Rum Soaked Fried Pineapple (Printable version)
Juicy pineapple infused with rum and fried to a crispy, caramelized finish, served warm and sweet.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch thick rings or wedges
→ Soaking Mixture
02 - 1/2 cup dark rum
03 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
→ Batter & Frying
04 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 cup cold sparkling water
08 - Vegetable oil for frying
→ To Serve
09 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
11 - Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Combine dark rum and brown sugar in a shallow dish. Add pineapple pieces, turning to coat thoroughly. Let soak for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even absorption.
02 - Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Gradually whisk in cold sparkling water until a smooth, thick batter forms without lumps.
03 - Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1 inch in a large skillet or deep pan. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
04 - Remove pineapple from the rum mixture and pat lightly dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Dip each piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
05 - Fry pineapple in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain proper oil temperature.
06 - Transfer fried pineapple to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm, drizzled with honey or maple syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. Accompany with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The contrast between the crunchy batter and the warm, juicy pineapple is absolutely addictive
- Dark rum soaking into the fruit adds this deep, caramel note that plain pineapple just cannot achieve
02 -
- Soggy pineapple happens when you skip the paper towel step after soaking
- Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature and makes everything greasy
03 -
- Pineapple releases a lot of moisture so pat it dry thoroughly before battering
- Let fried pineapple drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the bottom crisp