Li Hing Mui Pineapple
Sweet, juicy fresh pineapple dusted with tangy-salty li hing mui powder. This addictive Hawaiian snack hits all the right notes — the sour-salty plum powder makes the sweetness of the pineapple pop. Ready in 5 minutes with just two ingredients.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~4 min
Prep the pineapple.
1.Peel the pineapple and remove the core.2.Cut into bite-sized chunks or thin wedges. - mix · ~1 min
Toss with li hing mui powder.
1.Place pineapple pieces in a large bowl.2.Sprinkle li hing mui powder over the pineapple.3.Gently toss to coat evenly.TIPStart with less powder and add to taste — li hing mui is intensely salty-sour. - serve
Serve immediately.
Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy right away. The powder draws moisture from the pineapple, so it's best eaten fresh.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use a ripe but still-firm pineapple so it doesn't turn mushy after tossing.
- 2Start with 1 tablespoon of li hing mui powder, then add more to taste — the flavor is very intense.
- 3Cut pineapple into uniform bite-sized pieces so each piece gets an even coating of powder.
- 4Serve immediately after tossing, as the salt in the powder will draw out moisture and make the fruit soggy.
- 5For a fun presentation, thread coated pineapple chunks onto skewers for easy handheld snacking.
- 6Store leftover coated pineapple in the fridge, but eat within a few hours for best texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy kick
Add a pinch of chili powder or Tajín to the li hing mui mix for a sweet-spicy-sour twist that's popular in Hawaiian street food.
other fruitsOther fruits
Use the same technique with mango, papaya, or watermelon for a refreshing variation — adjust powder quantity based on fruit sweetness.
low sodiumLow-sodium
Opt for a reduced-sodium li hing mui powder or blend it with a small amount of monk fruit sweetener to cut the saltiness.
frozen treatFrozen treat
Freeze the li hing mui-coated pineapple chunks on a tray for a slushy, icy snack — perfect for hot days.
cocktail garnishCocktail garnish
Use the coated pineapple as a rim garnish for margaritas or piña coladas — the salty-sour powder complements tropical drinks beautifully.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Contains Bromelain
Pineapple naturally contains bromelain, an enzyme that may aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
Low-Calorie Snack
This fruit-based snack is naturally low in calories and free from added sugars, relying on pineapple's own sweetness.
Mineral Boost from Li Hing Mui
Li hing mui powder provides small amounts of iron and calcium from the dried plum base, though it is high in sodium.
Frequently asked questions
It's a bright pink powder made from dried salted plums (li hing mui) that have been ground with licorice, salt, and sugar — popular in Hawaii for its tangy-salty flavor.
