Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Orange Glaze

The BEST Grilled Pineapple smothered with irresistible buttery, tangy Brown Sugar Orange Chili Glaze!  

This Grilled Pineapple recipe only takes 20 minutes start to finish and is a sweet, tangy, juicy dream!  Serve this Grilled Pineapple as an easy appetizer, side or even dessert all summer long.  I’ve included tips on how to choose pineapple, how to cut pineapple, how to grill outdoors and how to grill indoors so you can enjoy this Grilled Pineapple year round!

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

 

Grilled Pineapple Recipe

It’s a fact of life that juicy, ripe pineapple is deliciously sweet and refreshing all on its own.  And fresh grilled pineapple is even better.  Come spring/summer, I have to refrain from posting pineapple in every. single. recipe.   Its a healthy obsession.

But if you want to elevate your already delicious grilled pineapple game to the most simple yet delicious mind blowing side, then this Caramelized Grilled Pineapple with Tangy Brown Sugar Glaze is for you.

It pairs beautifully with grilled steak, fish or chicken, grilled vegges, anything – basically it makes everything better.  Its the ideal side for Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and all the other summer days in between.

How to Select a Pineapple

Grilled Pineapple all starts with a quality pineapple!  Here is what to look for:

• Select a pineapple without any blemishes such as indentations, squishy spots, wrinkles or cracks.
• Choose a pineapple with bright green leaves as opposed to brown and stiff.
• The diamonds on the surface of the pineapple are called “eyes.”  Look for a pineapple with flat eyes, this indicates the pineapple is sweet.
• The pineapple should feel heavy for its size. This means it’s juicy.
• Choose the pineapple with the largest eyes, this means the pineapple was allowed to ripen the longest on the branch.
• Look for a pineapple with flat eyes – meaning the spiky points are pressed against the pineapple instead of sticking out.  Flat eyes mean the pineapple is sweeter.
• If choosing a ripe pineapple to use immediately, select one in which the yellow reaches high up the pineapple.  The higher the yellow, the more evenly flavored the pineapple.  More tips on how to know when a pineapple is ripe below.

How to Know When a Pineapple is Ripe? 

You can purchase a ripe pineapple if making Grilled Pineapple immediately, but more often than not, you will have to first select a pineapplee and wait for it to ripen.  Here is how you know your pineapple is ready to be grilled and eaten:

1. Touch:  Squeeze the pineapple gently. The skin should give a little, but it should still be firm.
2. Smell:  Put your nose close to the bottom of the fruit. It should smell sweet; that indicates it is ripe.
3. Sound: Tap the pineapple.  Unripe fruits will sound hollow whereas ripe pineapple will sound dull and solid.
4. Color:  It is possible for a green pineapple to be ripe, but more often than not, look for yellow coloring around the eyes and base.
5. Shape:  When a pineapple is ripe, the eyes will be uniform in size as opposed to small on the bottom and large in the middle.

How can you ripen a pineapple quickly?

If you are eager to make Grilled Pineapple, and your pineapple isn’t ripe yet, you can help speed the process along.  Place the whole pineapple into a paper bag along with a whole apple, and fold over the top of the bag. Leave at room temperature for 1-2 days or until the pineapple is ripe.

How do you know when pineapple goes bad?

You will know what pineapple NOT to select or when you’ve let your pineapple sit to long when it has:

• Brown leaves
• Overly soft
• Wet bottom
• Dry body
• Cracked, wrinkled or brown body
• The aroma is no longer sweet
• Has a pungent, sour smell (similar to vinegar)

To prevent your pineapple from going bad, you can move it to the refrigerator to slow down ripening process.

How to cut pineapple into wedges

For this Grilled Pineapple recipe, I prefer wedges, but you may also slice the pineapple into rounds if you prefer.  To cut pineapple into wedges:

1. Set pineapple on its side and cut off and discard about 1 inch from the top and bottom.
2. Stand the pineapple upright and cut lengthwise to remove and discard the tough, outer peel in strips.
3. Go back around the pineapple and cut off any remaining hard bits of peel called “eyes.”
4. Cut the pineapple in quarters lengthwise through the core.
5. Cut in half again to create smaller then again as desired to create smaller wedges.
6. Remove and discard each section of core.

How long is pineapple good for after cutting?

Sliced or cut pineapples will last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge.   Store them in an airtight container in your produce drawer.   This comes in handy because you can slice your pineapple as soon as your pineapple is ripe if you aren’t ready to make Grilled Pineapple yet.

