Hello, food enthusiasts!
Today, I’m excited to take you on a culinary journey that brings together vibrant tropical flavors with a hint of spice! Imagine a warm summer evening, the grill sizzling, and the enticing aroma of sweet pineapple and savory chicken wafting through the air. Are you with me? Let’s dive into this delightful dish: Grilled Pineapple and Chicken Skewers with a Spicy Coconut Peanut Dip.
Why Pineapple, you ask? The enchanting thing about pineapple is its versatility. Its natural sweetness paired with a slight tang makes it a fantastic partner to savory components, especially when grilled. The heat caramelizes the sugars, adding layers of flavor and a touch of smokiness—simply irresistible!
But let’s not forget the star accompaniment here—a spicy coconut peanut dip that offers a creamy, nutty kick. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and spice that keeps your taste buds dancing.
This dish is incredibly easy to pull together, making it an ideal choice for a laid-back weekend barbecue or a mid-week ‘treat yourself’ dinner. The prep time allows for a quick marinade, and the grill does all the heavy lifting, giving you more time to sit back and enjoy that sunshine with a refreshing drink.
Speaking of grilling, I absolutely love how it evokes a sense of community and togetherness. There’s just something special about gathering around the grill—chatting, laughing, sharing stories, and eventually sharing a meal that you’ve cooked with love.
Back to the meal—these skewers are a beautiful medley of color and flavor. Bright red bell peppers and vibrant red onions complement the golden pineapple and juicy chicken. It’s a dish that’s as pleasing to look at as it is to eat.
The icing on the cake here is that phenomenal dip. If you like a little heat with your sweet, then this coconut peanut concoction is your new best friend. It’s creamy and rich, with a gentle warmth from the sriracha. I like to slather it on generously, but it can be served on the side to enjoy at your leisure.
I promise that every bite of this dish will transport you to a tropical paradise. Whether you’re sharing this meal with family or saving it all for yourself, it’s the perfect recipe to add a touch of exotic flair to your cooking repertoire.
Let me know how yours turns out! Until next time, happy cooking!
Cheers,
Al
Ingredients
– 500g chicken breast, cut into 2.5cm cubes
– 1 large fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into 2.5cm chunks
– 2 red bell peppers, cut into 2.5cm pieces
– 1 red onion, cut into wedges
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 wooden or metal skewers
For the Spicy Coconut Peanut Dip:
– 120ml coconut milk
– 60g smooth peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Method
1. **Prepare Skewers**: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
2. **Marinate Chicken**: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and mix thoroughly to coat. Cover the bowl with cling film and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. **Prepare the Dip**: While the chicken marinates, prepare the spicy coconut peanut dip. In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground cumin. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. **Assemble Skewers**: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and red onion wedges onto the skewers, alternating between the ingredients.
5. **Grill Skewers**: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice charred appearance. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C (165°F).
6. **Serve**: Arrange the grilled skewers on a serving platter. Serve them hot with the spicy coconut peanut dip alongside for dipping. Enjoy your tropical fusion feast!
