This Super Tender Pineapple Pork is a juicy dish that’s packed with flavor. The sweet sauce adds a lovely touch that makes every bite delightful. Yum!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this dish, and your taste buds will thank you! I often serve it with rice so I can enjoy every bit of that tasty sauce. 🍍🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Butt: This cut is perfect for tenderness and flavor. If you want a leaner option, try pork loin, but it might not be as juicy. Chicken thighs are a great substitution if you’re looking for a lighter meat.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a bright taste! However, canned pineapple works too – just be sure to drain it well. If you prefer a citrus touch, you could use mango or papaya for a fruity twist.
Soy Sauce: It gives depth to the dish. You can swap this with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos if you need a soy-free alternative.
Brown Sugar or Honey: Both lend sweetness to the sauce, but if you’re watching sugar intake, agave nectar or maple syrup can also work well.
How Do I Make Sure the Pork is Tender and Flavorful?
To achieve tender, flavorful pork, marinating is key! Allow your pork to soak in the soy sauce and pineapple juice for at least 30 minutes. This step helps break down those tough fibers, giving you melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the pork – this gives it a nice sear, locking in juices.
- Keep stirring to prevent sticking and allow even cooking. Check for doneness after 8-10 minutes.
- Finish by adding the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, but stir constantly to avoid lumps.
These simple techniques will ensure your pineapple pork is always tender and tasty!
Super Tender Pineapple Pork with Sweet Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
For the Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Sweet Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from fresh or canned pineapple)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes. In total, you can have your meal ready in about 1 hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Pork:
In a bowl, combine the pork pieces with soy sauce, pineapple juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it well, cover it, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This step is important to make the pork tender and flavorful!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them together until they are fragrant and the onion becomes translucent—this should take about 2–3 minutes.
3. Cook the Pork:
Add the marinated pork directly to the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently, until the pork gets browned on all sides. This should take about 8–10 minutes. You want the meat to be partially cooked and tender.
4. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the brown sugar (or honey), ketchup, and vinegar. Mix everything well to combine all those lovely flavors.
5. Add the Pineapple:
Now, toss in the pineapple chunks! Keep cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the pork to soak up the sweet sauce and letting the pineapple soften slightly.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the pork. This should only take about 1-2 minutes.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give your dish a taste! Add extra salt, pepper, or even a touch more sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Make it just how you like it!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. If you like, sprinkle some chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a wholesome meal.
Enjoy every bite of your super tender pineapple pork with its luscious, sweet sauce! It’s a dish worth sharing with family and friends! 🍍🍖
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before marinating! The best way to thaw pork is by placing it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be cautious to avoid cooking the edges.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or butt is best for tenderness, you can substitute chicken thighs for a lighter option or even beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as these meats may vary in tenderness and cooking time.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This pineapple pork is delicious over steamed rice or noodles. For a healthier option, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the flavors. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a fun twist!