If you aren’t going to use your pineapple before it goes bad, then you can freeze it.   Chop the pineapple into chunks and freeze in an airtight container.  I separate the pieces into plastic bags for smoothies.   Frozen pineapple slices or chunks will last 10 to 12 months in the freezer.

WHY DOES PINEAPPLE BURN YOUR TONGUE?

Pineapple contains the enzyme, bromelain which makes your tongue burn because it is breaking down protein of the skin in your mouth.  The skin repairs itself in a few hours, however, so don’t be scared away from eating pineapple!

If you have the tendency of a burning mouth from pineapple, then sip it with some milk or eat it with yogurt.  The dairy helps to neutralize the acids in the pineapple.

The enzyme bromelain is also why I suggest using canned pineapple juice as opposed to fresh pineapple juice in many of my chicken marinades, like Pineapple Chicken and Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs, otherwise the enzyme breaks down the chicken to a mushy consistency.

What flavors go well with pineapple?

For this Grilled Pineapple recipe, I’ve create a delectable Brown Sugar Chili Glaze spiked with chili powder and lime that you’ll want to smother on everything (more on that below)  but you can forgo the glaze if you wish, however and simply season your pineapple.  It tastes fabulous with:

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon & brown sugar
• Nutmeg
• Allspice and cloves
• Ginger
• Chili Powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cardamom
• Mint
• Vanilla
• Lime Juice
• Coconut (and lime)

It also pairs well with honey, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, teriyaki sauce, and barbecue sauce!

Can you Add Sugar to Pineapple?

Absolutely!  If you want to prepare super simple Grilled Pineapple then toss the pineapple spears in ⅓ cup brown sugar and let them sit for 10 minutes.  Grill according to directions on your indoor grill pan, George Foreman or outdoor grill.

Best Way to Season Pineapple?

You can season Grilled Pineapple any way you choose, but my favorite?  Chili powder!

If you’ve never enjoyed chili powder with pineapple before, TRUST ME, its one of those seemingly odd flavor combinations that  just works and not just works, but is crazy good and crazy popular in other parts of the world.  I often just dust my pineapple with chili powder and my nieces and nephews swoon over the flavor combo.

In fact, fruit with chili powder and lime is one of the most popular street snacks in Mexico, coating everything from pineapple, oranges, watermelon, mango, strawberries to even jicama, cucumber and carrots.   Have you tried chili powder with your fruit before?!

How to Glaze Grilled Pineapple?

I borrowed the idea of this delectable chili-citrus combination to make my own Brown Sugar Chili Orange Glaze that sets this Caramelized Grilled Pineapple worlds apart.

You make your Glaze by melting butter then stirring in brown sugar followed by orange juice, chili powder, salt, pepper and a dash of cloves then simmer until reduced and slightly thickened to a thin syrupy consistency then stir in a a tablespoon or so of lime juice.  Its buttery, sweet, tart and absolutely divine.

How to Grill Pineapple

Now to make this not just Grilled pineapple but Caramelized Grilled Pineapple, you coat your pineapple wedges with about 2/3 of the Glaze and get your grill on!  Grill over direct medium heat for 7-10 minutes total, basting with reserved glaze, turning occasionally.  Grill the pineapple until tender and golden, with distinct grill marks.

The brown sugar in the Chili Glaze caramelizes with the heat, intensifying the flavors while enhancing the natural sweetness of the pineapple.

Grilling Tips:

• Place pineapple wedges on skewers before placing on grill for easier handling
• If you find the pineapple sticking at all after you’ve greased your grill, use a little bit of canola oil spray on your pineapple

How do you grill pineapple in the oven?

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or line with foil then spray with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Line pineapple wedges in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.
4. Prepare Glaze according to directions.
5. Let Glaze cool a few minutes then pour approximately 2/3 of Glaze over pineapple. Turn to coat. Reserve the remaining Glaze for basting.
6. Transfer pineapple to the oven and roast for 8 minutes, then baste and flip pineapple over.
7. Continue to roast an additional 7 minutes or until very soft and beginning to caramelize.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature with remaining Glaze and additional lime and chili powder if desired.

How do you grill pineapple on the stove?

1. Grease your grill pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Heat pan over medium heat.
3. Prepare Glaze and coat pineapple according to directions.
4. Add pineapple and grill, undisturbed for about three minutes per side or until soft with grill marks.

