Rum-Spiced Pineapple Grilled Skewers

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet pineapple chunks marinated in a spiced rum glaze and grilled to caramelized perfection, making a vibrant tropical appetizer or side. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 33 minutes pairs fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes, dark rum, brown sugar 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 120 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 0.25 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 0.5 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups fresh pineapple cubes to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  4. Step 4: Thread pineapple cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until pineapple edges are caramelized and slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and serve warm as a sweet, spiced tropical snack or side dish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rum-Spiced Pineapple Grilled Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 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 Rum-Spiced Pineapple Grilled 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 Rum-Spiced Pineapple Grilled 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 Rum-Spiced Pineapple Grilled 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 Rum-Spiced Pineapple Grilled 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.

Related recipes