How To Grill Fruit: Grilling Recipes

Summertime means its time to brush up on grilling techniques. Sure, anyone can barbecue a steak, but it takes a real chef to know how to grill fruit!

Grilling fruit is an excellent way to bring out their natural sugars. A sweet, caramel-tasting fruit side dish can be a tasty side for burgers, hot dogs and more. Think of it as "grown up fruit salad."

When you grill fruit, you bring out natural sugars through the caramelizing process. The texture, taste and temperature of the fruit is changed. If you've never enjoyed grilled fruit, your mouth will be in for a pleasant surprise.

In order to have the best results, you'll need to select fresh, ripe produce. Some fruits are more amenable to grilling than others, too.

So, pull out the BBQ and let's get ready to grill fruit!

You can try grilling just about any fruit that grows. But, for best results, you'll want to follow these tips and techniques.

1. Shop for fresh, firm (ripe but not overly so) fruit the day you plan on grilling. Pick items that have clear skin and no bruising. Fruits that are in season will have the best flavor, as well. A mealy apple will still taste bad even if you try to grill it!

2. Organic produce may cost a bit more, but is a healthier option - pesticides used in regular farming can leave a toxic residue that is difficult to wash or cook off.

3. Fruits that are high in natural sugars are your best bet. Stone fruits (peaches, plums, apricots) are delicious. Pineapple is also a perennial favorite. Any fruit that is large and firm enough to stand up to the grill will work well (apple slices, pears, oranges, strawberries). You can also try grilling certain soft fruits in their peels (bananas, mangoes).

4. Wash the fruit before grilling. A helpful tip is to slice the fruit in half or into large chunks and to leave skins on to help hold the fruit together as it cooks.

5. If you want to try grilling smaller fruits (grapes or even blueberries), consider using skewers or a grill pan to hold them above the flames or coals.

6. The final step before grilling is to soak the fruit in 1-2 cups cold water for about 1/2 hour. Add 1-2 T. of lemon juice if you like. When you maximize the water content in the fruit, it will stay extra juicy throughout cooking and all the way to your plate!

7. Alternatively, you might enjoy soaking the fruit in liquor instead of water. Try light rum with pineapple... yum!

Now that you have your fruit prepared, we're ready to grill!

To prevent sticking to the grill, use a pastry brush and gently "paint on" melted butter, vegetable oil, or extra virgin olive oil on both sides of the fruit.

If desired, you could also use a special fruit marinade or sprinkle with seasoning before grilling. Our favorite is to combine 1/4 c. light brown sugar, 1 T. cinnamon and 1 t. granulated sugar. Sprinkle over both sides of the fruit before placing on the grill. As shown in the photograph to the right, you might also like adding grated coconut. Fresh grated ginger is a popular option, too.

Consider adding spices to the soaking water (step 6 above), like ground cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Any spice that you'd use in a sweet dessert is game!

Most fruits will need only 3-4 minutes per side to finish. Grill over medium-low heat and don't walk away while your fruit is cooking!

For a fun twist on grilled fruit, try making "banana s'mores." Take a firm, slightly under-ripe banana and cut a 3-inch long slit down the peel - do not peel the banana! Open slightly with your fingers and add 2-3 oz. of milk or dark chocolate. Wrap in foil and grill about 5 minutes on each side. Open up the peel and eat the banana/chocolate mixture with a spoon!

There are many grilled fruit recipes to consider, from the super easy to the more complex.

One of the simplest side dishes is to make fruit kebabs. With a skewer, thread chunks of prepared fruit, alternating flavors and colors. Try pineapple, strawberry, cantaloupe, banana and honeydew. Brush with melted butter before placing on the grill and turn several times for even cooking. Be sure to soak your wood skewers about 10 minutes first, to prevent charring.

Make a simple, delicious dessert with grilled pineapple rings or slices. Simply drizzle coconut milk over the top and add chopped macadamia nuts. Paradise!

Another easy dessert idea is to top vanilla ice cream with grilled fruits. Especially delicious are grilled peaches or grilled nectarines. Sprinkle 1/2 t. cinnamon and nutmeg each over the top. If you are feeling especially indulgent, add whipped cream too! The combination of warm and cold is tantalizing and will bring you back to summer or vacation memories.

Having a party, or really want to knock your dinner guests' socks off? Try some of these recipes:

Grilled Fruit with Bourbon Glaze: Paula Deen makes sure you won't consider dessert an afterthought ever again. Let's skip the main course right now!

Grilled Fruit with Balsamic Vinegar Syrup: This recipe promises to be especially healthy, as it comes from the Mayo Clinic.

Chicken and Pineapple Kebabs: Grilled fruit combines with chicken for a delicious main course.

Grilled Amaretto Peaches: Delicious! A unique, tasty way to add an almond flavor to grilled peaches.

Grilled Banana Split Sundae: Really? It almost sounds too good to be true! Grilled banana is warm and delicious, and bittersweet chocolate is a perfect counterpoint. You may never go back to "regular" banana splits again.

Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Crunchy Yogurt Dip: A delicious appetizer to make. Even your kids can help mix up the yogurt dip. Welcome to summer!

Grilled Fruit with Cinnamon Yogurt Sauce: Another yogurt dip recipe with a different slant. Perfect for opening your meal, accompanying your main course, or even dessert!

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