There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of smoky, sweet pineapple kissed by zesty lime and creamy coconut—the star of this easy-to-make Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe. It’s the kind of tropical treat that instantly transports you to sun-soaked beaches, all from your backyard grill!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Unforgettable Flavor Explosion: The caramelized sugars of grilled pineapple paired with lime’s tang and coconut’s subtle sweetness create a burst of vibrant taste.
- Super Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether as a refreshing dessert, a unique side, or a fancy cocktail garnish, this recipe shines.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: Simple pantry staples come together to create something delightfully special, proving you don’t need a long list for great flavor.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The charm of this Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully layered ingredients. Each one plays a key role in balancing sweetness, tartness, and tropical flair, making the dish sing with every bite.
- Ripe Pineapple: Look for one heavy for its size with a sweet fragrance; juicy and tender is the goal.
- Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes—lightly packed ensures just the right sweetness without overpowering.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps the glaze cling beautifully; unsalted butter can work, just add a pinch of salt.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is best to capture that bright, tangy zing that complements the pineapple.
- Coconut Extract: The secret tropical whisper—it’s concentrated so a little goes a long way, but feel free to add more for extra coziness.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top, it breaks through the sweetness, providing a delightful savory contrast.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your grill to a medium temperature, roughly 300-350°F. This perfect heat level ensures the pineapple caramelizes beautifully without burning, bringing out that signature smokiness and golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple
Peel your ripe pineapple, core it carefully, and slice into rings about half an inch thick. This thickness helps the pineapple slices stay juicy while developing those amazing grill marks.
Step 3: Whisk the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted salted butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, and coconut extract until silky and smooth. This glaze is the magic sauce that transforms the fruit’s natural sweetness with a tropical tang and luscious richness.
Step 4: Brush and Season
Generously brush both sides of each pineapple slice with the glaze, making sure every inch is coated. Then, sprinkle the flaky sea salt; this tiny savory touch will elevate the sweet and tart combination to new delicious heights.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the pineapple rings on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for those satisfying caramelized grill marks—their aroma alone will have you eager to dig in. Just be careful not to overcook; tender and caramelized is the goal.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the grilled pineapple to a serving plate and serve warm. Optional toppings like a sprinkle of fresh lime zest, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce take this simple recipe into indulgent territory.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh lime zest adds a burst of vibrant color and aroma right before serving. A dollop of vanilla ice cream melts delightfully over warm pineapple, while a light drizzle of caramel sauce intensifies the sweetness, making every bite a little celebration.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs superbly with smoky grilled meats like chicken or pork, balancing savory flavors with its tropical sweetness. Serve alongside coconut rice or a crisp green salad to keep the meal fresh and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grilled pineapple rings as skewered kabobs alternating with fresh mint leaves or chili flakes for a spicy kick. You can also chop the grilled pineapple into chunks for a vibrant fruit salsa that livens up tacos or grilled fish perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it a refreshing snack or quick dessert the next day.
Freezing
Feel free to freeze any leftover grilled pineapple. Wrapped tightly, it keeps well for up to 6 months. Frozen grilled pineapple makes an excellent icy treat on hot days or a cool addition to smoothies.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm pineapple slices on a grill pan or under the broiler for a minute or two until warmed through—taking care not to overcook and dry them out. This reactivates the glaze’s gooey, caramel notes to perfection.
FAQs
-
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
While fresh pineapple is ideal for grilling because of its firm texture and natural sweetness, canned pineapple can technically be used but won’t hold up as well on the grill and might become mushy. Fresh is definitely best to achieve the perfect caramelized exterior and juicy bite.
-
What if I don’t have a grill; can I cook this recipe another way?
Absolutely! A grill pan or heavy skillet on the stovetop works beautifully. Cook the pineapple slices over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until you see caramelization and grill marks. It’s a great alternative, especially when outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
-
Is coconut extract necessary, or can I substitute it?
Coconut extract adds that defining tropical undertone without overpowering the pineapple’s natural flavor. If you don’t have it, you can omit it or use a splash of coconut milk, though the flavor will be less concentrated and slightly different in texture.
-
How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is properly preheated and well-oiled before placing the pineapple slices on it. Using the glaze to coat the pineapple also helps prevent sticking, but a quick brush of oil on the grill grates ensures easy flipping and pristine grill marks.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe is like a little tropical vacation on a plate—simple, fresh, and full of sunshine. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to smile with every bite, and I can’t wait for you to make it your new go-to whenever you want a taste of summer anytime. Grab a grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this irresistible treat with friends and family!
Print
Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Description
Delight in the tropical sweetness of Grilled Pineapple with Lime and Coconut, a simple and flavorful recipe featuring caramelized pineapple slices glazed with a buttery brown sugar mixture infused with lime juice and coconut extract. Perfect as a warm dessert or a refreshing side, this recipe is enhanced with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and optional toppings like lime zest, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce for a luscious finish.
Ingredients
Pineapple and Glaze
- 1 ripe pineapple
- ⅔ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp lime juice (about two small limes)
- ¾ tsp coconut extract
- 2 tsp flaky sea salt
Optional Toppings
- lime zest
- vanilla ice cream
- caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit, to ensure even cooking and caramelization of the pineapple slices.
- Prepare Pineapple: Peel, core, and slice the pineapple into ½ inch thick rings, yielding approximately 12 slices depending on the fruit size.
- Make Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted salted butter, lime juice, and coconut extract until fully combined to create a rich glaze.
- Brush and Season: Generously brush both sides of each pineapple slice with the brown sugar glaze and evenly sprinkle flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness with a savory touch.
- Grill Pineapple: Arrange pineapple slices on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are caramelized with clear grill marks.
- Serve Warm: Remove the pineapple from the grill, plate immediately, and serve warm with optional toppings such as lime zest, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce for added flavor and indulgence.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover grilled pineapple for up to 6 months and enjoy as a refreshing frozen treat.
- If a grill is unavailable, use a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop, cooking pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat.
- For additional flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or chili powder on the pineapple before grilling.