Can You Grill pineapple on a George Foreman?

1. Preheat your George Foreman grill.
2. Prepare Glaze and coat pineapple according to directions.
3. Place the pineapple wedges on the grill so they aren’t touching.
4. Grill for three minutes, and check for doneness. Pineapple is done when it is very soft with pronounced grill marks.

How Should I serve Grilled Pineapple?

You can serve your Grilled Pineapple untouched off the grill as a side to fish, chicken, steak, pork, etc or chop it up and add to:

• your favorite sandwich
• Tacos al Pastor or Chicken Tacos
• Pina Colada Fruit Salad recipe or other tropical fruit salads with mangos, banana, strawberries, passion fruit, oranges, etc.
• guacamole
• rice along with coconut and cashews
• salsa or make Pineapple Salsa
• yogurt
• ice cream!

What’s your favorite way to eat Grilled Pineapple?

What Sides for Grilled Pineapple?

Serve your Grilled Pineapple alongside Award Winning Cornbread,  Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette, Best Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar, and/or Cubano Tortellini Salad with Mojo Dressing  for the most epic potluck sides ever!

Can pineapple reduce belly fat?

Yes! Pineapple is good for your metabolism, because it contains an enzyme named bromelain. Bromelain is found in the pineapple juice and helps in metabolizing protein, which helps to burn excess belly fat.

Is grilled pineapple good for you?

Yes! Pineapple in general is good for you, especially because it is a heart healthy food that does not contain cholesterol. You can lower your risk of obesity, heart disease and related conditions by maintaining a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Pineapple also has a high amounts of vitamin C and manganese, and helps us consume important dietary fiber.  So grill on!

Looking for More Grilling Recipes?

• Brazilian Steak Kabobs
• Greek Beef Kabobs
• Carne Asada
• Cajun Steak
• Thai Pineapple Chicken Satay
• Corn on the Cob

Want to try this Grilled Pineapple Recipe?

Pin it to your SIDES, GRILL, or FRUIT Board to SAVE for later!

Find me on Pinterest for more great recipes!  I am always pinning :)!

©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com

Tools Used in This Recipe

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Sauce Pan 2.25 qt.

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Kitchen Knife Set

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Teak Wood Cutting Board

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Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

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Cake Pan 9×13 in.

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Garlic Press

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Caramelized Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Chili Glaze

The BEST Grilled Pineapple smothered with irresistible buttery, tangy Brown Sugar Orange Chili Glaze!  This Grilled Pineapple recipe only takes 20 minutes start to finish and is a sweet, tangy, juicy dream!  Serve this Grilled Pineapple as an easy appetizer, side or even dessert all summer long!  I’ve included tips on how to choose pineapple, how to cut pineapple, how to grill outdoors and how to grill indoors so you can enjoys this Grilled Pineapple year round!

Servings: 8 servings

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• 1 ripe pineapple

Glaze

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, or more to taste depending on how “tangy” you want it/how sweet your pineapple is

Instructions

• Peel pineapple and cut lengthwise into eight wedges; remove core. Line pineapple in a rimmed baking sheet or 9×13 pan. Set aside. *See Notes on detailed instructions on how to peel pineapple.
• Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir to dissolve. Carefully stir in orange juice (as it will bubble up), followed by chili powder, salt, pepper and cloves. Increase heat and bring to a simmer until the mixture reduces to about ½ cup and thickens into a thin syrupy consistency (it will continue to thicken upon standing so don’t thicken too much). Remove from heat and stir in lime juice.
• Let cool a few minutes then pour approximately 2/3 of Glaze over pineapple. Turn to coat. Reserve the remaining Glaze for basting. If your reserved Glaze becomes to thick, stir in a little water and return to heat.
• Grill pineapple over direct medium heat, basting with reserved glaze, turning occasionally, until pieces have golden brown grill marks in places, about 7-10 minutes. Serve with remaining Glaze and additional lime and chili powder if desired.

Video

Notes

How to Cut a Pineapple into Spears:

1. Set pineapple on its side and cut off and discard about 1 inch from the top and bottom.
2. Stand the pineapple upright and cut lengthwise to remove and discard the tough, outer peel in strips.
3. Go back around the pineapple and cut off any remaining hard bits of peel called “eyes.”
4. Cut the pineapple in quarters lengthwise through the core.
5. Remove and discard each section of core.

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