A Tropical Delight for Your Taste Buds

Introduction

Grilled pineapple is a classic dessert that has gained worldwide popularity, especially in Brazilian cuisine. Brazilian Grilled Pineapple, also known as Abacaxi Grelhado, is a flavorful, sweet, and smoky treat often served at churrascarias (Brazilian steakhouses). This delicious dish brings the tropical sweetness of pineapple to life with a perfect balance of caramelized sugar and savory spices, creating an unforgettable taste experience. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ, hosting a special dinner, or craving something new, Brazilian Grilled Pineapple should be on your menu.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing this vibrant dish, including its history, recipe variations, health benefits, and tips for grilling the perfect pineapple.

What is Brazilian Grilled Pineapple?

Brazilian Grilled Pineapple, or Abacaxi Grelhado, is a popular dessert and side dish that features fresh pineapple grilled to perfection. This traditional Brazilian treat is often served with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and sometimes with a touch of rum or other spices to enhance its natural sweetness. Grilling the pineapple caramelizes its sugars, creating a rich, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the fruit’s tangy and sweet notes.

In Brazil, Abacaxi Grelhado is often served at churrascarias, which are Brazilian BBQ restaurants. The fruit is typically skewered and grilled over an open flame, making it a dramatic and delicious centerpiece.

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The History Behind Brazilian Grilled Pineapple

Brazilian cuisine is a fusion of indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences. The tradition of grilling pineapple dates back to Brazil’s colonial era, when Portuguese settlers brought sugarcane and other fruits to the region. Pineapple, being abundant in tropical Brazil, became a key ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.

Grilled pineapple was initially served as a side dish at large BBQs or gatherings, particularly during celebrations and holidays. Over time, it evolved into a beloved dessert that is now a staple at churrascarias, where it is often served after a hearty meal of grilled meats.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Brazilian Grilled Pineapple

The simplicity of Brazilian Grilled Pineapple lies in its ingredients. To create this delicious treat, you only need a few key items:

Ingredients for the Pineapple:

1 fresh pineapple – Choose a ripe pineapple for maximum sweetness and flavor. Look for one that has a sweet aroma and firm texture.
1 tablespoon of cinnamon – Cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple and gives it that signature Brazilian flavor.
2 tablespoons of sugar – Granulated white sugar or brown sugar will work. Brown sugar will add a richer, more caramelized flavor.
Pinch of salt – A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and helps the other flavors pop.
Optional: 1 tablespoon of rum – If you want to add a unique twist to your grilled pineapple, consider using dark or spiced rum for extra depth.

Tools You’ll Need:

Grill or BBQ – For an authentic Brazilian grilled flavor, cook the pineapple on an open flame or a grill. You can also use a stovetop grill pan.
Skewers – If using a BBQ, skewers can make grilling easier. You can use metal or wooden skewers; just remember to soak wooden ones to prevent burning.
Basting brush – To apply sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the pineapple.

How to Grill Pineapple: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step process of grilling pineapple the Brazilian way. Follow these easy instructions to create a mouthwatering treat:

1: Prepare the Pineapple

Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the pineapple. This creates a stable base for cutting.
Stand the pineapple upright and slice off the skin, making sure to remove the eyes (the small brown spots).
Once peeled, cut the pineapple into rings, about 1-inch thick. You can also cut it into spears if preferred.
If using skewers, you can insert them through the center of the pineapple slices for easier grilling.

2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste, but the typical ratio is 2 parts sugar to 1 part cinnamon.
If you’re using rum, mix it in with the cinnamon sugar for added flavor.

3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat as well.

4: Grill the Pineapple

Place the pineapple slices or spears on the grill, making sure to leave some space between each piece. Grill for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until you see grill marks and the pineapple begins to caramelize.
During the grilling process, use a basting brush to coat the pineapple with the cinnamon sugar mixture, allowing the sugar to melt and form a golden, crispy exterior.

