Juicy Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple with Spiced Vanilla (Print version)
Fresh pineapple spears coated in brown sugar, vanilla, warm spice, and lime, then grilled until juicy and caramelized.
# Ingredients:
For the pineapple
01 -
1 large fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 sturdy spears
02 -
Neutral oil spray, for the grill grates
For the spiced vanilla sugar
03 -
1/3 cup (65 g) packed light brown sugar
04 -
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 -
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
06 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 -
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 -
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
09 -
Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional
10 -
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For serving
11 -
Lime zest, coconut yogurt, or vanilla ice cream, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Trim the top and bottom from the pineapple. Slice away the skin and eyes, quarter it lengthwise, remove the core, and cut into 8 sturdy spears.
02 -
In a wide bowl, stir together the brown sugar, vanilla extract, lime juice, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cayenne, and salt until evenly damp.
03 -
Add the pineapple spears and turn to coat all sides. Let stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until the sugar pulls out a little syrup.
04 -
Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly right before adding the fruit.
05 -
Grill the spears for 2-3 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until caramelized grill marks appear and the fruit is hot and juicy.
06 -
Warm any leftover syrup in a small pan for 1-2 minutes until glossy. Brush it over the hot pineapple and serve with lime zest, coconut yogurt, or vanilla ice cream if desired.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served warm right after grilling.
02 -
Use firm ripe pineapple so the spears hold their shape.
03 -
The spice level is mild if you use only a small pinch of cayenne.