Sizzling Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Tropical summer barbecues come alive with these mouthwatering hawaiian ham and pineapple skewers that promise a burst of sweet and savory flavors.

Juicy pineapple chunks nestle perfectly between salty ham pieces, creating a delightful contrast on each wooden stick.

Weekend grilling just got way more exciting with this simple yet stunning dish.

Marinating the ingredients adds an extra layer of zesty goodness that makes taste buds dance.

Charred edges and caramelized surfaces bring out incredible depth in every single bite.

Friends and guests will absolutely love how quickly these skewers come together with minimal effort.

Grab your grill and let’s make some magic happen!

Ingredients for Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

• Ham: A savory meat that adds delicious flavor and protein to the skewers.

• Pineapple Chunks: A sweet tropical fruit that brings tangy brightness to the skewers.
• Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch and freshness.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp and aromatic element to the overall dish.

• Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, umami base for the marinade.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the marinade and adds smooth texture.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy note to balance the flavors.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Ginger: Contributes a warm and slightly spicy undertone.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Used for assembling and grilling the ingredients.

How to Prepare Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

Grab a small mixing bowl and combine soy sauce, honey, olive oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together until the ingredients blend into a smooth, fragrant sauce.

Step 2: Marinate Protein and Fruit

Place ham cubes and pineapple chunks into a large bowl. Pour half the prepared marinade over them, gently tossing to ensure every piece gets perfectly coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for half an hour to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water to prevent burning during grilling. Metal skewers can skip this hydration step.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Set your grill to medium heat, creating the perfect cooking environment for these tropical skewers.

Step 5: Assemble Colorful Skewers

• Ham cubes
• Pineapple chunks
• Red bell pepper pieces
• Green bell pepper pieces
• Red onion segments

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on the grill, cooking for 10-15 minutes. Rotate occasionally and brush with remaining marinade. Look for a beautiful char on vegetables and heated ham.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Serve these mouthwatering skewers piping hot, ready to transport taste buds to a Hawaiian paradise.

Tips for Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

• Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning and ensure even grilling without charring.
• Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and juiciness, cutting chunks into uniform sizes for consistent cooking.
• Marinate the ham and pineapple for maximum flavor absorption, but avoid over-marinating to prevent tough meat texture.
• Choose a low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake, and opt for lean ham to make the dish lighter and healthier.
• Let skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, creating more tender and flavorful bites.

Flavor Variations for Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

• Tropical Teriyaki Style: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add a splash of coconut milk for extra creaminess, giving the skewers a richer Pacific island flavor.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mince fresh jalapeños and mix into the marinade, then add sliced jalapeños between ham and pineapple chunks for a zesty, hot version.
• Caribbean Rum Infusion: Swap olive oil with dark rum in the marinade and add a pinch of allspice for a Caribbean-inspired grilled skewer experience.
• Smoky Chipotle Version: Incorporate chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the marinade, creating a smoky and slightly spicy profile that complements the sweet pineapple.

Pairing Suggestions for Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

• Savor Tropical Beverage Harmony: Refreshing Coconut Mojito
• Blend tropical rum with fresh mint, coconut water, and a splash of lime to complement the sweet and savory Hawaiian skewers, creating a perfect island-inspired drink pairing.
• Elevate Wine Selection: Crisp Riesling Delight
• Choose a slightly sweet Riesling with bright acidity that matches the marinade's tangy profile, cutting through the ham's richness and enhancing the pineapple's sweetness.
• Match Side Dish Perfection: Cilantro Lime Rice
• Prepare light, zesty cilantro lime rice as a complementary side that absorbs the skewers' marinade and provides a fresh, herbal counterpoint to the grilled ingredients.

Storage Advice for Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

• Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them sealed tightly to preserve moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual skewers in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring they're protected from freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, arrange skewers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs About Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

• Can I use different types of ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ham with other proteins like chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure the meat is cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

• Is there a way to make the marinade less sweet?

Absolutely! Reduce the honey amount or replace it with a sugar-free alternative like stevia. You can also add a splash of lime juice to balance the sweetness.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No worries! You can cook these skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or use a grill pan on the stovetop. Both methods will give you delicious results.

Why Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers Are a Tasty Treat

• Boost Flavor Quickly: Dive into a marinade that transforms ordinary ingredients into a taste explosion, blending sweet honey, tangy soy sauce, and zesty ginger for an incredible flavor profile.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Create restaurant-quality skewers with minimal kitchen skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward grilling techniques that anyone can master without complex cooking knowledge.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Impress guests with colorful, vibrant skewers that combine savory ham, juicy pineapple, and crisp bell peppers – a guaranteed crowd-winner for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making these skewers a versatile dish that adapts to different tastes and dietary needs.

Tropical Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical Hawaiian ham and pineapple skewers blend sweet and savory flavors in a delightful summer grilling experience. Sizzling with island-inspired zest, these skewers bring Caribbean charm directly to your plate and will make you dream of sunny coastlines.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) ham, cut into 1-inch cubes

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 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 pieces

Marinade and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional:

• Skewers (wooden or metal)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking soy sauce, honey, olive oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small mixing bowl.
2. Place ham cubes and pineapple chunks in a large bowl, drench with half the prepared marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
3. Submerge wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during grilling (metal skewers can be used directly).
4. Heat outdoor grill to medium temperature (around 375°F).
5. Assemble skewers by alternating marinated ham, pineapple, red and green bell peppers, and red onion pieces onto prepared skewers.
6. Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, rotating periodically and brushing with remaining marinade until ham is thoroughly heated and vegetables develop light charred edges.
7. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: Let the ham and pineapple sit in the marinade for up to 2 hours to intensify the sweet and savory taste profile.
• Prevent Wooden Skewer Burning: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from catching fire during grilling.
• Swap Proteins for Dietary Needs: Replace ham with tofu, chicken, or shrimp for vegetarian, halal, or seafood-friendly variations that maintain the tropical essence.
• Balance Grill Heat for Perfect Char: Maintain medium heat to ensure vegetables get a nice char without burning, and the ham warms evenly without drying out.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 213 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg