If you’re looking to brighten up your dessert or side dish repertoire with something vibrant, tropical, and irresistibly tasty, you’ve got to try this Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar, Lime, and Coconut Recipe. It’s a celebration of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors all in one bite, with caramelized edges and a luscious glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish truly takes simple pineapple slices to an entirely new level, blending brown sugar’s deep sweetness, the zesty punch of lime, and the exotic hint of coconut into a perfectly grilled treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient has a key role, whether it’s to add richness, brightness, or texture. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start creating your own Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar, Lime, and Coconut Recipe masterpiece.
- 1 ripe pineapple: Choose one that’s sweet and fragrant for the best natural flavor and juiciness.
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed: This adds that lovely caramel note and helps create a sticky, sweet glaze.
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted: Salted butter balances the sweetness and brings creaminess to the glaze.
- 3 tbsp lime juice (about two small limes): Provides zesty acidity to cut through the sweetness.
- 3/4 tsp coconut extract: Gives a subtle tropical aroma that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
- 2 tsp flaky sea salt: Adds that perfect savory crunch and enhances all the flavors.
- Optional: lime zest, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce: These toppings elevate the final presentation and taste to restaurant-quality dessert status.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar, Lime, and Coconut Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by setting your grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate heat is essential for cooking the pineapple evenly without burning the sugars too quickly. Allow your grill to preheat thoroughly so your pineapple slices get those perfect grill marks and caramelization.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple
While the grill warms up, peel your ripe pineapple carefully and slice it into half-inch thick rings. Don’t forget to remove the core from each ring, as it can be tough. Depending on your pineapple’s size, you’ll end up with about a dozen slices—just the right amount to share or save for later!
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted salted butter, fresh lime juice, and coconut extract until everything is smooth and perfectly blended. This glaze is where the magic happens, bringing sweetness, citrus brightness, and tropical flair into one luscious coating.
Step 4: Brush with Glaze and Salt
Generously brush both sides of each pineapple ring with the brown sugar glaze. Don’t be shy here—each slice should be beautifully coated to ensure maximum flavor. Follow that by sprinkling each piece lightly with flaky sea salt to create bursts of savory contrast and texture that will keep every bite balanced and exciting.
Step 5: Grill the Pineapple
Now place the glazed pineapple rings on the hot grill. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they develop gorgeous grill marks and the glaze caramelizes into a sticky, flavorful crust. This step adds a subtle smoky note that makes the dish unforgettable.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Remove the pineapple from the grill and serve them warm. They shine just on their own, but feel free to enhance the experience by adding a sprinkle of fresh lime zest, a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. You really can’t go wrong!
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar, Lime, and Coconut Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with this recipe. Bright lime zest adds a pop of color and an extra zing, while a dusting of toasted coconut flakes can amplify the tropical vibe. If you’re feeling decadent, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm pineapple is pure bliss.
Side Dishes
Grilled pineapple is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a sweet, tangy counterpoint to your main dish. It also works beautifully with coconut rice or fresh green salads, making your meal feel like a sun-kissed tropical getaway.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, skewer grilled pineapple chunks with shrimp or chicken for kebabs. You can also chop the grilled rings and toss them into a fresh salsa or a summer salad. The Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar, Lime, and Coconut Recipe shines in bowls, platters, or even as a stunning topping for a vanilla cake or cheesecake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled pineapple, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors might intensify a bit, and it’s perfect chilled or warmed later.
Freezing
You can freeze grilled pineapple slices by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for 1 to 2 months. Use frozen slices in smoothies, grilled again briefly, or chopped into desserts.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the pineapple slices back on the grill or into a warm skillet for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the caramelized texture and grill marks that make this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple provides the best texture and flavor for grilling, you can use canned pineapple rings if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to pat them dry before glazing to avoid excess moisture diluting your glaze.
Is coconut extract necessary for this recipe?
Coconut extract is key for that subtle tropical note that complements the pineapple beautifully, but if you don’t have it, you can leave it out or replace it with a small amount of coconut milk for a different texture.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or even a hot cast-iron skillet indoors to get those caramelized edges and nice browning. Just keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.
How ripe should my pineapple be?
Look for a pineapple that smells sweet and has a slight give when squeezed gently. Too underripe and it won’t caramelize properly; too overripe and it may be too soft for grilling.
What if I want less sweetness?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze if you prefer a lighter sweetness. Just remember the sugar also helps with caramelization, so your pineapple may brown a bit less.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar, Lime, and Coconut Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s simple, sweet, tangy, and utterly satisfying with minimal fuss. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ or just craving a tropical treat, I promise this recipe will brighten your table and your mood. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite that everyone will love.
Print
Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar, Lime, and Coconut Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Description
This Grilled Pineapple recipe features juicy pineapple rings caramelized to perfection on the grill, brushed with a zesty and sweet brown sugar glaze enhanced with lime and coconut flavors. It’s a quick and easy summer treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or a unique side, elevated further with optional toppings like vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Pineapple
- 1 ripe pineapple
Glaze
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp lime juice (about 2 small limes)
- 3/4 tsp coconut extract
- 2 tsp flaky sea salt
Optional Toppings
- Lime zest
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium heat, aiming for 300-350°F (150-175°C). Allow it to preheat thoroughly to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization of the pineapple slices.
- Prepare the Pineapple: Peel the ripe pineapple carefully, removing all the skin. Core the pineapple completely, then slice it into 1/2-inch thick rings. Depending on the pineapple size, you should obtain approximately 12 rings.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted salted butter, fresh lime juice, and coconut extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Brush with Glaze: Generously brush both sides of each pineapple ring with the prepared brown sugar glaze. After glazing, sprinkle both sides evenly with flaky sea salt to enhance flavor and texture.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the glazed pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the pineapple slices develop beautiful caramelization and grill marks, ensuring they are tender but still hold their shape.
- Plate and Serve: Remove the grilled pineapple carefully from the grill and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with lime zest or serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Make sure the grill is well preheated to avoid sticking; lightly oil the grill grates if needed.
- The coconut extract adds a subtle tropical flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Grilled pineapple can also be served as a side with grilled meats or in salads for a sweet and smoky twist.
- Use fresh pineapple rather than canned for best flavor and texture.
