If you’re craving something bright, flavorful, and downright satisfying, this Pineapple Pork Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. It perfectly balances juicy pork tenderloin with sweet and tangy pineapple, all coated in a luscious sauce made from soy, honey, and fresh ginger. Every bite bursts with a harmony of savory and tropical notes that feel both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers big on flavor while remaining surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a straightforward way to create a vibrant, mouthwatering dish. Each component plays a unique role, from the tender pork to the juicy pineapple chunks, while the aromatics and sauce add layers of taste and a lovely glossy finish.
- 1 pound pork tenderloin: Choose a fresh, lean piece for tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness and a slightly tart pop that’s essential for contrast.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides that rich, salty umami flavor that brings depth to the dish.
- 1/4 cup honey: Balances the savory elements with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungency and warmth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated: Offers a zesty, fresh kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a perfect, clingy glaze on the pork and pineapple.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to mix with cornstarch creating the sauce base with silkiness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Needed to sear the pork, locking in flavor and tenderness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that rounds out the dish.
How to Make Pineapple Pork Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking after the stovetop work. Cutting the pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking and easy eating.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple
Peeling, coring, and chunking the pineapple might seem like extra work, but fresh pineapple makes all the difference here. The juicy chunks will caramelize slightly during cooking for a delightful texture contrast.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
Combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. This mixture will become the glossy, flavorful glaze that ties the dish together with every bite.
Step 4: Brown the Pork
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the pork pieces. Browning the pork not only locks in juices but also creates rich, savory flavor through caramelization.
Step 5: Combine Pork and Sauce
Once browned, pour your soy sauce mixture over the pork and stir well. The cornstarch will start to thicken the sauce as it heats, coating every piece with a beautiful sheen.
Step 6: Add Pineapple and Season
Stir in the pineapple chunks carefully so they remain intact yet mingle well with the pork. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and let everything bake for 25-30 minutes until the pork reaches a perfect tenderness and the flavors have melded into one irresistible dish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Pineapple Pork Recipe hot over your favorite rice or noodles for a truly satisfying meal that’s bursting with sweet and savory magic.
How to Serve Pineapple Pork Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness of the pork. Toasted sesame seeds bring a subtle nutty crunch that’s just lovely.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed basmati to soak up the irresistible sauce. Stir-fried vegetables or a crisp Asian-style slaw also make vibrant, textural counterparts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pineapple pork in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl to amp up the tropical vibe. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fresh handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pineapple pork in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making fantastic next-day meals.
Freezing
This Pineapple Pork Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool it completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tenderloin is preferred for its tenderness and quick cooking, pork shoulder can be used for a richer, slower-cooked version, though cooking times will need adjustment.
Is fresh pineapple necessary, or can I use canned?
Fresh pineapple is best for texture and flavor, but canned pineapple chunks can work in a pinch. Just drain them well and watch cooking time to avoid an overly soft texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or a splash of sriracha will add heat without overpowering the tropical sweetness, perfect for those who like a little kick.
Can this Pineapple Pork Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
What’s the best cooking oil to use?
Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, ideal for this recipe. You can swap with canola or light olive oil if preferred, but avoid strong-flavored oils that might overpower the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Pork Recipe is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors that’s sure to brighten up any weeknight dinner. It’s easy enough for busy evenings but impressive enough to share with friends or family. Give it a try—once you taste that juicy pork paired with caramelized pineapple and a ginger-tinged glaze, I’m sure it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection too!
Print
Pineapple Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Pineapple Pork recipe featuring tender pork tenderloin cooked with juicy pineapple chunks in a savory-sweet soy and honey sauce. This dish combines tender, browned pork with a tangy glaze, finished perfectly by baking to infuse all the flavors. Ideal for serving over rice or noodles for a delicious, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
Produce
- 1 pineapple
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Condiments & Sauces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
Others
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pork mixture later.
- Prepare Pork: Cut the pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Prepare Pineapple: Peel and core the pineapple, then cut it into chunks to mix with the pork for a sweet contrast.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, and water to create a flavorful and slightly thickened glaze.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to brown the pork pieces.
- Brown Pork: Add the pork pieces to the heated skillet and cook until browned on all sides, locking in flavor and texture.
- Add Sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the browned pork and stir well to coat all pieces evenly with the glaze.
- Add Pineapple: Stir in the pineapple chunks to combine the sweet and savory elements in the skillet.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the pineapple pork hot over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the pork pieces are browned well for enhanced flavor before baking.
- Use fresh pineapple for the best sweetness and texture.
- If you don’t have a skillet that is oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking.
- You can adjust the honey level to make the dish sweeter or more savory according to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
