Pineapple Skewers Recipe

PINEAPPLE: The main ingredient, fresh pineapple adds juicy sweetness and a tropical flavor.

HONEY: Adds natural sweetness and helps the pineapple caramelize on the grill.

LIME JUICE: Gives a bright, tangy kick that balances the sweetness.

SALT: Just a pinch to bring out all the flavors and add a little contrast.

One of the most fun parts of making these pineapple skewers is threading the pineapple chunks onto the skewers. It might seem simple, but doing it right helps the fruit cook evenly and stay on the stick while you grill. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Hold the skewer steady in one hand.
2. Take a chunk of pineapple and gently push it onto the pointy end of the skewer.
3. Slide the chunk down until it rests snugly against the previous piece.
4. Keep adding chunks, leaving a little space between each one so the heat can reach all sides.
5. Don’t pack them too tight or they might not cook evenly, but don’t leave too much space or they could fall off.

Doing this makes grilling smoother because the pineapple cooks evenly on all sides, giving you those perfect grill marks and a juicy, caramelized flavor. Plus, when the pieces are spaced just right, the heat can move around them, so nothing ends up undercooked or burnt.

I remember the first time I made skewers, I pushed the chunks on too tightly, and they didn’t cook well in the middle. It was a little disappointing! Now, I always leave a tiny gap between pieces, and it makes a big difference. Also, if you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for about 30 minutes before threading helps stop them from burning on the grill. That’s a little trick I picked up that saves a lot of cleanup later.

Once your pineapple skewers are ready, brushing on the honey-lime mixture before grilling adds a sweet, tangy glaze that makes every bite taste fresh and delicious. Enjoy!

• pineapple - Substitute with mango: Mango has a similar sweetness and tropical flavor that can mimic the taste of pineapple in skewers.

• pineapple - Substitute with peach: Peaches offer a juicy and sweet alternative that works well when grilled.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it a good alternative to honey.

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a comparable sweetness and consistency to honey, suitable for a vegan option.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor that can replace lime juice.

• lime juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice provides a milder citrus flavor with a hint of sweetness, which can work well in the recipe.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, giving a different but interesting twist to the skewers.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral profile.

• Allow the pineapple skewers to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the pineapple soggy.
• Place the cooled skewers in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The pineapple skewers will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the skewers. First, lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other.
• Freeze the skewers for about 2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together when stored.
• Once frozen, transfer the skewers to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the pineapple skewers in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• To reheat, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the skewers for 1-2 minutes on each side, just until they are warmed through and have a slight char.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the skewers in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through.
• Avoid microwaving the skewers, as this can make the pineapple mushy and diminish the delightful texture.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pineapple skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through. This method helps maintain the caramelized exterior while warming the inside.

• Microwave Method: Place the pineapple skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated. This is the quickest method but may slightly soften the texture.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the pineapple skewers back on the grill for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they are warmed through. This method will help retain the original grilled flavor and texture.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the pineapple skewers in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through. This method adds a slight caramelization to the reheated pineapple.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pineapple skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method keeps the exterior crispy while warming the inside.

• Grill: Used to cook the pineapple skewers, giving them a nice char and enhancing their flavor.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the honey, lime juice, and salt together.

• Skewers: Used to thread the pineapple chunks for grilling.

• Basting brush: Used to brush the honey-lime mixture over the pineapple skewers.

• Tongs: Used to turn the skewers on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Cutting board: Used to cut the pineapple into chunks.

• Knife: Used to peel, core, and cut the pineapple into chunks.

Pre-cut pineapple: Buy pre-cut pineapple chunks to save time on peeling and coring.

Ready-made skewers: Use pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers to avoid preparation time.

Mix in advance: Prepare the honey-lime mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Batch grilling: Grill multiple skewers at once to reduce overall cooking time.

Quick cleanup: Line the grill with aluminum foil to make cleanup faster and easier.