Get ready to elevate your culinary game with a tropical delight that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds! Imagine the sweet, smoky flavor of grilled pineapple infused with the warm, aromatic notes of star anise—this Grilled Pineapple Syrup is a game-changer for your desserts, cocktails, and breakfast treats. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a luscious syrup that not only adds a burst of flavor but also impresses your guests with its exotic flair. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a syrup that will transform any dish into a tropical paradise!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Tropical
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple by peeling and cutting it into even, thick slices approximately 1/2 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to ensure proper grilling.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, rotating 45 degrees halfway through to create attractive crosshatch grill marks. Look for caramelized golden-brown color and slight charring.
- Remove grilled pineapple and let cool for 5 minutes. Chop the grilled slices into smaller chunks.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and star anise pods. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
- Add chopped grilled pineapple to the sugar syrup and simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Remove star anise pods and stir in fresh lime juice to brighten the syrup's flavor profile.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing pineapple chunks to extract maximum flavor. Cool completely.
- Transfer to a clean glass jar or bottle. Refrigerate and use within 7-10 days. Serve over desserts, cocktails, or breakfast dishes.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pineapple: For the best flavor, select a ripe pineapple that’s fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. This will ensure your syrup is bursting with natural sweetness.
- Perfect Grilling Technique: To achieve those beautiful grill marks, make sure your grill is preheated and well-oiled. Grill the pineapple slices for just the right amount of time—2-3 minutes per side—until they are caramelized but not mushy.
- Experiment with Flavor: While star anise adds a unique twist, feel free to experiment with other spices like cinnamon or ginger to customize the syrup to your liking.
- Strain Well: When straining the syrup, press down on the pineapple chunks to extract every last drop of flavor. This will give you a richer syrup.
- Storage Tips: Store your syrup in a clean glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 7-10 days, but we doubt it will last that long!
- Serving Suggestions: Use this syrup over pancakes, ice cream, or cocktails for a tropical touch. It also makes a fantastic glaze for grilled meats or fruit salads!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
