If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, tender textures, and just the right kick, you have to try this Spicy Pineapple Ham Skewers Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy all threaded onto skewers for a perfect handheld treat. Whether you’re firing up the grill on a sunny afternoon or looking to impress at a weekend barbecue, these skewers deliver a refreshing yet bold taste adventure that everyone will rave about. The juicy pineapple and savory ham, kissed with a spicy glaze, come together for an unforgettable bite that’s both fun and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spicy Pineapple Ham Skewers Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a delightful balance of flavor and texture. From the freshness of the vegetables to the sweet and spicy glaze, these simple ingredients come together beautifully without any fuss.
- Stainless steel or wooden skewers: Stainless steel skewers hold up better on the grill, but wooden skewers work perfectly if soaked beforehand to prevent burning.
- Pineapple (cubed): Adds a juicy sweetness that perfectly contrasts the savory ham and peppers.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Hawaiian Style BBQ sauce: This sauce brings a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze that ties all the ingredients together.
- Small red onion (cubed): Offers a mild sharpness and a beautiful pop of purple color.
- Green bell pepper (cubed): Adds crunch and fresh, slightly bitter notes that balance the sweetness.
- Red bell pepper (cubed): Introduces a sweeter, crisp texture and a burst of red color.
- Canola oil: Helps to lightly coat the veggies, ensuring they grill evenly and don’t stick.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the natural taste of the ingredients.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds just the right amount of heat and depth to the skewers.
How to Make Spicy Pineapple Ham Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Skewers and Heat the Grill
Start by getting your skewers ready. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill. Meanwhile, fire up your grill and preheat it to a steady 300°F, the perfect temperature to get those lovely grill marks and smoky flavor without charring your skewers.
Step 2: Cube and Marinate Pineapple and Ham
Trim and cut your pineapple and ham steak into 1-inch cubes, keeping the ham about half an inch thick for the best grilling texture. Pat them dry with a paper towel—it helps the glaze adhere better and reduces excess moisture on the grill. Toss these cubes in a mixing bowl with half a cup of Sweet Baby Ray’s Hawaiian Style BBQ sauce. This step is where the magic begins as the ham and pineapple soak up those tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
Cut the green and red bell peppers and the red onion into equal 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Place them in a small bowl and toss with a tablespoon of canola oil, half a teaspoon of salt, and a sprinkle of black pepper. This simple seasoning helps the veggies caramelize beautifully on the grill, adding an irresistible smoky crunch to each bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Now, thread your ham, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers in any order you like—mixing colors and flavors for visual appeal and taste. Place the assembled skewers on a baking sheet, ready for the grill.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Before placing your skewers on the grill, oil the grill grates or grill pan with a paper towel dipped in canola oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers uncovered on the grill and turn them every few minutes to ensure each side is charred evenly. Grill for about 6 to 7 minutes total—enough time to develop that delicious smoky exterior while keeping the ham juicy and the pineapple caramelized.
How to Serve Spicy Pineapple Ham Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions adds a burst of color and a fresh, garden-like aroma that complements the spicy tang of the skewers perfectly. You can also add a dash of toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch that elevates the dish further.
Side Dishes
Serve these skewers alongside fluffy coconut rice or a light quinoa salad for a tropical-inspired meal. A crisp tossed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness and balancing the spicy-sweet flavors effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers on a wooden board lined with banana leaves to bring a Hawaiian luau vibe right to your table. You can also accompany them with small ramekins of the leftover Hawaiian BBQ sauce for extra dipping delight, making the experience even more interactive and tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be tough!), place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick, flavorful meal the next day.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy these skewers fresh, you can freeze the grilled components separately. Freeze the ham and pineapple cubes after grilling, storing them in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Vegetables are better fresh but can be blanched before freezing if desired.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a grill pan or under the broiler for just a few minutes, turning frequently. This ensures they stay juicy and don’t dry out, keeping that delightful balance of spicy, smoky, and sweet flavors intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ham?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with ham, you can experiment with chicken, pork, or even firm tofu cubes. Adjust the marinade time and grilling duration accordingly to suit the protein.
How spicy are the Spicy Pineapple Ham Skewers?
The heat mainly comes from the BBQ sauce, which has a gentle kick that’s friendly for most palates. If you love spice, you can easily add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to amp it up.
Do I need to soak the skewers if I use metal ones?
No need to soak metal skewers! They are perfect for grilling and won’t burn. Simply make sure they’re clean and ready to use.
Can I make this recipe indoors?
Definitely! If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler in your oven works well. Just watch closely to avoid burning and turn the skewers frequently for even cooking.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, most kids enjoy the combination of sweet pineapple and ham. If your children are sensitive to spice, you can reduce the BBQ sauce or choose a milder variety to keep it kid-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Pineapple Ham Skewers Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for any casual get-together or family meal. It’s vibrant, playful, and packed with flavor that’ll make your taste buds smile. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special on the grill. Trust me, these skewers are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Print
Spicy Pineapple Ham Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Pineapple Ham Skewers are a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfectly charred on the grill for a smoky finish. Marinated in Hawaiian style BBQ sauce and threaded with fresh pineapple, ham, and colorful bell peppers, they make a delicious and easy-to-make dish ideal for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Skewers and Marinade
- 8–10 stainless steel or wooden skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- ½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hawaiian Style BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ham steak, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes, ½ inch thick
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers and Preheat Grill: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Heat the outdoor grill to 300°F and oil the grill grates using a paper towel to avoid sticking.
- Marinate Ham and Pineapple: Trim and cube the pineapple and ham steak into 1-inch cubes, ½ inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them into a mixing bowl and add ½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Hawaiian Style BBQ sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Prepare Vegetables: Cut the green and red bell peppers and red onion into equal 1-inch pieces. In a small bowl, toss these vegetables with 1 tablespoon of canola oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste, ensuring they are well coated.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the ham, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto the prepared skewers alternately to create a colorful and flavorful combination. Lay the skewers on a baking sheet ready for grilling.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill uncovered. Turn the skewers every few minutes to ensure even charring on all sides. Grill them for no longer than 6-7 minutes until they develop a nice char but remain juicy and tender.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Patting the ham and pineapple dry before marinating helps the sauce stick better and reduces excess moisture.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper based on your preference.
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor; canned pineapple tends to be too wet for grilling.
- Be careful not to overcook; ham steak is already cooked, so the grilling is mainly to char and heat through.
