This fun dish features sweet pineapple grilled to perfection and soaked in a splash of delicious rum. It’s a tropical treat that’s perfect for summer barbecues!
Every bite is juicy and sweet, with just a hint of rum that makes it feel fancy! I love serving it with ice cream for a sweet twist—trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh, ripe pineapple is a must. Look for one that feels heavy and has a sweet smell. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple rings, but reduce the grilling time.
Rum: Light rum gives a lighter flavor, while dark rum adds depth. If you want a non-alcoholic option, try soaking the pineapple in juice like pineapple or coconut for sweetness.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds richness. If you prefer less sweetness, you can use coconut sugar or even honey. Just keep in mind that honey will change the flavor slightly.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances the warm flavors. If you want to mix things up, try using nutmeg or allspice in place of cinnamon for a different twist.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract provides a nice aromatic note. If you don’t have it, vanilla essence or even a splash of almond extract can work too.
How Do I Grill Pineapple to Achieve Perfect Caramelization?
Grilling pineapple is all about the right technique to get that beautiful caramelization. Here’s how to do it right:
- Prepare your grill by preheating it to medium heat and oiling the grates. This avoids sticking.
- Ensure the pineapple rings are well-coated with marinade, as this adds flavor and helps caramelize.
- Grill each side for 2-3 minutes. Look for signs of caramelization, like dark grill marks.
- Adding butter at the end melts into the fruit, creating a glossy finish. Don’t skip this step!
Let the pineapple cool slightly before serving. This will help lock in sweetness and flavor. Enjoy the tropical delight!
How to Make Easy Rum-soaked Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup light or dark rum
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Grilling:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Serving:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and allows for 30 minutes to 1 hour of soaking time for the pineapple. Grilling will take around 6 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 40 to 70 minutes to enjoy your delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the rum, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates a sweet and fragrant marinade for your pineapple.
2. Soaking the Pineapple:
Next, take your pineapple rings and submerge them in the rum marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Let the pineapple soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step helps enhance the flavor and sweetness!
3. Preheating the Grill:
While the pineapple is soaking, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. If you’re using a barbecue grill, it’s a good idea to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grilling the Pineapple:
After soaking, carefully remove the pineapple rings from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Now, place the pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes, until you see nice grill marks and they are starting to caramelize.
5. Adding the Butter:
During the last minute of grilling, add a small pat of butter on each pineapple ring. Watch as it melts and forms a delicious glaze, enhancing the flavor of the grilled fruit.
6. Serving the Grilled Pineapple:
Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve the warm grilled pineapple topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you like, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra sweet touch!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Rum-soaked Grilled Pineapple!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit?
Absolutely! While pineapple is the star in this recipe, you can also use mango, peaches, or even bananas. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time based on the fruit’s firmness; softer fruits like bananas will take less time to grill.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover grilled pineapple, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in a skillet over low heat or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Rum?
Yes! If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute the rum with pineapple juice or coconut milk for a non-alcoholic version. It won’t have the same depth of flavor, but it will still be delicious!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
In addition to vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, you can serve your grilled pineapple with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or even toasted nuts for an added crunch. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely garnish!
