Your guests are going to love this tender and juicy Cinnamon Pineapple and Beef Appetizer. The beef tenderizes beautifully in the natural pineapple juices. The cinnamon adds a gentle aroma and subtle richness.
25fresh mint leavesor fresh basil leaves - number of mint leaves depends on the number of skewers you are making (estimated 25)
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Instructions
Using a sharp knife and a cutting board, cut the pineapple and stewing beef into bite-size pieces (about 1-inch) and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, 1 fresh pineapple
Add cinnamon powder and brown sugar and stir well to combine. If time allows, marinate the meat with the pineapples (covered) in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 1 hour is ideal. This will allow the meat to tenderize a little more before cooking.
2 teaspoons cinnamon powder, ¼ cup brown sugar
Thread the beef and the pineapple chunks onto separate skewers, reserving the marinade that's left over in the bowl. Don't place the pieces too tightly together so they can cook evenly.
Heat barbecue over high heat. When heated, cook skewers for 3 minutes on one side, then flip the skewers over and cook for another 3 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade. The internal temperature of the beef should reach 145°F. Transfer skewers onto a plate and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes.
Notes
If you are using wooden skewers to grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Start with this step first, before cutting the meat and pineapple.
Cut the beef into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
To ensure the beef remains tender, grill it to medium-rare to medium doneness. Overcooking can make the beef tough.
Make sure to use fresh, vibrant mint leaves for the best flavor. Rinse them gently and pat them dry before use.
You can also garnish the final dish with additional fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.