Hawaiian Skewers with Pineapple and Teriyaki Glaze

Hawaiian Skewers with Pineapple and Teriyaki Glaze

Hawaiian Skewers are a delightful combination of juicy pineapple, tender chunks of meat or vegetables, and a savory-sweet teriyaki glaze. Perfect for grilling, these skewers are not only visually appealing but also burst with tropical flavors and a hint of smokiness. They are incredibly versatile, as you can choose chicken, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian variant.

Ingredients
For the Skewers:
– 1 lb (454g) chicken breast, beef sirloin, shrimp, or tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large pineapple, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– Wooden or metal skewers

For the Teriyaki Glaze:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tbsp water (to mix with cornstarch)

Instructions
1. Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the chicken, pineapple, red bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating the pieces.

2. Make the Teriyaki Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sugar has dissolved. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the prepared skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has nice grill marks. If using tofu, grill until heated through and slightly charred on the edges.

4. Glaze the Skewers: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the teriyaki glaze, turning them to ensure they are well-coated on all sides. Reserve some glaze for serving.

5. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining teriyaki glaze and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Hawaiian Skewers with Pineapple and Teriyaki Glaze—a true taste of the tropics perfect for any occasion!