5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the pineapple is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the grill. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Serve the grilled pineapple as a dessert, side dish, or even as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Tips for Perfect Brazilian Grilled Pineapple

Achieving the perfect grilled pineapple involves a few simple tips and tricks. Here are some expert recommendations to ensure your Brazilian Grilled Pineapple turns out flawless every time:

Choose a ripe pineapple – The best grilled pineapple comes from a perfectly ripe fruit. Look for one with a golden-yellow color and a fragrant smell at the base.
Cut the pineapple evenly – Slices or wedges should be uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Use a hot grill – A medium-high heat will help caramelize the sugars in the pineapple without burning it.
Brush the pineapple with the sugar mixture – Apply the sugar mixture while grilling, not before. This prevents it from burning too quickly.
Consider adding spices – Experiment with spices like nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Variations of Brazilian Grilled Pineapple

While the traditional Brazilian Grilled Pineapple recipe is simple and flavorful, there are plenty of ways to customize it. Here are a few popular variations you can try:

Spiced Rum Pineapple – Add a splash of spiced rum to the cinnamon sugar mixture for an adult version of the dish.
Chili Pineapple – For a spicy kick, mix chili powder or cayenne pepper with the cinnamon sugar. The combination of sweet and heat is irresistible.
Coconut Grilled Pineapple – Sprinkle shredded coconut over the pineapple before grilling for an extra tropical flavor.
Honey and Lime Pineapple – Drizzle the grilled pineapple with honey and squeeze fresh lime juice on top for a refreshing citrusy twist.

Health Benefits of Grilled Pineapple

Aside from being a delicious treat, grilled pineapple also offers numerous health benefits:

Rich in vitamins and minerals – Pineapple is packed with vitamin C, manganese, and fiber, all of which support a healthy immune system and digestive health.
Contains bromelain – Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that has anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in digestion.
Low in calories – Grilled pineapple is a low-calorie dessert option that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Antioxidant properties – The natural antioxidants in pineapple help protect the body from oxidative stress and support overall wellness.

How to Serve Brazilian Grilled Pineapple

Brazilian Grilled Pineapple can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. Here are some serving ideas:

As a dessert – Serve the grilled pineapple on its own or pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
In salads – Add grilled pineapple to fruit salads for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with other tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and coconut.
On top of grilled meats – In Brazilian BBQ tradition, pineapple is often served alongside grilled meats. Its sweetness complements the savory flavors of grilled steaks and sausages.
In cocktails – Use grilled pineapple as a garnish in cocktails such as piña coladas, mojitos, or daiquiris.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Brazilian Grilled Pineapple without a grill?

Yes, you can definitely make Brazilian Grilled Pineapple without a traditional outdoor grill. Here are a few alternatives to grill the pineapple indoors:

Stovetop Grill Pan: A grill pan on the stove works well for this recipe. Simply preheat the pan on medium-high heat and cook the pineapple slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, just like you would on a grill. The ridges of the grill pan will create those beautiful grill marks.
Oven: You can also use your oven if you don’t have a grill or grill pan. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pineapple slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. You can even broil the pineapple for the last few minutes to get a caramelized finish.
Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, it’s another great option for grilling pineapple. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the pineapple slices for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Using any of these methods will still give you a delicious, caramelized result, although grilling over an open flame does impart a unique smoky flavor.

2. Do I need to peel the pineapple before grilling it?

Yes, it is necessary to peel the pineapple before grilling it. The outer skin of the pineapple is tough and inedible, and the “eyes” (small brown spots on the surface) can also be unpleasant to eat. Here’s how to properly prepare the pineapple for grilling:

Cut off the top and bottom: Begin by cutting off the crown (top) and the base of the pineapple. This will allow the fruit to sit flat on your cutting surface, making it easier to cut.
Peel the skin: Stand the pineapple up on its flat base and carefully cut downward along the sides to remove the tough outer skin. You may need to go around the fruit several times to get rid of all the skin.
Remove the “eyes”: Once the skin is removed, you might notice some small brown spots or “eyes” on the flesh. Use your knife to remove these by cutting in a diagonal pattern around the eyes.

After this, you can slice the pineapple into rings, wedges, or spears for grilling.

