Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers (Print View)

Sweet pineapple, soy, and ginger blend in a quick, bold sauce for glazing or dipping grilled chicken skewers.

# Components:

→ Fruit & Juices

01 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or drained canned pineapple)
02 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice

→ Sauce Base

03 - 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
06 - 1 tablespoon honey

→ Aromatics & Flavor

07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Thickener

11 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
12 - 2 tablespoons cold water

# Method:

01 - Combine the diced fresh pineapple or drained canned pineapple with pineapple juice in a blender or food processor. Process until a smooth puree is achieved.
02 - Transfer the pineapple puree to a small saucepan. Add the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
03 - Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Allow it to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
04 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until a smooth, lump-free slurry forms.
05 - Gradually stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. It can then be used as a glaze for chicken skewers or served as a dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients with fresh pineapple
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Versatile as both a marinade and dipping sauce
02 -
  • Sauce thickens significantly as it cools
  • Can be made with canned pineapple when fresh is unavailable
  • Perfect for both grilling and broiling chicken
  • Works beautifully with pork or shrimp too
03 -
  • For the most vibrant flavor, toast your sesame seeds before garnishing your finished dish. This simple step enhances the nutty flavor that complements the sauce beautifully.
  • When using this sauce as a glaze for grilling, apply it during the final 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. The sugar content will caramelize quickly and can burn if exposed to high heat for too long.
  • For an impressive presentation, reserve some sauce for dipping and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. The color contrast makes for a beautiful serving plate that will impress your guests before they even taste your delicious creation.

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