Are you looking for an easy recipe to elevate your weeknight dinners? Or perhaps a show-stopping glaze for your next barbecue? Look no further! This brown sugar and pineapple glaze is incredibly versatile, bursting with sweet and tangy flavors that will transform even the simplest dishes into something truly special. Whether you're drizzling it over grilled chicken, pork, salmon, or even using it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, this homemade recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a delicious dish, perfect for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, making homemade cooking easier than ever!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from fresh or canned pineapple)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk everything together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
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Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
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Taste and Adjust: Remove from heat and taste the glaze. You can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness by adding more brown sugar, rice vinegar, or red pepper flakes, respectively.
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Use Immediately or Store: Use the glaze immediately on your favorite protein or vegetables. For later use, let the glaze cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Cooking Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze:
- Fresh is Best: While canned pineapple juice works in a pinch, using fresh pineapple juice will yield a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Simply blend fresh pineapple chunks until smooth and strain to remove any pulp.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking the glaze can cause it to become too thick or even burn. Keep a close eye on it while it simmers and stir frequently.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients. A dash of garlic powder, a squeeze of lime juice, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can all add interesting layers of flavor.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Pineapple Glaze: Increase the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Ginger-Infused Glaze: Double the amount of grated ginger for a more pronounced ginger flavor.
- Sweet and Savory Glaze: Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for a richer, more savory glaze.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe makes about ½ cup of glaze. Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a rough estimate per tablespoon is:
- Calories: Approximately 40-50
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12g
- Sugar: Approximately 8-10g
This brown sugar and pineapple glaze recipe is a quick and easy way to add incredible flavor to your favorite dishes. It's perfect for busy weeknights, and its versatility makes it a must-have in any home cook's repertoire. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to impress! Enjoy!