3. Can I use canned pineapple for grilling?

While fresh pineapple is typically recommended for grilling due to its natural sweetness and juiciness, canned pineapple can be used in a pinch. However, there are a few things to consider:

Texture: Canned pineapple is usually softer and has more moisture than fresh pineapple. This can affect the grilling process since it might not caramelize as well as fresh fruit.
Flavor: Canned pineapple can be sweeter, but it may lack the natural tartness that fresh pineapple has. To compensate for this, you can adjust the amount of sugar or cinnamon in your recipe.
Preparation: If you decide to use canned pineapple, drain it thoroughly to remove excess liquid, and try to grill it on a lower heat to avoid burning the sugar too quickly.

While fresh pineapple will give you the best results, canned pineapple is a viable alternative if you’re looking for convenience or can’t find fresh pineapples.

4. What type of pineapple is best for grilling?

When choosing a pineapple for grilling, it’s important to pick one that’s ripe and sweet. Here are a few tips to ensure you select the best pineapple:

Look for a ripe pineapple: A ripe pineapple has a sweet fragrance at the base, a golden-yellow color, and gives slightly when pressed (but not too soft). The leaves on top should be green and easy to pull out, indicating ripeness.
Varieties: The most common variety of pineapple is the Queen or Cayenne pineapple. These varieties are generally sweet and juicy, making them perfect for grilling. Other varieties, such as the Red Spanish or Gold pineapple, are also great options.
Avoid overripe or underripe pineapples: Overripe pineapples may be too soft, which can result in a mushy texture when grilled. Underripe pineapples, on the other hand, can be too tart and lack the sweetness that makes grilled pineapple so delicious.

A ripe, high-quality pineapple will give you the best results and flavor when grilled.

5. Should I marinate the pineapple before grilling?

Marinating pineapple before grilling is optional but can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. A marinade typically consists of a sweetener (like brown sugar or honey), spices (such as cinnamon and nutmeg), and a liquid (like rum, lime juice, or even coconut water).

Benefits of marinating:

Enhanced flavor: A marinade allows the flavors to penetrate the fruit, making it even more delicious.
Caramelization: The sugar in the marinade helps create a rich, caramelized exterior when grilled.
Moisture retention: The marinade can help keep the pineapple slices from drying out while grilling.

If you prefer a simpler method, you can skip the marinade and simply apply the cinnamon sugar mixture while grilling.

6. Can I make Brazilian Grilled Pineapple ahead of time?

Yes, Brazilian Grilled Pineapple can be made ahead of time, though it’s best enjoyed freshly grilled to preserve its caramelized texture and smoky flavor. If you need to prepare it in advance, here are some tips:

Grill in advance: Grill the pineapple up to a day before your event. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm it on a grill or in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Grill and serve immediately: If you have a grill party, grill the pineapple just before serving to ensure it’s fresh and hot. You can prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture and have everything ready to go.

Though you can prep the pineapple ahead of time, grilling it at the last moment ensures it remains crisp, juicy, and delicious.

7. Can I add other fruits or toppings to grilled pineapple?

Absolutely! Brazilian Grilled Pineapple pairs well with a variety of fruits and toppings. Here are a few ideas to take your grilled pineapple to the next level:

Mixed fruits: Grill other tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or peaches alongside your pineapple for a colorful and flavorful fruit platter.
Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the grilled pineapple for a tropical twist, or drizzle it with coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Ice cream or whipped cream: Serve the grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the sweetness.
Rum glaze: After grilling, drizzle a rum glaze (made with dark rum, sugar, and a splash of lime) over the pineapple for a delicious boozy touch.

Experiment with different fruits, nuts, and sauces to create a personalized version of this Brazilian classic.

Conclusion: Why Brazilian Grilled Pineapple is a Must-Try

Brazilian Grilled Pineapple is a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors that will elevate any meal or celebration. Whether you’re looking for a tropical dessert or a unique side dish to serve with BBQ, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a taste of Brazil right in your own kitchen.

Give Brazilian Grilled Pineapple a try at your next BBQ, dinner party, or family gathering, and enjoy the tropical flavors of this delicious treat!