Smoked Pineapple

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the smoky, sweet world of… drumroll, please… smoked pineapple! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the tantalizing taste of this tropical delight with a smoky twist. So, grab your aprons, fire up that grill, and let’s embark on a pineapple adventure together.

How to Make Smoked Pineapple

Alrighty, my pineapple-loving pals, let’s kick things off with a quick rundown of how to make the most heavenly smoked pineapple you’ve ever tasted.

1. Select the Perfect Pineapple: First things first, you gotta pick the right pineapple. Look for one that’s golden-yellow, gives slightly when squeezed, and has a sweet, fragrant aroma. It’s like nature’s version of a treasure hunt, folks!
2. Prep Your Pineapple: Take your chosen pineapple and give it a good peel. Cut off the top, bottom, and sides, making sure to remove all the eyes (those prickly bits that get stuck in your teeth). Slice it into thick rings or even spears, depending on your fancy.
3. Fire Up the Smoker: Get your smoker ready to rumble. I prefer using fruitwood like apple or cherry for that fruity, smoky flavor. Aim for a temperature of 225°F (107°C). Time to create some smoke magic!
4. Season It Up: Brush those pineapple slices with a mixture of brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and a hint of cinnamon. Trust me, the sweet and savory combo is pure dynamite.
5. Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em: Pop those pineapple slices onto the smoker grates and let ’em sizzle away for about 45 minutes to an hour. Keep an eye on ’em, you want them to be golden and caramelized, not burnt to a crisp!
6. Serve and Savor: Once they’re done, plate up those smoky beauties and prepare to have your taste buds do the happy dance. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra dose of deliciousness.

How to Choose a Ripe Pineapple

Alright, let’s get real for a sec. Choosing the right pineapple can be a bit of a gamble, but it’s a game I’m willing to play any day. Here’s my expert advice:

• Squeeze Test: Give that pineapple a gentle squeeze. It should yield slightly under pressure, just like a ripe avocado. Too firm? Not ready yet. Too mushy? Overripe. You’re looking for that sweet spot in between.
• Sniff Test: Close your eyes and take a whiff. A ripe pineapple should smell sweet and tropical, like a piña colada in the making. If it’s scentless or smells sour, move along, my friend.

And remember, a little brown on the skin? No biggie! That’s just the pineapple’s way of showing you it’s sweet and ready to party.

The Best Wood to Use

Now, you might be wondering, “What’s the deal with wood choices when smoking pineapple?” Well, my fellow flavor enthusiasts, here are a few options that’ll take your pineapple to the next level:

1. Fruitwood: Apple and cherry wood are my top picks for a fruity, sweet smoke that complements pineapple perfectly. It’s like they were made for each other.
2. Hickory: Hickory is your go-to if you want a bolder, slightly savory flavor. Go easy on it; you don’t want to overpower the pineapple’s sweetness.
3. Maple: For a subtle, delicate smokiness, maple wood is a fantastic choice. It won’t steal the show but will add a lovely touch to your grilled pineapple.

Remember, when it comes to wood, less is often more. A little goes a long way in infusing that smoky goodness into your pineapple.

Flavor Variations

Now, let’s kick things up a notch, shall we? Sure, smoked pineapple on its own is divine, but why not get a bit adventurous? Here are some flavor variations to try:

1. Spicy Pineapple: Sprinkle some chili powder or red pepper flakes on your pineapple slices before smoking. Sweet and spicy? Now we’re talking!
2. Coconutty Pineapple: Brush the pineapple with coconut milk and shredded coconut before smoking. It’s like a tropical dream on a plate.
3. Rum-Infused Pineapple: Soak those pineapple slices in some rum for an hour before hitting the smoker. The boozy infusion takes it to a whole new level.

Best Ways to Serve

Now, here’s where the rubber meets the road. You’ve smoked your pineapple perfectly, and it’s time to serve it in style. Here are a few delightful ideas:

1. Ice Cream Companion: Place a smoky pineapple ring next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra decadence. Cue the fireworks!
2. Tropical Tacos: Chop up your smoked pineapple and use it as a topping for grilled chicken or shrimp tacos. The contrast of smoky sweetness against savory goodness is mind-blowing.
3. Pineapple Salsa: Dice your smoked pineapple and mix it with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This salsa is a zesty sidekick for grilled meats or fish.
4. Pineapple Pizza: Yep, you heard me right. Add smoky pineapple slices to your pizza for a surprising burst of flavor. It’s a pizza party you won’t forget!

Well, folks, we’ve covered the ins and outs of smoked pineapple, from choosing the perfect fruit to serving up smoky slices of paradise. I hope this journey into the world of tropical grilling has left your taste buds dancing with delight!

Before signing off, juthank youillion for joining me on this pineapple adventure. Remember, life’s too short to skip dessert, especially when it’s smoky, sweet, and utterly irresistible. So fire up that grill, and get ready to savor the magic of smoked pineapple. You won’t regret it!

Catch you on the smoky side, pineapple lovers! And always remember, when in doubt, just add more pineapple – that’s my motto.

Print

Smoked Pineapple

Try our mouthwatering smoked pineapple recipe today and experience the perfect blend of smoky and sweet flavors. Your taste buds will thank you!

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Smoked Pineapple:

• 1 ripe pineapple
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream or coconut ice cream optional
• Honey or caramel sauce optional

Instructions

Prep Your Pineapple

1. Select the Perfect Pineapple: Start by picking a ripe pineapple. Look for one that's golden-yellow, gives slightly when squeezed, and has a sweet, fragrant aroma. This is key for a delicious smoked pineapple.
2. Peel and Slice: Place the pineapple on a cutting board and cut off the top, bottom, and sides to remove the skin. Make sure to remove all the eyes as well. Now, slice the pineapple into thick rings or spears, depending on your preference.

Fire Up the Smoker

1. Preheat Your Smoker: Fire up your smoker and preheat it to a temperature of approximately 225°F (107°C). Use fruitwood chips (like apple or cherry wood) to create that lovely fruity, smoky flavor.

Season and Smoke

1. Season the Pineapple: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and ground cinnamon. Take a basting brush and generously brush this mixture over both sides of your pineapple slices.
2. Place on the Grill: Once your smoker is at the right temperature and producing enough smoke, carefully place your seasoned pineapple slices directly onto the grates. Ensure they have enough space around them for proper smoking.
3. Smoke to Perfection: Close the smoker lid and let those pineapple slices sizzle away for about 45 minutes to an hour. Keep an eye on them, turning occasionally, until they're golden and caramelized but not burnt.

Serve and Savor

1. Plate Up: Once your smoked pineapple is done, carefully remove them from the smoker using tongs. Arrange them on a serving platter.
2. Optional Toppings: For extra deliciousness, serve your smoked pineapple with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. Drizzle some honey or caramel sauce over the top for an added touch of sweetness.