BBQ: Fiery Hoisin Ham & Pineapple Skewers

 

Fiery Hoisin Ham & Pineapple Skewers with Honey-Lime Glaze

This recipe elevates the classic ham and pineapple skewer with a vibrant hoisin-ginger marinade and a refreshing honey-lime glaze, adding layers of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours with a subtle kick.

Yields: Approximately 6-8 skewers

Prep time: 25 minutes (plus optional marinating time)

Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Skewers:

• 1.5 lbs cooked ham, cut into 1-inch cubes (smoked ham works particularly well)
• 1 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks

For the Fiery Hoisin Marinade:

• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Honey-Lime Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lime zest

Equipment:

• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Grill or grill pan

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sriracha, minced garlic, and sesame oil until well combined.

2. Marinate (Optional):

Place the cubed ham in a separate bowl. Pour about half of the marinade over the ham, ensuring each piece is coated. You can marinate the ham in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavour. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting. The pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion don't need to be marinated.

3. Assemble the Skewers:

Thread the ham, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion chunks onto the skewers. Alternate the ingredients to create visually appealing and balanced skewers.

4. Prepare the Glaze:

In a small saucepan over low heat, or in a microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the honey until it becomes more fluid. Stir in the fresh lime juice and lime zest. Set aside.

5. Preheat the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

6. Grill the Skewers:

Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, basting frequently with the reserved marinade, until the ham is heated through and the pineapple and vegetables are slightly caramelised and tender.

7. Glaze and Finish:

During the last minute of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the honey-lime glaze. This will create a beautiful sheen and add a final layer of flavour.

8. Serve:

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Soaking Skewers: Don't skip soaking wooden skewers! This prevents them from catching fire on the grill.
• Even Cooking: Cut all your ingredients into roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly on the skewers.
• Don't Overcrowd: Leave a little space between the pieces on the skewers to allow for better heat circulation and even cooking.
• Temperature Check: Ensure the internal temperature of the ham reaches 165°F (74°C) if you are using a type of ham that requires it (though most pre-cooked hams are safe to eat heated through).
• Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha in the marinade to control the level of heat. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra intensity.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like chunks of zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to your skewers.

A Short Telling on Its Benefit:

These Fiery Hoisin Ham & Pineapple Skewers offer a delightful balance of flavours and textures. The savoury ham, sweet and slightly tangy pineapple, and crisp-tender vegetables are enhanced by the rich, umami-packed hoisin marinade with a hint of spice. The final brush of honey-lime glaze adds a bright and refreshing finish. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty and visually appealing but also relatively quick to prepare, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners or fun weekend barbecues. The combination of protein, fruit, and vegetables makes it a satisfying and somewhat balanced meal option. Plus, grilling adds a wonderful smoky char that elevates the overall taste experience.