Imagine transforming an ordinary pineapple into a mind-blowing culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe! These Coal Roasted Pineapple Burnt Ends are not just a side dish - they're a flavor explosion that combines the sweetness of caramelized pineapple with a smoky, charred perfection that will elevate your barbecue game to legendary status. Get ready to discover a recipe that turns simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that's both shockingly easy and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Barbecue
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole pineapple
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the top and bottom off the whole pineapple to create a stable base. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice off the skin, ensuring you remove all the eyes (the brown spots). Once peeled, cut the pineapple into 1-inch thick slices, then cut each slice into 1-inch cubes to create bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended to form a marinade. This mixture will infuse the pineapple with a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Add the cubed pineapple to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For best results, allow the pineapple to marinate for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavor.
- While the pineapple is marinating, prepare your grill or barbecue for indirect cooking. If using a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them burn until they are covered with ash. Push the coals to one side of the grill to create a hot side and a cooler side. If using a gas grill, turn on only half of the burners to achieve a similar effect.
- Once the grill is ready, thread the marinated pineapple cubes onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Arrange the skewers on the cooler side of the grill.
- Close the grill lid and let the pineapple cook for about 1 hour, turning the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking. The goal is to allow the sugars in the pineapple to caramelize and develop a rich, smoky flavor without burning.
- After 1 hour of cooking, transfer the pineapple skewers to the hot side of the grill. Sear the pineapple for an additional 5-10 minutes, turning frequently, until you achieve a nice char and crispy texture on the outside.
- Once the pineapple is nicely charred and caramelized, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the pineapple, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- After resting, remove the pineapple from the skewers and place the burnt ends in a serving dish. You can serve them warm as a delicious side dish or appetizer, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your coal roasted pineapple burnt ends with friends and family, savoring the unique combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors!
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the pineapple sits in the marinade (up to 2 hours), the more intense the flavor will be.
- Skewer Smartly: If using wooden skewers, always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Indirect Heat Magic: The secret to perfect burnt ends is low and slow cooking. Use the indirect heat method to allow the pineapple to caramelize without burning.
- Watch the Char: During the final searing stage, keep a close eye on the pineapple. You want a beautiful char, not a burnt mess.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the pineapple rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture.
- Serving Suggestions: These burnt ends are versatile! Serve as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a unique topping for desserts or grilled meats.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor kick, experiment with different spice combinations in your marinade or try adding a splash of rum or bourbon for a more complex taste profile!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
