Caribbean Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers
Juicy pineapple chunks marinated and glazed with a spiced dark rum sauce, grilled to caramelized perfection. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs dark rum, brown sugar, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium pineapple cut into 1-inch cubes to the bowl and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated pineapple cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the pineapple skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized with grill marks and the glaze is sticky and aromatic.
- Step 5: Remove from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve warm with an optional sprinkle of fresh mint for brightness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caribbean Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dark rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caribbean Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caribbean Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Skewers?
Caribbean grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.