This Super Tender Pineapple Pork is a fun twist on dinner! Juicy pork cooked with sweet pineapple and a tangy sauce make every bite burst with flavor.
Honestly, who can resist a dish where pineapple and pork become best friends? I love serving it over rice for an easy, delicious meal that brings smiles to the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: These cuts are great for slow cooking as they become super tender and flavorful. If you need a quicker option, use pork tenderloin, but it cooks faster, so adjust timing accordingly.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds amazing flavor, but if it’s not in season, canned pineapple works perfectly too. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Alternatively, coconut aminos can be a great gluten-free and soy-free substitute.
Honey or Brown Sugar: For a healthier option, you could use maple syrup or agave syrup as a substitute. Adjust sweetness to your taste!
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other veggies like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini based on what you have on hand. They all work well with the pork.
How Do I Achieve Extra Tender Pork?
The secret to making the pork super tender lies in the slow cooking process. Taking your time allows the meat to break down and absorb all the flavors. To make sure you get it just right, follow these tips:
- Always brown the pork first to lock in the juices.
- Simmer the pork on low heat and cover the pot, which keeps moisture in.
- Stir occasionally but not too much—let it cook undisturbed for a while to build flavor.
- Be patient and let it cook for 1 to 1.5 hours. Check for tenderness, and it should easily fall apart with a fork.
With these tips and substitutions, your Pineapple Pork will be a delicious, easy dinner everyone will love!
Super Tender Pineapple Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small fresh chili (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and about 1 to 1.5 hours of simmering time. So, you’ll need around 2 hours in total to get this delicious dish ready. Perfect for a relaxed dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by patting the pork pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely! Once dry, lightly season the pork with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the Pork:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the pork on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. After browning, remove the pork and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 3 minutes, or until the mixture is fragrant and the onions are softened.
4. Add Bell Peppers and Pineapple:
Next, stir in the sliced red bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly.
5. Make the Sauce:
Now it’s time to build the sauce! Pour in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything together until well mixed.
6. Simmer the Pork:
Return the browned pork to the pan, mixing it well to coat with the sauce. This is where all the flavors start coming together!
7. Cook Slowly for Tenderness:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the pork simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. Give it a stir occasionally, and watch as the pork becomes tender and the sauce thickens nicely.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
After cooking, taste the dish and adjust with more salt, pepper, or sweetness to suit your personal preference.
9. Serve:
Once everything is ready, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve the super tender pineapple pork hot over cooked rice for a delicious meal. Enjoy!
Your juicy, tender pineapple pork is now ready to delight your taste buds, making it the perfect easy dinner bursting with sweet and savory flavors!
FAQ for Super Tender Pineapple Pork Recipe
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for tenderness, you can also use pork tenderloin for a quicker cooking option. Just keep in mind that tenderloin cooks faster, so adjust your cooking time to avoid overcooking.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Pineapple?
No worries! Canned pineapple works just as well. Just ensure you drain it properly to prevent excess liquid from watering down the dish. You can still enjoy that sweet, tangy flavor without fresh pineapple.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Sure! If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add in a teaspoon of chili flakes or even some sliced jalapeños. Adjust according to your spice preference for the perfect kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
