This Super Tender Pineapple Pork is a juicy delight! With tender pork, sweet pineapple, and a tasty marinade, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors that will impress your taste buds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork shoulder is great for its tenderness and flavor, but you can swap in pork loin for a leaner option. Both work well in this dish. Don’t forget to cut them into even pieces for consistent cooking!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a bright flavor, but if you can’t get it, canned pineapple works too. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid extra liquid in the dish.
Marinade: Soy sauce is essential for that umami taste. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute.
Brown sugar: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the pork. If you’re out, you can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener, adjusting the amount to taste.
How Do I Get the Pork Extra Tender?
To make sure your pork is super tender, marinating is key. Letting it sit for at least 2 hours helps, but overnight is even better! Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well before adding the pork.
- Seal in a bag, pressing out air for better flavor absorption.
- Refrigerate it for the right amount of time.
Another tip is to sear the pork on high heat. This locks in juices and enhances flavor. Just don’t overcrowd the pan; it might cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if needed!
Super Tender Pineapple Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes or strips
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the fresh or canned pineapple)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires marinating time of at least 2 hours (ideally overnight), plus about 30 minutes of cooking. So, set aside a little time to let the flavors meld and get tender!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper. Stir well until the brown sugar dissolves completely. This marinade packs a punch of flavor!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Place the pork pieces in a large ziplock bag or bowl, then pour the marinade over the pork. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate it. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor and tenderness!
3. Heat the Oil:
When you’re ready to cook, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This will help sear the pork nicely, making it extra flavorful!
4. Sear the Pork:
Remove the pork from the marinade (don’t throw away the marinade yet!) and sear the pork in batches if necessary. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. This gives it a nice caramelized crust. Once browned, remove the pork and set it aside.
5. Cook the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and starting to caramelize. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the seared pork to the skillet. Pour in the reserved marinade and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method allows the pork to tenderize even more and the sauce to thicken to a delicious glaze.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste! If you feel it needs a little extra flavor, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of salt or a bit more sugar. You want it to be just right!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once it’s cooked to perfection, garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Now it’s time to dig in!
9. Enjoy!
Serve this succulent pineapple pork hot over a bed of steamed white rice or your favorite grain. Each bite will be juicy, flavorful, and absolutely delightful! Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is fantastic for its tenderness, you can also use pork loin if you prefer a leaner option. Just remember that pork loin cooks a bit faster, so keep an eye on it!
Is It Necessary to Marinate the Pork Overnight?
While marinating for at least 2 hours will help, overnight is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness. If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute marinate can enhance the dish—but more time is always better!
How Should I Store Leftover Pineapple Pork?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or additional pineapple juice to keep it moist.
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Pineapple?
Sure! If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you can experiment with other fruits like mango or peaches. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change, but it can still be delicious!
