These Chili Lime Grilled Pineapple spears are a vibrant and flavorful addition to any meal, blending zesty lime with a smoky, lightly spiced char.
Naturally high in fiber and vitamin C, low in saturated fat, and packed with plant-based goodness, they’re a quick, easy, and satisfying side dish perfect for everyday meals, barbecues, or meal prep.
Chili Lime Grilled Pineapple
Equipment
- 1 Grill pan
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Pair of Tongs
- 1 small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 medium pineapple
- 1 tbsp chaat masala
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large lime
- Coconut oil for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Lime: Wash the lime thoroughly under cold running water. Using a sharp knife, cut the lime into 8 even wedges. Set aside on a small plate. These wedges will be used later to add a zesty, fresh flavor to the pineapple once it’s grilled.
- Make the Spice Blend: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of chaat masala, 1 tablespoon of Kashmiri chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until the spices are evenly mixed. This aromatic blend adds a unique Indian-inspired flavor, balancing heat, tang, and saltiness to the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Prepare the Pineapple Spears: Place the pineapple on a cutting board. Start by slicing off the top crown and the bottom base to create a stable surface. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice off the tough outer skin in strips, removing any remaining “eyes.” Next, cut the pineapple lengthwise into 4 quarters, then slice each quarter into 3 long spears, resulting in 12 spears total. The spears should be thick enough to hold their shape on the grill without falling apart.
- Preheat the Grill: If using an outdoor charcoal grill, light the charcoal and allow it to heat until medium-hot. For a stove-top grill pan, place it over medium heat. Brush a thin layer of coconut oil on the grill or pan to prevent sticking. Heating the grill properly ensures even charring and caramelization of the pineapple.
- Grill the Pineapple: Carefully place the pineapple spears on the preheated grill. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on the first side. Look for golden brown grill marks and a lightly softened texture—the pineapple should release from the grill easily when ready to flip. Using tongs, turn each spear to the opposite side, grilling another 2-3 minutes.The goal is to achieve a light char while keeping the interior firm and crisp, not mushy.
- Prepare to Serve: Once grilled, transfer the pineapple spears to a serving platter. Arrange them neatly, optionally using appetizer picks or wooden skewers for easy handling.
- Apply the Spice and Lime: Take the prepared lime wedges and sprinkle a small amount of the spice blend onto each wedge. Squeeze the lime lightly and rub the spiced juice over the grilled pineapple spears. This step adds a punch of tangy, spicy flavor that enhances the caramelized sweetness of the pineapple.
- Enjoy and Store: Serve the chili lime grilled pineapple immediately for the best flavor and texture. If storing leftovers, place the spears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They can be enjoyed cold, reheated in short 15-second microwave intervals, or incorporated into salads or tropical dishes like Hawaiian pizza.
Notes
- Aim for a light char on the pineapple rather than cooking it through; it should remain firm and crisp.
- Coconut oil can be used to brush the grill or grill pan to prevent sticking and add subtle flavor.
- Adjust chili powder according to your heat preference; Kashmiri chili is mild and gives color without too much spice.
- Lime wedges are best applied after grilling to preserve their fresh, tangy flavor.
- Leftover pineapple can be used in salads, smoothies, or tropical pizza recipes.
Chef’s Secrets For Best Results
Grilling pineapple is all about timing and temperature. Medium heat is key to achieving caramelized grill marks without turning the fruit mushy.
Always preheat your grill or pan before adding the pineapple, and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
Using a sharp knife ensures clean, uniform spears, which cook evenly.
The spice blend can be customized—adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cinnamon can create subtle variations while maintaining the tropical flavor profile.
Remember, the lime-chili rub is applied after grilling to preserve brightness and freshness.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
Chili Lime Grilled Pineapple makes a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with both savory and sweet dishes.
Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a tropical-inspired barbecue.
For a vegetarian twist, add the spears to a leafy green salad or sprinkle with crumbled feta and toasted nuts.
They also make a delicious topping for yogurt bowls, oatmeal, or even ice cream for a naturally sweet, lightly spicy dessert.
Presentation matters—arranging spears neatly with skewers or appetizer picks adds an inviting touch.
Storage Tips To Maintain Freshness
If you have leftover grilled pineapple, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Keep the lime-spice rub separate until ready to serve to prevent the pineapple from becoming soggy.
Reheating can be done in 15-second microwave intervals or by briefly warming in a skillet to maintain the caramelized texture.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the pineapple spears on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag, making them convenient for future smoothies or cooked dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh pineapple only?
Yes! Fresh pineapple is essential for this recipe, as canned pineapple is too soft and will not hold its shape on the grill.
Look for a ripe pineapple that gives slightly when pressed and has a sweet aroma at the base.
2. Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan on the stove or an oven broiler works well.
Use medium heat and watch carefully to achieve the same caramelized effect. Turn spears gently to avoid burning.
3. How spicy is the dish?
The recipe uses Kashmiri chili powder, which is mild and primarily adds color.
If you prefer more heat, you can increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne. The chaat masala adds a tangy, salty kick without extra spiciness.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can pre-cut the pineapple and mix the spice blend in advance. However, for best flavor, grill the pineapple and apply the lime-spice rub just before serving.
This keeps the fruit fresh and prevents it from becoming watery.
5. What are creative ways to use leftovers?
Leftover grilled pineapple is incredibly versatile. Add it to salads, tacos, or grain bowls for a sweet-savory element.
It can also be blended into smoothies, served over yogurt, or used as a tropical pizza topping.
