Tropical Pineapple Rice Delight
Indulge in the exotic flavors of the islands with this Tropical Pineapple Rice Delight. This vibrant side dish pairs beautifully with juicy pork chops or serves as a delightful bed for succulent grilled seafood like scallops and shrimp. Bursting with sweetness from ripe pineapples and a touch of savory soy sauce, this recipe will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests and bring a touch of paradise to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pineapple slices in heavy syrup
1 (20 ounce) can (drained and syrup reserved)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Ground ginger
1 teaspoon (none)
Cooked rice
2 cups (prepared according to package directions)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by draining the syrup from the can of pineapple slices into a medium saucepan. Bring the syrup to a gentle boil over medium heat, simmering for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
2
2. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the brown sugar, mixing until fully dissolved. Add the ginger and soy sauce, letting the mixture simmer on low heat to keep warm and mingle the flavors.
3
3. Preheat the grill (or oven if broiling) to medium-high heat. Place the pineapple rings on the grill and cook for approximately 4 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for an additional minute on the other side until they are nicely caramelized. If broiling, generously baste the pineapple rings with the sauce before placing them in the oven to help achieve a golden brown color.
4
4. On a serving platter or individual plates, create a bed of cooked rice. Arrange the grilled pineapple rings on top and generously drizzle the warm sauce over the rice and pineapple.
5
5. For added flair and flavor, top the dish with grilled scallops or shrimp. Serve warm and enjoy the tropical flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Pineapple Rice Delight?
Tropical Pineapple Rice Delight is a vibrant and exotic side dish that combines sweet pineapple flavors with savory soy sauce and ginger, served over a bed of rice.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include canned pineapple slices in heavy syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, ground ginger, and cooked rice.
How long does it take to grill the pineapple?
The pineapple rings should be grilled for approximately 4 minutes on the first side and 1 minute on the second side.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
While you can use fresh pineapple, this recipe specifically utilizes the reserved heavy syrup from the can to create the signature sweet sauce.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Any cooked white rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice works well as it provides a neutral base for the flavorful tropical sauce.
How do I make the tropical sauce?
The sauce is made by boiling the reserved pineapple syrup, then simmering it with brown sugar, ginger, and soy sauce until the flavors meld.
What can I serve with Tropical Pineapple Rice Delight?
This dish pairs perfectly with juicy pork chops or grilled seafood like scallops and shrimp.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as it consists of rice, fruit, and seasonings, provided the soy sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I bake the pineapple if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can broil the pineapple rings in the oven; be sure to baste them with the sauce to help them achieve a golden brown color.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brown sugar to achieve the desired sweetness and caramelization.
What size can of pineapple should I buy?
You will need one 20-ounce can of pineapple slices in heavy syrup.
Do I need to cook the rice separately?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 cups of cooked rice, which should be prepared according to the package directions before assembling the dish.
Is there ginger in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of ground ginger is used to add a touch of warmth and spice to the sauce.
Can this be served as a main course?
While traditionally a side dish, you can turn it into a main course by adding grilled shrimp, scallops, or chicken on top.
How do I get the pineapple to caramelize?
Grilling the pineapple over medium-high heat with the sugar-based sauce helps create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
Should the sauce be served hot?
Yes, the sauce should be kept warm on low heat and drizzled generously over the rice and pineapple just before serving.
Is this a Hawaiian-style dish?
Yes, the combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger gives this dish a distinct Hawaiian and tropical flavor profile.
Can I prepare this for a barbecue?
Absolutely! This is an excellent dish for barbecues as the pineapple can be cooked directly on the grill alongside your proteins.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to provide a savory balance to the sweet ingredients.
Do I drain the pineapple?
Yes, drain the pineapple slices but make sure to reserve the syrup as it is the base for the sauce.
How long should I boil the syrup?
The syrup should be brought to a gentle boil and simmered for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly before adding other ingredients.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, with only 5 main ingredients and simple grilling steps, this is considered an easy recipe for any skill level.
Can I add extra seafood?
Yes, topping the dish with grilled scallops or shrimp adds extra flair and makes for a more substantial meal.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Create a bed of cooked rice, place the grilled pineapple rings on top, and drizzle the warm sauce over everything.
Can I use dark brown sugar?
Yes, dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor, though the recipe generally suggests standard brown sugar.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat for the best results with the pineapple.
How many servings does this make?
Based on the 2 cups of rice and full can of pineapple, it typically serves 4 people as a side dish.
Is the ginger fresh or ground?
This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for easy mixing into the sauce.
Can I use pineapple chunks instead of slices?
Yes, you can use chunks, but slices are easier to grill and provide a more traditional presentation.
What makes this dish 'vibrant'?
The combination of golden caramelized pineapple and the glossy dark sauce over white rice creates a visually appealing and colorful plate.