This Super Tender Pineapple Pork is a delicious mix of juicy pork and sweet pineapple, cooked to perfection. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a busy dinner night!
Honestly, who can resist pork that is both sweet and tender? I love serving it with rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s a hit every time at my table! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Butt: This cut is perfect for tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try pork loin, but it won’t be as juicy. Chicken thighs are great for a lighter twist.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple adds brightness, but canned works fine. If using canned, keep the juice; it’s flavorful. For a twist, you could try mango or peach instead!
Pineapple Juice: Use fresh juice for the best flavor, but bottled is a quick alternative. You can swap for orange juice for a different, fruity kick.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is standard, but for gluten-free, use tamari. Coconut aminos is another versatile option for a milder taste.
Brown Sugar: You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount since they are sweeter than brown sugar. If you’re cutting sugar, try coconut sugar.
How Do You Get the Pork Super Tender?
To achieve tender pork, marinating is key! It lets the flavors soak in and breaks down the meat fibers. Here’s how:
- Mix pork with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes; an hour or two is even better for maximum flavor!
- Cooking over medium-low heat allows it to tenderize slowly. Avoid rushing this step!
- Adding pineapple juice helps with tenderness too. Its acidity breaks down the pork’s proteins.
Remember, patience makes a big difference in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Happy cooking!
Super Tender Pineapple Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, reserve juice if canned)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (use reserved juice if canned, or fresh juice)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup bell peppers, sliced (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. After that, you’ll spend about 30 minutes cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to enjoy this scrumptious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Pork:
In a bowl, combine the pork cubes, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Make sure to mix everything well so that the flavors infuse the meat. Let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours in the fridge makes it even better.
2. Sauté the Onions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they’re nice and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Cook the Pork:
Add the marinated pork to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the pork starts to brown on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Don’t rush it—browning adds great flavor!
4. Add Pineapple:
Pour in the pineapple juice and add the pineapple chunks. Give it a good stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will make everything extra juicy and tasty!
5. Simmer with Peppers:
If you’re using bell peppers, toss them in now. Cover the pan, lower the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pork is super tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
7. Final Touches:
Taste your dish and add salt and black pepper as needed. This is your chance to adjust the flavors just right!
8. Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot with steamed white rice or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your delicious, super tender pineapple pork dinner!
FAQ for Super Tender Pineapple Pork
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken thighs for the pork. Just adjust the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster—about 15-20 minutes will do just fine!
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No worries! You can replace pineapple juice with orange juice for a different flavor. Apple juice also works in a pinch, keeping the dish sweet and juicy.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked pineapple pork in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results!
