Japanese Grilled Persimmon with Honey and Ginger

Introduction

Sweet, juicy persimmon slices grilled on the Arteflame flat griddle cooktop and drizzled with honey and a touch of ginger for a warm and comforting Japanese winter dessert. The gentle caramelization enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness while adding a delightful smoky depth. Perfectly grilled using different heat zones on the Arteflame, this dish is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe but firm Japanese persimmons
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• A pinch of sea salt
• Optional: chopped walnuts for crunch

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the flame ignite the firewood.
4. Allow the Arteflame grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is properly preheated and ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the persimmons

1. Wash the persimmons and cut them into ½-inch thick slices.
2. Grate the fresh ginger and mix it with the honey in a small bowl.

Step 3: Grill the persimmons

1. Add butter to the flat cooktop griddle to enhance the flavor.
2. Place the persimmon slices on the hotter section of the cooktop near the center for a quicker sear.
3. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized and golden brown.
4. Move the persimmons to a cooler section of the griddle to keep warm while finishing other slices.

Step 4: Drizzle and Serve

1. Remove the persimmon slices from the grill and place them on a serving plate.
2. Drizzle the honey-ginger mixture over the warm persimmons.
3. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for balance.
4. Optionally, add chopped walnuts for extra crunch and texture.

Tips

• Use ripe but firm persimmons for the best texture.
• Butter enhances the caramelization of the fruit, giving it a richer taste.
• Grill the persimmons near the center of the cooktop for a perfect caramelized sear.
• Move slices to the cooler zone if they begin to cook too quickly.
• Serve them immediately for the best taste and texture.

Variations

1. Maple Cinnamon: Substitute honey with maple syrup and sprinkle some ground cinnamon over the grilled persimmons.
2. Vanilla Drizzle: Mix honey with a few drops of vanilla extract for a fragrant twist.
3. Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of nutmeg and clove to the honey mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
4. Chocolate Bliss: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the persimmons instead of honey for a decadent dessert.
5. Citrus Zest: Infuse the honey with orange or lemon zest for a refreshing citrusy touch.

Best Pairings

• Vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast
• A cup of hot green tea to complement the warm flavors
• Toasted Japanese mochi for an extra chewy texture
• Almond or walnut crumble for added crunch
• A glass of warm sake to highlight the caramelized sweetness

Conclusion

Japanese grilled persimmons with honey and ginger is a simple yet elegant dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any winter evening. The Arteflame grill beautifully caramelizes the fruit, enhancing its natural sugars while imparting a delicate smokiness. Try one of the variations to customize the dish to your taste, and impress your guests with this unique grilled delicacy!