Grilled Pineapple With Cilantro: A Tropical Delight

The scent of grilled pineapple always takes me back to summer evenings spent on the beaches of Hawaii. I can almost feel the warm sand between my toes and hear the gentle lapping of the waves as I enjoyed this sweet and savory treat with friends. The combination of smoky char, juicy sweetness, and fresh cilantro is simply irresistible, a perfect symphony of flavors that embodies the spirit of the islands. It’s a dish that’s both incredibly simple to make and endlessly satisfying.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 1 dish
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 pineapple, fresh, peeled, cored and cut in small pieces
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce, clear
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, peeled and sliced (optional)
• 1 sweet onion, peeled and sliced (optional)
• 1-2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Flat baking mold or sheet pan

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir together the pineapple, sesame oil, soy sauce, vegetable oil, red bell pepper (if using), sweet onion (if using), and grated ginger. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
2. Transfer the mixture to a flat baking mold or sheet pan, arranging the pineapple pieces in a single layer for even cooking. This helps to ensure that each piece caramelizes properly.
3. Top the mixture with brown sugar, if desired. This will enhance the caramelization process and add a deeper, richer sweetness.
4. Broil in your oven until the pineapple is nicely caramelized, watching carefully to prevent burning. The exact time will vary depending on your broiler, but it usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it!
5. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining fresh cilantro.
6. Serve hot or chilled, according to your preference.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a deeper smoky flavor, consider grilling the pineapple on an outdoor grill instead of broiling it in the oven. This will impart a wonderful char and enhance the overall complexity of the dish.
• If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute. However, fresh ginger provides a brighter and more aromatic flavor.
• To prevent the pineapple from sticking to the baking mold, you can line it with parchment paper. This will also make cleanup easier.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Ensure the pineapple chunks are in a single layer. If they are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of caramelizing. If you have too much pineapple for one pan, use two.
• If you are short on time, peeled and cored fresh pineapple chunks purchased at a grocery store would work in place of a whole pineapple.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this grilled pineapple as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or pork. It also makes a fantastic topping for tacos, salads, or even ice cream.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. The pineapple can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.

This dish is best served immediately after grilling, but it can be made ahead of time and reheated. However, the texture may soften slightly upon reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	510mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	31g	11%
Dietary Fiber	4g	15%
Sugars	23g	N/A
Protein	2g	4%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pineapple mixture before grilling.
• If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with another neutral oil, such as canola oil or grapeseed oil. However, sesame oil adds a unique nutty flavor that complements the pineapple beautifully.
• To make this dish vegan, ensure that the soy sauce you are using is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain honey.
• Try adding other fruits! Mango or peaches would be a wonderful addition.
• Instead of chopping, try slicing the pineapple into rings and grilling those.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
A: While fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor and texture, canned pineapple can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the mixture.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! The red bell pepper and sweet onion are optional additions, but you can also add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or jalapeños for a spicier flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the pineapple from burning under the broiler?
A: Keep a close eye on the pineapple while it’s under the broiler and adjust the oven rack as needed. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the rack or reduce the broiling time.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pineapple mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to add the fresh cilantro right before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to peel and core a pineapple?
A: Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand it upright and slice off the peel, following the contour of the fruit. Use a small knife to remove any remaining “eyes.” Then, use a pineapple corer or a knife to remove the core.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Grilled Pineapple With Cilantro inspires you to bring a taste of the tropics to your own kitchen. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and ingredient combinations to make it your own. I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy grilling!