40-Minute Quick Grilled Pineapple Skewers
Grilled pineapple spears brushed with a jalapeno-honey glaze, perfectly caramelized over the grill. A fiber-rich, low-fat, and naturally sweet treat ideal as a dessert or side dish. Quick to prep, easy to cook, and sure to impress at any gathering.
Equipment
- 10 skewers (wooden or steel)
- Small mixing bowl
- Grill or grill pan
- Brush for glazing
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Flat serving plate
Ingredients
For Pineapple Skewers:
- 1 ripe pineapple
For Jalapeno Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 small jalapeno finely chopped
- 1 large lime juiced
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers for Grilling: If using wooden skewers, begin by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents the skewers from burning or catching fire on the grill. Steel skewers can be skipped for soaking. While the skewers soak, you can move on to prepping the pineapple and glaze.
- Preheat Your Grill: Turn on your grill and set it to high heat, aiming for an internal temperature around 400°F (204°C). A properly heated grill ensures the pineapple caramelizes nicely, creating those signature dark grill marks and intensifying the natural sweetness. Clean the grill grates beforehand to avoid sticking.
- Cut the Pineapple into Spear Shapes: Carefully trim the top and bottom of the pineapple, then remove the tough outer skin. Slice the pineapple into long, even spears—roughly 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Consistency is key for even cooking. If helpful, refer to photos or instructional videos to perfect the spear size.
- Mix the Jalapeno Honey Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup honey, the juice of 1 large lime, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 finely chopped small jalapeno. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste carefully and adjust sweetness or spice according to your preference.
- Skewer the Pineapple Spears: Take each pineapple spear and carefully insert a skewer through the center, stopping about 1 inch from the top to ensure stability. Take your time to avoid splitting the pineapple. Lay the skewered spears flat on a plate as you work.
- Apply the Glaze: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat both sides of each pineapple spear with the jalapeno honey glaze. Make sure each piece is fully coated to enhance flavor and help with caramelization on the grill. Save a small portion of glaze for basting later.
- Position Pineapple on Grill: Place the skewered pineapple directly over the flames at a slight angle, such as the 10 o’clock position. Close the grill lid to trap heat and smoke, which will impart a subtle charred flavor.Avoid moving the skewers too much to allow grill marks to form.
- Rotate and Baste for Even Caramelization: After about 5 minutes, use tongs to gently rotate the skewers to a 2 o’clock angle, keeping the same side down. Baste each spear with the reserved glaze, allowing the honey mixture to caramelize and coat the pineapple beautifully. Close the lid and grill for a few more minutes.
- Check for Perfect Grill Marks: Keep an eye on the pineapple as it cooks. You are aiming for deep, clean grill marks without burning the fruit. The skewers should be tender yet firm. Adjust grill heat or timing as needed depending on your grill’s strength.
- Remove and Chill: Once the pineapple is evenly grilled and glazed, carefully remove the skewers from the grill.Arrange them on a large flat serving plate. Brush with any remaining glaze for extra shine and flavor. Let the skewers chill for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor and make them refreshing for serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skewers chilled or at room temperature. They make a sweet, slightly spicy, and smoky dessert or side dish, perfect for BBQs, picnics, or a light treat after dinner. Pair with fresh mint, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of coconut flakes for extra flair.
Notes
- Use only fresh, ripe pineapple for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent burning.
- Do not move the skewers frequently while grilling; rotate only once for even char marks.
- Adjust the jalapeno in the glaze according to your preferred spice level.
- Chill skewers after grilling for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and refresh the dessert.
- Leftover glaze can be stored in the fridge and used for smoothies or drizzling on other fruits.
- For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the skewers before serving.
