out its natural juices and makes it taste sweeter. Overall, getting creative with the flavors you infuse into the pineapple yields yummy results every time!
Related: How to Get Rid of That Stinging Feeling While Eating Fresh Pineapple
How long it takes to grill pineapple
The best way to grill pineapple is over medium-heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until it's golden brown with char marks. Another indication that the pineapple is finished grilling is if the flesh is tender but not mushy. A simple way to check this is by poking the fruit with a toothpick or knife to ensure it comes out easily.
Best ways to enjoy grilled pineapple
Grilled pineapple is surprisingly versatile. You can eat it on its own as a summer snack, go the dessert route by topping it with ice cream or freshly whipped cream or use it as a garnish for summer cocktails like these Pineapple Margaritas. Additionally, grilled pineapple is great to pair with meats such as steak, chicken, pork or shrimp. Why? Because the fruit's sweetened taste balances the savoriness of meat and fish.
For a standout way to savor grilled pineapple, try our recipe for Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers. It places this charred fruit on top of patties seasoned with rich, aromatic Jamaican jerk spice. The result is a burger that's sweet, smoky and juicy with each bite. Just follow the recipe below. (Read our guides on how to grill ribs, how to grill hot dogs and how to grill corn.)
Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers
Ingredients:
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tsp. teriyaki sauce
1½ lbs. ground beef (preferably 80 percent meat, 20 percent fat)
2 tsp. jerk seasoning
1 (20-ounce) can pineapple slices, drained
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
6 hamburger buns
Lettuce leaves (optional)
Directions:
Active: 30 mins
Total time: 45 mins
Yield: 6 servings
Prepare grill for medium direct- and indirect-heat cooking. In bowl, combine mayonnaise and teriyaki sauce; chill until ready to serve. In separate bowl, combine beef, jerk seasoning, salt and pepper. Dividing evenly, shape into 6 (½-inch thick) patties.
Grill patties over direct heat, flipping once, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until desired doneness. Coat pineapple with cooking spray; grill over indirect heat, flipping once, until lightly grill-marked, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve burgers on buns with pineapple, teriyaki mayonnaise and, if desired, lettuce leaves.
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