Ham Pineapple Skewers: A Delicious & Easy Grilling Recipe

Ham pineapple skewers: the ultimate sweet and savory treat that’s guaranteed to be the star of your next barbecue! Imagine biting into juicy chunks of pineapple, perfectly caramelized on the grill, paired with salty, smoky ham. It’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

While the exact origins of combining ham and pineapple are debated, this delightful pairing gained immense popularity in the mid-20th century, often appearing on pizzas and in Hawaiian-inspired dishes. The combination is a testament to the power of contrasting flavors – the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully cuts through the richness of the ham, creating a balanced and irresistible taste sensation.

What makes ham pineapple skewers so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of ease and deliciousness. They are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can grill them, bake them, or even pan-fry them. The vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma make them visually appealing, and the sweet and savory flavor profile appeals to a wide range of palates. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, packing a picnic, or simply looking for a quick and satisfying snack, these skewers are always a winning choice. Get ready to experience a taste of paradise with every bite!

Ingredients:

• 1 (2-3 pound) boneless ham steak, about 1-inch thick
• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Preparing the Marinade:

Okay, let’s get started with the marinade. This is where all the magic happens, infusing our ham and veggies with a delicious sweet and savory flavor. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined and the honey is fully dissolved. This will ensure an even distribution of flavor.
2. Taste the marinade. Adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add a little more honey. For more heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Preparing the Ham and Vegetables:

Now, let’s prep our main ingredients. The key here is to cut everything into uniform sizes so they cook evenly on the skewers.

1. Cut the ham steak into 1-inch cubes. You want them to be bite-sized and easy to thread onto the skewers. Try to keep them as uniform as possible.
2. Prepare the pineapple. If you bought a whole pineapple, make sure it’s properly peeled and cored. Cut it into 1-inch chunks, similar in size to the ham. Fresh pineapple is the best for this recipe, but you can use canned pineapple chunks in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well.
3. Cut the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Remove the seeds and membranes before cutting. The red and green bell peppers add a nice color and flavor contrast to the skewers.
4. Cut the red onion into 1-inch wedges. Separate the layers slightly so they are easier to thread onto the skewers. The red onion adds a nice sharpness that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and honey.

Marinating the Ham and Vegetables:

This is a crucial step for maximum flavor! The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your skewers will be.

1. Place the ham cubes, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion wedges in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the ham and vegetables, making sure everything is well coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the better! This allows the flavors to really penetrate the ham and vegetables. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference.
5. While the ham and vegetables are marinating, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven.

Assembling the Skewers:

Time to get creative! There’s no right or wrong way to assemble the skewers, but I like to alternate the ingredients for a visually appealing and flavorful result.

1. Remove the ham and vegetables from the marinade. Discard the marinade after use.
2. Thread the ham, pineapple, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion onto the soaked skewers. Alternate the ingredients as you thread them, creating a colorful and balanced skewer.
3. Leave a small space at the end of each skewer for easy handling.
4. Repeat until all the ham and vegetables are used.

Cooking the Skewers:

You have a few options for cooking your ham and pineapple skewers: grilling, baking, or broiling. I’ll walk you through each method.

Grilling:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F).
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the ham is heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Keep a close eye on the skewers to prevent burning. If they start to brown too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill.

Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the ham is heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Broiling:

Broiling is a quick method, but you need to watch the skewers carefully to prevent burning.

1. Preheat your broiler to high.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly around the skewers.
3. Place the skewers on the wire rack.
4. Broil for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through, until the ham is heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Watch the skewers closely and remove them from the oven as soon as they are cooked through.

Serving:

Now for the best part – enjoying your delicious ham and pineapple skewers!

1. Remove the skewers from the grill, oven, or broiler.
2. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
3. Serve the skewers hot, either on their own or with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips and Variations:

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• You can substitute the red and green bell peppers with other vegetables, such as zucchini, yellow squash, or mushrooms.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the ham with tofu or tempeh.
• Serve with a dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or teriyaki sauce.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a passport to a flavor fiesta! These Ham Pineapple Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of savory and sweet that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). The simplicity of the preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while the vibrant presentation elevates it to party-worthy status. Seriously, who can resist juicy chunks of pineapple and salty ham, perfectly grilled and ready to devour?

But the real magic lies in the versatility. Feeling adventurous? Try marinating the ham and pineapple in a teriyaki sauce for an extra layer of umami goodness. Or, add some bell peppers and red onion to the skewers for a pop of color and added nutrients. For a spicier kick, brush the skewers with a chili-garlic glaze during the last few minutes of grilling. The possibilities are truly endless!

These skewers aren’t just delicious on their own; they’re also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Imagine them as the star of your next barbecue, alongside grilled chicken or burgers. They’re also fantastic served over rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. For a lighter option, try pairing them with a fresh salad. And if you’re looking for a fun appetizer, simply cut the skewers into smaller pieces and serve them with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or sweet chili sauce.

I truly believe that these Ham Pineapple Skewers will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – a winning combination in my book! The combination of sweet and savory is just irresistible, and the grilling process adds a smoky char that elevates the flavors to a whole new level. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or oven!), and prepare to be amazed. I’m confident that you’ll love the results. And more importantly, I’m eager to hear about your experience!

Once you’ve made these delectable skewers, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this recipe.

I’m always looking for new ways to improve my recipes, so your suggestions are always welcome. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to help you every step of the way.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make these amazing Ham Pineapple Skewers. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy grilling, and happy eating! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures. Let me know if you tried adding any other fruits or meats to the skewers. I’m always looking for new ideas. Enjoy!

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