Save This sweet-spicy grilled pineapple transforms an ordinary fruit into an extraordinary taste experience. The natural sugars in the pineapple caramelize beautifully on the grill while the honey-sriracha glaze adds a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that will make your taste buds dance.
I first made these pineapple rings for a backyard barbecue when I needed something to jazz up our usual burger menu. They were such a hit that guests were fighting over the last pieces and now they've become my signature summer entertaining dish.
Ingredients
- Fresh pineapple: The star of the show should be ripe but still firm. Look for one with a sweet fragrance at the base and golden color on the exterior.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create that gorgeous caramelization. Choose a good quality raw honey for best flavor.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds the perfect kick of heat without overwhelming. The garlic notes in sriracha complement the pineapple beautifully.
- Fresh lime juice: Brightens everything up with acidity that balances the sweetness. Always use fresh squeezed for the best flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Enhances caramelization and adds depth to the sweetness. Make sure it's fresh with no hard lumps.
- Coconut oil: Adds a subtle tropical note that pairs perfectly with pineapple. You can substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
- Fresh cilantro: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh herbal contrast to the sweet and spicy glaze.
Instructions
- Prepare the grill:
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This temperature is crucial as too hot will burn the sugars and too cool won't give you those beautiful grill marks. Take the time to properly oil the grates to prevent sticking which can tear your delicate pineapple rings.
- Mix the glaze:
- In a small bowl whisk together honey Sriracha lime juice brown sugar and melted coconut oil until completely smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still easily brushable. If it seems too thick add a tiny splash more lime juice.
- Prep the pineapple:
- Thoroughly pat the pineapple rings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as excess moisture will prevent proper caramelization. Apply the glaze generously to both sides using a pastry brush making sure to get an even coating.
- Grill with care:
- Place the glazed rings on the preheated grill and let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes. Resist the urge to move them around as this prevents those gorgeous grill marks from forming. Carefully flip using tongs apply more glaze and grill the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes until you see caramelization happening.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the rings from the grill and immediately sprinkle with chopped cilantro while still hot. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness. The contrast between the hot caramelized pineapple and the cool fresh cilantro creates a wonderful sensory experience.
Save The pineapple core makes a wonderful addition to smoothies so save it instead of discarding. My family always gathers around the grill when I make these pineapple rings. There's something magical about the sizzle as the glaze hits the hot grill and the sweet aroma that fills the air. My daughter who typically avoids spicy foods makes an exception for these because the sweetness perfectly balances the heat.
Selecting the Perfect Pineapple
The success of this recipe largely depends on starting with a good pineapple. Look for one that feels heavy for its size with a sweet fragrance at the base. The exterior should be golden yellow rather than completely green, though some green patches are fine. The leaves should be fresh and green, not brown or dried out. Give the bottom a gentle sniff – a sweet aroma indicates ripeness. Avoid pineapples with soft spots, bruising, or a fermented smell.
If your pineapple isn't quite ripe when you buy it, store it at room temperature for a couple of days. Once cut, pineapple won't continue to ripen, so patience pays off here.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled pineapple rings are incredibly versatile. For a show-stopping dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet – the contrast between hot and cold creates a delightful sensory experience. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of rum takes it to another level.
As a savory application, these rings make an incredible topping for burgers – particularly pork or chicken burgers where the sweet-spicy flavor complements the meat beautifully. They're also fantastic alongside grilled ham steaks or as part of a tropical-themed kebab.
For brunch, try serving them with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a sophisticated fruit course that will impress guests.
Making It Ahead
While this recipe is best when served fresh off the grill, you can prepare components ahead of time for easier entertaining. The glaze can be made up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before using, as the honey and coconut oil may solidify when cold.
You can also cut the pineapple into rings a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, don't apply the glaze until just before grilling, as the acidity in the lime juice will start breaking down the pineapple if left too long.
Flavor Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Here are some exciting variations to try:
Bourbon Maple Replace the honey with real maple syrup and add a tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze for a sophisticated twist
Coconut Rum Add a splash of coconut rum to the glaze and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes after grilling
Chipotle Lime Substitute chipotle hot sauce for the Sriracha and double the lime juice for a smokier flavor profile
Each variation maintains the sweet-heat balance but offers a different flavor experience. The chipotle version pairs particularly well with Mexican-inspired meals, while the bourbon maple option makes an impressive dessert for dinner parties.
Save After years of making this recipe, I've discovered that the key to perfect caramelization is thoroughly drying the pineapple before applying the glaze. I learned this the hard way after several batches came off the grill looking pale and unappetizing.
Another game-changing tip is to let your pineapple rings sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling. Cold fruit straight from the refrigerator won't caramelize as beautifully as fruit that's closer to room temperature.
Finally, don't rush the grilling process by cranking up the heat. Medium-high is perfect – any hotter and the sugars will burn before the pineapple has a chance to soften and absorb the flavors of the glaze. Patience rewards you with perfectly caramelized pineapple every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent pineapple rings from sticking to the grill?
Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates lightly before placing the pineapple rings. Use tongs for careful turning.
- → Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Canned pineapple rings can be used, but fresh pineapple offers better texture and sweetness for grilling.
- → Is there a vegan alternative to honey in the glaze?
Agave syrup works well as a substitute for honey, making the glaze suitable for those avoiding animal products.
- → What other dishes pair well with these grilled pineapple rings?
Serve them with grilled meats, burgers, veggie burgers, or as a dessert with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- → How spicy is the honey-Sriracha glaze?
The glaze offers a mild kick. Adjust the Sriracha or add red chili flakes for more heat based on taste preference.