Pan-Seared Spiced Pineapple

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

Pan-Seared Spiced Pineapple is a quick Indian-style appetiser that balances sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavours beautifully. Fresh pineapple slices are tossed in a few simple spices, then seared until lightly caramelised and golden, with those irresistible browned edges. I made this for a New Year’s party, thinking it would be a small snack on the side — and it was the first thing to disappear. It’s one of those easy, last-minute starters that feels...

Pan-Seared Spiced Pineapple recipe

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Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
6min
Total Time
21min

Ingredients

5 Servings
(1 serving = 2 pineapple slices)
  • slice pineapple (1-1.5 cm thick)
    slice pineapple (1-1.5 cm thick)
    10
  • oil
    oil
    1tbsp
  • chaat masala
    chaat masala
    1/2tsp
  • kala namak (black salt)
    kala namak (black salt)
    1/4tsp
  • salt (or to taste)
    salt (or to taste)
    1/4tsp
  • Kashmiri red chilli powder
    Kashmiri red chilli powder
    1/2tsp
  • cumin seeds, dry roasted and freshly ground
    cumin seeds, dry roasted and freshly ground
    1/2tsp

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How to make Pan-Seared Spiced Pineapple

Prep the pineapple

  1. Step 1

    Pat the pineapple slices dry with a kitchen towel. This helps them sear and caramelise instead of steaming.

Season

  1. Step 1

    Add the slices to a large bowl. Drizzle oil and sprinkle chaat masala, kala namak, salt, and Kashmiri chilli. Toss gently to coat evenly.

    Step 2.1: Add the slices to a large bowl

Marinate briefly

  1. Step 1

    Rest for 10 minutes only. Avoid marinating longer, as pineapple releases juice and won’t brown well.

Pan-sear

  1. Step 1

    Heat a non-stick pan on medium-high heat and lightly brush with oil.

  2. Step 2

    Place pineapple slices in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).

    Step 4.1: Place pineapple slices in a single layer (cook in batches if needed)
  3. Step 3

    Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden with caramelised, lightly browned edges.

    Step 4.1: Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden with caramelised, lightly browned edges

Finish and serve

  1. Step 1

    Transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with freshly roasted cumin powder.

    Step 5.1: Transfer to a serving plate
  2. Step 2

    Serve hot or warm with a light squeeze of lemon right before serving.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

24.1kcal (1.21%)

Protein

0.0g (0.04%)

Carbs

0.2g (0.07%)

Sugars

0.0g

Healthy Fat

2.3g

Unhealthy Fat

0.4g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. If your chaat masala is salty, reduce the added salt to ⅛ tsp and rely more on kala namak.

  2. If your pineapple is very tangy (not sweet), add ½ tsp sugar or honey while seasoning (only if needed).

FAQS

  1. Can I make pan-seared pineapple in advance for a party?

    Yes. Reheat lightly in a pan just before serving to bring back the caramelised edges.

  2. Can I grill pineapple instead of pan-searing?

    Absolutely. Grill on a stovetop grill pan or outdoor grill until lightly charred.

  3. Is this pineapple appetiser spicy?

    It has a mild heat from Kashmiri chilli powder. Adjust to taste.

  4. Can I make this dish vegan?

    Yes. This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses oil instead of butter.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩‍🍳✨

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