Pineapple Boat Teriyaki Chicken with Rice

The first time I had ever seen Teriyaki Chicken served in a hollowed out pineapple boat was at a very upscale Asian Restaurant. We all did our share of oohs and aahs when the pineapples filled with Teriyaki Chicken came to the table. That spectacular meal was one of the last we enjoyed together as a family before Brother Dear lost his battle to cancer.

Maybe it is that association between Pineapple Boats for serving bowls and the loss of someone I love that prevented me from further exploration into the world of pineapple serving vessels. Turns out, there is a whole world of ideas.  I’ve even kicked around the idea of making my awesome Teriyaki Meatballs, and using hollowed out pineapples for serving. That would be a great addition to my Backyard Island Vacation menu.

Today is National Hawaii Day, the 50th state in the union to be grated statehood. If you have never been to Hawaii, by all means do try to visit at least once in your life.

Polynesian people are amazing. Nearly 2,000 years ago, they navigated the Pacific ocean in nothing more than double-hulled sailing vessels. No one is absolutely certain as to just when or how the Polynesian people first discovered the Hawaiian Islands. The oral traditions of the islands gives two different accounts, one from a logical standpoint, the other more mystical.

In one story, a fisherman named Hawai’iola discovered the islands while on a long fishing trip. He later returned with his family, settled the islands and named the largest island after himself. There is no indication as to why Hawai’iola had fished so far from home. It’s a simple, straightforward explanation as to the Polynesian people inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands, one that is easily acceptable.

The more fantastic tale is of Tafa’i, a semi-divine hero from the Tuamotu. It seems he discovered the island chain while they were still under water, and fished them up to the surface. He then brought people from Tuamotu to live on the new islands. Later, he tried to tow the islands closer to Tahiti behind his canoe, but this attempt failed when his crew broke a taboo and looked back at Hawaii.

What we do know without dispute is that a voyage from the South Pacific to Hawaii using the double hulled canoes is possible. Such voyages have been made in modern times, using traditional sailing vessel and ancient Polynesian navigation techniques. The only real question is whither or not this “discovery” was a part of intentional exploration or an accident due to being blown off course.

The truth is something we might never know. Being a bit of a believer in the human spirit, I’d like to think the discovery was part of a grander plan.

Pineapple Boat Teriyaki Chicken with Rice
2 cups White Rice, cooked
2 ripe Pineapple
2 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 1/2 lbs Chicken Thighs, boneless
1/2 cup Honey
1 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
1/2 cup packed Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon Cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds

Steam 2 cups of sticky white rice for serving alongside the teriyaki chicken. While the rice is steaming, prepare the pineapple bowls.

First cut the pineapple in half long ways. Use a knife and run it around the edge leaving enough of a perimeter to create a sturdy a bowl.

Cut the inside of each pineapple half into three pieces across it, then in half, creating 6 easy to manage chunks. Scoop out the chunks and set aside for another use. Use a spoon to smooth out the bowl. Cover the bowls with plastic wrap and set aside until ready to fill.

Cube the chicken into 1 inch bite size pieces. Set aside until ready to cook.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubes of chicken and toss in the oil to lightly coat the meat. Let chicken brown slightly.

Add in honey, soy, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Stir and bring to a just the point of boiling, then reduce heat to medium low heat. Let chicken simmer for 10-15 minutes until it has thickened. Toss in the sesame seeds and combine.

Place one scoop of white rice in the bowl and top with teriyaki chicken. Serve and eat directly from the pineapple bowls.

Author: Rosemarie's Kitchen

I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and avid home cook.I believe in eating healthy whenever possible, while still managing to indulge in life's pleasures. View all posts by Rosemarie's Kitchen