This easy rum-soaked grilled pineapple is a tropical treat! Just soak fresh pineapple slices in rum, then grill them for a delicious caramelized flavor. Perfect for BBQs!
I love how the sweetness pops when you grill the pineapple—it tastes like a mini vacation! Just serve it with vanilla ice cream for an extra special ending to any meal. 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is essential for the best taste. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a sweet smell at the bottom. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple rings, but fresh gives a much better flavor.
Dark Rum: This ingredient adds depth to the sweetness of the pineapple. If you want a non-alcoholic version, consider using coconut water or a mix of pineapple juice and vanilla extract to achieve a similar tropical flavor.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar helps create a lovely caramelization. If you need a substitute, use white sugar mixed with a little molasses (one tablespoon of molasses for each cup of white sugar) for a similar effect.
Coconut Oil: This adds a buttery coconut flavor. You can swap it with melted butter for a richer taste, or use olive oil if you’re looking for a healthier option.
How Do I Ensure the Pineapple Grills Perfectly?
Getting those beautiful grill marks while keeping the pineapple juicy is key. The soaking time is important—allow the slices to sit in the rum mixture for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer. This not only infuses flavor but also helps to soften the fruit.
- Preheat your grill properly; it should be hot before you add the pineapple.
- Create a clean surface by brushing the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the pineapple slices away from the direct heat for even cooking if your grill gets very hot.
- Keep an eye on them—grill marks should appear around 3-4 minutes on each side.
How to Make Easy Rum-soaked Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or melted butter)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes for soaking the pineapple. Then, about 15 minutes for grilling. In total, expect to spend around 55 minutes to get your delicious grilled pineapple ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pineapple:
Start by slicing the ripe pineapple into thick rounds. Make sure to remove the tough skin and the core from each slice. You want nice, juicy pieces for grilling.
2. Mixing the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the dark rum, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and coconut oil (or melted butter). Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. This sweet, aromatic mix will enhance the pineapple flavor beautifully.
3. Soaking the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple slices in a shallow dish and pour the rum mixture over them, ensuring that each slice is well coated. Let the slices soak for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, but if you have time, letting them soak for 1-2 hours will give you even more flavor!
4. Preheating the Grill:
While the pineapple soaks, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help caramelize the pineapple nicely.
5. Grilling the Pineapple:
Once the grill is hot, carefully lay the rum-soaked pineapple slices on the grates. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until you see lovely grill marks and the pineapple looks slightly caramelized. This is where the magic happens!
6. Serving Your Grilled Pineapple:
Take the grilled pineapple off the grill and place each slice on a serving plate. Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for that extra treat!
7. Enjoying Your Dish:
Serve immediately and savor the delightful combination of warm, rum-soaked, grilled pineapple with cool vanilla ice cream and sweet caramel sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple not only tastes better but also holds up well on the grill. Just make sure to choose a ripe one and follow the instructions to cut it into thick slices for even grilling.
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No worries! You can substitute dark rum with light rum or even a flavored rum like coconut for a different twist. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace it with orange juice or coconut water for a non-alcoholic version; just adjust the sweetness as needed.
How Long Can I Soak the Pineapple?
The longer, the better! Soaking for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor, but soaking for 1 to 2 hours is ideal. If you’re short on time, even a quick soak will add some flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the grilled pineapple slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them on the grill or in a pan for a few minutes to get them nice and warm. Enjoy them with more ice cream or in a smoothie!
