Grilled Ham & Pineapple Kabobs: A Sweet & Savory BBQ Revelation
For years, our family’s grilling routine was a beautifully predictable affair: the undisputed reign of the hamburger. My husband, a self-proclaimed and highly proficient burger maestro, had perfected the art of grilling juicy, flavorful patties to absolute perfection. Our love for his signature hamburgers ran deep, and for us, the sizzle of the grill almost exclusively meant one thing: burgers for everyone!
While we occasionally ventured into grilling chicken, often with mixed results, the quintessential BBQ experience in our household always circled back to those beloved beef patties. It was our comfort zone, our culinary happy place, and a tradition we rarely dared to deviate from. But as any seasoned home cook knows, sometimes, a little push from family can lead to the most delightful discoveries.
Breaking the Burger Tradition: A Family Request
The gentle nudge came during planning for a recent family lunch. We had just enjoyed my husband’s fantastic burgers at my parents’ house, and my mom, always one for variety, playfully suggested we try “something different” this time. Initially, we were a tad bummed. Stepping away from our burger expertise felt like navigating uncharted waters, especially when we knew exactly how to deliver a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. However, the challenge was accepted, and we set out to find a new grilled sensation that could live up to our high BBQ standards.
The goal was to create something that would surprise and delight, offering a fresh taste while still being easy to prepare for a family gathering. We scoured recipes, brainstormed ideas, and finally landed on an intriguing concept: grilled ham and pineapple kabobs. The combination sounded promising – sweet, savory, and with a tropical flair perfect for a summer afternoon.
The Unexpected Success: Grilled Ham & Pineapple Kabobs
What unfolded next was nothing short of a revelation! These Grilled Ham & Pineapple Kabobs turned out to be incredibly sweet, perfectly moist, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender, savory ham with the caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple created a harmonious balance that captivated everyone’s taste buds. My parents, who had initially prompted the culinary adventure, couldn’t stop raving about how soft and juicy the ham was, and how the flavors danced together beautifully.
The versatility of the glaze we created was also a huge hit. We even decided to marinate some chicken with the same delicious mixture, and it too emerged from the grill tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. This experience truly expanded our grilling horizons, proving that there’s a whole world of incredible flavors beyond our beloved burgers. Now, I eagerly look forward to exploring many more amazing dishes from our grill, armed with new confidence and a fantastic new recipe.
Grilled Ham & Pineapple Kabobs
Experience a delightful tropical twist on your next BBQ with these incredibly sweet and savory ham and pineapple kabobs. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they are sure to become a new family favorite!
Rating: 4.32 out of 5 stars (based on 16 ratings)
Created by: Amber Brady
Yields: 24 skewers with about 11 pieces per kabob
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Pre-Cooked Boneless Ham, casing removed & large diced
- 1 Large Fresh Pineapple, peeled, cored & large diced
- ½ cup pineapple or orange juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp ground ginger, or to taste
- 1-2 Tbsp cornstarch + 1-2 Tbsp COLD water (for slurry)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple or orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Whisk thoroughly until the brown sugar is fully dissolved, creating your flavorful marinade.
- Add the large diced ham to the marinade. Ensure all ham pieces are well coated. For best results, marinate the ham in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. A resealable plastic bag works wonderfully for this, allowing you to occasionally mix the ham by gently squeezing the bag. Once marinated, drain the ham, making sure to SAVE the marinade as it will be used for the glaze.
- While the ham is marinating, prepare your skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Alternate threading the marinated ham dices and diced fresh pineapple onto the skewers. Leave a little bit of space between each piece to ensure more even cooking and better caramelization.
- Next, prepare your glaze. Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step is crucial for food safety since the marinade had raw ham. If desired, you can add extra brown sugar or ground ginger to taste, adjusting the sweetness and spice to your preference. While the marinade is heating, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Once the marinade is boiling, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a beautiful, glossy glaze. Keep this glaze warm until you are ready to grill your kabobs.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the ham and pineapple skewers on the grill. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the ham is heated through and the pineapple begins to caramelize, developing attractive grill marks. During the grilling process, liberally baste both sides of the kabobs with the warm glaze. This will add layers of flavor and help create a sticky, delicious exterior.
- Remove the kabobs from the grill once they are heated through and beautifully caramelized. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you don’t have fresh pineapple, canned pineapple chunks (drained) can be used, though fresh offers a better texture. Don’t overcrowd the grill to ensure even cooking and better air circulation.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only. Please consult a professional for precise dietary information.
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Tips for Grilling Perfect Kabobs Every Time
Creating mouth-watering kabobs goes beyond just assembling ingredients. Here are a few essential tips to ensure your grilled ham and pineapple kabobs turn out perfectly every time, cementing their status as a new BBQ staple:
- Uniform Cutting is Key: Ensure your ham and pineapple pieces are cut into roughly the same size. This allows for even cooking, preventing some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked. Aim for bite-sized chunks that are easy to thread and handle.
- Don’t Forget to Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading prevents them from catching fire on the hot grill. This small step makes a big difference in presentation and safety. Metal skewers are also a great reusable option.
- Mind the Spacing: While it might be tempting to pack your skewers tightly, leave a small gap between each piece of ham and pineapple. This allows heat to circulate more effectively, promoting even cooking and beautiful caramelization on all sides.
- Preheat Your Grill: Always start with a clean, preheated grill. This prevents sticking and helps achieve those desirable sear marks. A well-oiled grate will also ensure your kabobs don’t stick.
- Basting for Flavor and Moisture: The glaze is not just for taste; it also helps keep the ham moist and adds a beautiful, sticky coating. Apply the warm glaze generously during the last few minutes of grilling, allowing it to caramelize without burning.
- Monitor Temperature: Ham is pre-cooked, so you’re primarily aiming to heat it through and get a nice char. The pineapple will soften and caramelize. Keep an eye on your kabobs and turn them frequently to prevent any single side from burning.
Beyond the Grill: Serving Suggestions & Variations
These Grilled Ham & Pineapple Kabobs are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal. For a light and refreshing option, serve them alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. A simple coconut rice or fluffy white rice can absorb the delicious glaze and complement the tropical flavors perfectly. For an ultimate BBQ spread, consider pairing them with grilled corn on the cob or a vibrant coleslaw.
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few variations to inspire your next grilling adventure:
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), red onion, or zucchini chunks can be threaded onto the skewers for added color, texture, and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the marinade can elevate the flavors.
- Alternate Proteins: As we discovered, chicken is a fantastic alternative or addition. Shrimp or firm tofu could also work well with this sweet and savory glaze.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving can add a burst of freshness and color.
Embracing New Grilling Adventures
This journey from burger-centric grilling to the delightful discovery of Ham & Pineapple Kabobs has been a wonderful experience. It’s a testament to the joy of stepping out of our culinary comfort zone and embracing new flavors. The overwhelming positive feedback from family truly made it a memorable meal, and it has opened up a world of possibilities for future outdoor cooking sessions.
We encourage you to try these fantastic kabobs at your next family gathering or weekend BBQ. They offer a refreshing change of pace, are relatively simple to prepare, and deliver an explosion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will leave everyone asking for more. So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on your own delicious grilling adventure!