This easy rum-soaked grilled pineapple is a fun, tropical treat! The juicy slices absorb the sweetness of rum, making them deliciously caramelized on the grill.
Honestly, who knew fruit could taste like a party? I love serving these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s like a mini vacation on your plate! 🍍😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is essential for the best flavor. You can substitute with canned pineapple if fresh isn’t available, but the texture won’t be the same. For a twist, try using peaches or mangoes which also grill nicely!
Dark Rum: This gives the dish a deep flavor. If you’d like, you can switch it out for spiced rum for a bit more zest. For a non-alcoholic version, use coconut water or pineapple juice to soak the pineapple instead.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and enhances the caramelization on the pineapple. If you want a lighter option, you could use coconut sugar or even honey, although it will change the flavor slightly.
Cinnamon: This adds warmth and spice. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or substitute with nutmeg for a different flavor dimension.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing with grilled pineapple! If you want to keep it dairy-free, try coconut or almond milk ice cream instead. Yummy and just as creamy!
How Do You Get Grill Marks and Caramelization on Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple is easy, but getting those beautiful grill marks and that sweet, caramelized flavor takes a little technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium. This helps to sear the pineapple quickly without cooking it too long.
- Place the marinated pineapple rings at a slight angle on the grill grates to get those nice crosshatch marks. After about 3-4 minutes, give them a quarter turn before flipping them.
- Watch closely to prevent burning; you want the pineapple to brown but not char. Flip it over and repeat for another 3-4 minutes.
- Let the pineapple cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle and avoid burns!
How to Make Easy Rum-soaked Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take around 10 minutes to prepare. Allow an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour for marinating the pineapple. You’ll also need about 10 minutes for grilling, making the total time around 50 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, including marinating time. It’s a quick and delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the dark rum, brown sugar, lime juice, vanilla extract, and optional cinnamon. Stir everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved. This sweet and tangy mixture will infuse the pineapple with wonderful flavor.
2. Marinate the Pineapple:
Add the sliced pineapple rings to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each ring is nicely coated. Once coated, let the pineapple marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will help the flavors soak in really well.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the pineapple is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Make sure it gets nice and hot. This will give the pineapple those beautiful grill marks.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Once the grill is hot, carefully place the marinated pineapple rings on it. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see lovely grill marks and the pineapple starts to caramelize. This will make it extra tasty!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool for a moment. Serve the warm grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle with caramel sauce if you like. Enjoy this tropical delight with a twist!
Can I Use a Different Type of Alcohol?
Absolutely! While dark rum adds a rich flavor, you can substitute it with coconut rum, spiced rum, or even tequila for a different twist. Just remember that the flavor profile will change slightly depending on your choice!
How Long Can I Marinate the Pineapple?
The pineapple should marinate for at least 30 minutes for good flavor infusion, but you can leave it for up to 2 hours if you want an even richer taste. Just keep it refrigerated while marinating to maintain freshness.
Can I Make This Recipe With Canned Pineapple?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but opt for unsweetened slices if possible. Drain the pineapple well and reduce the marinating time to about 15-20 minutes, as it’s already softer than fresh pineapple.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any grilled pineapple left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through, then enjoy again!
