Tropical Grilled Pineapple Coconut Rice
Elevate your summer dining experience with this Tropical Grilled Pineapple Coconut Rice! This delightful dish combines the sweetness of grilled pineapple with aromatic basmati rice, finished with a hint of toasted sesame oil. The addition of brown sugar and a touch of spicy chipotle chile pepper creates a unique explosion of flavors that excite the palate. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or simply as a refreshing afternoon treat, this recipe turns a simple rice dish into a tropical escape on your plate. You’ll find yourself craving it long after the last bite!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dark brown sugar
1 (tablespoon)
ground chipotle chile pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
salt
3/4 (teaspoon (divided))
pineapple
1 (cored, cut into 1/2 inch-thick slices)
toasted sesame oil
2 (tablespoons)
scallions
3 (sliced)
garlic
1 (clove, minced)
cooked basmati rice
4 (cups, preferably)
Instructions
1
Prepare your grill for direct-heat cooking, ensuring it reaches a medium-high setting.
2
In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, ground chipotle chile pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
3
Generously sprinkle the sugar mixture over both sides of the pineapple slices, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4
Place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully browned and caramelized. Once done, remove from the grill and allow them to cool slightly before cutting them into bite-sized chunks.
5
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the toasted sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced scallions to the skillet and sauté until they turn golden, approximately 3 minutes.
6
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
7
Next, add the cooked basmati rice, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the grilled pineapple pieces to the skillet. Gently stir everything together and cook until all ingredients are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
8
Serve warm and enjoy this tropical twist on rice!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Grilled Pineapple Coconut Rice?
It is a tropical-inspired side dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized grilled pineapple with aromatic basmati rice, scallions, and toasted sesame oil.
What kind of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of cooked basmati rice.
How do you prepare the pineapple for the grill?
Core the pineapple and cut it into 1/2 inch-thick slices, then coat both sides with a mixture of dark brown sugar, ground chipotle chile pepper, and salt.
How long should I grill the pineapple slices?
Grill the pineapple for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully browned and caramelized.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a unique explosion of flavors with a hint of spice from the 1/2 teaspoon of ground chipotle chile pepper.
Is the recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, all the listed ingredients including rice, pineapple, sesame oil, and aromatics are plant-based.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil to add a nutty aroma to the dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How long do I sauté the scallions?
Sauté the sliced scallions for approximately 3 minutes until they turn golden.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be set to medium-high for direct-heat cooking.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 clove of minced garlic.
What ingredients are in the pineapple rub?
The rub consists of 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground chipotle chile pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How much salt is used in total?
A total of 3/4 teaspoon of salt is used, divided between the pineapple coating and the rice mixture.
When should I add the rice to the skillet?
Add the rice after the scallions and garlic have been sautéed and become fragrant.
What should I do with the pineapple after grilling?
Allow the slices to cool slightly and then cut them into bite-sized chunks before adding them to the rice.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
While dark brown sugar is specified for its depth of flavor, you can substitute with light brown sugar or coconut sugar.
How many scallions are required?
You will need 3 sliced scallions for this recipe.
How long does it take to heat the final dish through?
Once all ingredients are combined in the skillet, it takes about 2-3 minutes to heat through.
What occasions is this dish suitable for?
It is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing afternoon treat.
Is it better to use a nonstick skillet?
Yes, a large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the rice and caramelized pineapple from sticking.
Can I use a grill pan indoors?
Yes, if you don't have an outdoor grill, a grill pan over medium-high heat will work to caramelize the pineapple.
How is the garlic prepared?
The garlic should be minced and stirred into the skillet for one minute until fragrant.
What is the texture of the pineapple?
The pineapple becomes browned and caramelized on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
Can I substitute the chipotle pepper?
If you prefer less heat, you can substitute with smoked paprika for a similar smoky profile.
Should I use warm or cold cooked rice?
The recipe calls for cooked basmati rice; while it can be warm, day-old cold rice often works best for stir-fry style dishes.
Is there actual coconut in the ingredients?
The provided ingredient list focuses on the pineapple and sesame flavors; to enhance the 'coconut' aspect, you can cook your basmati rice in coconut milk.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple rings, but ensure they are patted dry before applying the sugar rub to help them caramelize properly.
What are the key flavor profiles of this dish?
It features a mix of sweetness, aromatic earthiness, smokiness, and a touch of spice.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served warm as a side dish.
Does the rice need a lot of stirring?
Gently stir everything together once the rice and pineapple are added to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed without breaking the rice grains.