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The sun was just setting, painting the kitchen with a warm glow, when I decided it was time to switch up dinner from the usual fast-food routine. I opened my pantry, and there it was: a ripe pineapple and a beautiful pork shoulder waiting to be transformed into something extraordinary. That’s how I discovered the joy of creating this Super Tender Pineapple Pork—a delightful marriage of sweet and spicy flavors that lifts your spirits and satisfies your cravings.

With each bite, the juicy, tender pork gets enveloped in a rich, glossy pineapple sauce that dances between savory and sweet, catering to both the adventurous and the classic palate. Trust me, this dish is as easy to make as it is to fall in love with; it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this tropical-inspired escapade that’s sure to become a favorite around your dinner table.

Why will you love Super Tender Pineapple Pork?

Flavor Explosion: This dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a hit for everyone at the table.

Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time — ideal for busy weekdays!

Versatile: Feel free to customize it by substituting pork with chicken or adding your favorite veggies like bell peppers for a colorful twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this irresistible dish is sure to impress and please all palates.

Make-Ahead Wonders: Prep it ahead of time and simply reheat, leaving you with a stress-free, delicious dinner waiting for you.

Delight your senses and make dinner exciting again with this Super Tender Pineapple Pork—you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Super Tender Pineapple Pork Ingredients

• Bring the flavors of the tropics to your table with these simple ingredients!

For the Pork

Pork shoulder – Main protein; provides rich flavor and tenderness when cooked. Note: Substitute with pork loin for leanness.
Salt – Enhances flavor. Use kosher salt for even seasoning.
Black pepper – Adds warmth; substitute with white pepper for a milder taste.
Fish sauce – Provides umami richness. For a vegetarian alternative, use soy sauce.
Tapioca flour (or cornstarch) – Helps create a crispy coating; cornstarch can be used interchangeably.

For the Marinade and Sauce

Honey – Adds sweetness and balances acidity from the sauce; maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
Lemon juice – Brightens the flavors; lime juice can also be used.
Shallots – Adds depth of flavor; substitute with onion if necessary.
Garlic cloves – Provides aromatic basis for the sauce; use garlic powder in a pinch.
Chili – Brings heat; adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.
Pineapple (chopped) – Adds sweetness and texture in the sauce; use fresh or canned pineapple.
Sugar – Balances flavors; can use brown sugar for richer flavor.
Sriracha – Offers a spicy kick; adjust for milder flavor or substitute with chili paste.
Ketchup – Adds sweetness and tang; can use a tomato sauce for a less sweet version.
Oyster sauce – Imparts savory depth; substitute with hoisin sauce if unavailable.
Water – Used for sauce consistency; can replace with chicken stock for more flavor.

For Garnish and Cooking

Coriander (chopped) – Fresh herb for garnish; substitute with parsley if needed.
Chili flakes – Optional, for extra heat; omit if desired.
Oil – Required for frying; use vegetable or canola oil.

Get ready to create your Super Tender Pineapple Pork that’s bursting with delicious flavors!

How to Make Super Tender Pineapple Pork

Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, fish sauce, honey, lemon juice, garlic, and chili. Mix well, cover, and let it sit for 30 minutes to soak up those wonderful flavors.
Prepare Sauce: In a food processor, blend together pineapple, sugar, Sriracha, ketchup, and oyster sauce until smooth. Set this sweet and spicy sauce aside for later!
Fry Pork: Heat vegetable oil in a shallow pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Make Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water until smooth. This will help thicken our sauce beautifully.
Cook Sauce: In the same frying pan, add your prepared pineapple sauce and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Gently stir in the slurry and let it bubble, thickening for about 3-4 minutes.
Combine: Carefully add the fried pork back into the pan, tossing to coat each piece in that luscious sauce. Sprinkle with chopped coriander and optional chili flakes for that extra pop of flavor.
Serve: Dish up your Super Tender Pineapple Pork with a side of steamed rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Optional: Garnish with slices of fresh pineapple for an extra tropical touch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Super Tender Pineapple Pork

Hot Oil is Key: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that crispy, golden exterior on your pork.
Avoid the Crowd: Fry the pork in small batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.
Balance Your Flavors: Taste as you go! Adjust the sweetness and spice levels of the pineapple sauce to cater to your family’s preferences.
Perfect Marinade Time: Letting the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. Don’t rush this step!
Garnishing Matters: Fresh coriander or chili flakes not only enhance the presentation but also add a fresh pop of flavor to the Super Tender Pineapple Pork.

What to Serve with Super Tender Pineapple Pork?

The vibrant flavors of this dish deserve to shine alongside equally delicious companions that enhance the experience.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, it perfectly soaks up the luscious pineapple sauce, making each bite a culinary delight.
Sautéed Bok Choy: These tender greens bring a slight crunch and a refreshing contrast to the rich pork, adding a lovely pop of color.
Chilled Cucumber Salad: The coolness of cucumber paired with a tangy dressing provides a crisp counterpart to the warm, savory pork.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, it offers a delightful texture that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy sauce.
Mango Sticky Rice: This sweet dessert brings tropical charm to the meal; its creamy coconut flavor complements the savory pork beautifully.
Pineapple Coconut Mocktail: A refreshing drink combining fruity pineapple and creamy coconut tones to elevate the flavors of your meal.

Creating a complete dining experience is so rewarding! Enjoy the taste symphony as you explore these tasty pairings.

Make Ahead Options

These delicious Super Tender Pineapple Pork bites are perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the pork shoulder up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those rich flavors to penetrate the meat for a more tender outcome. Additionally, the pineapple sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just be sure to refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the marinated pork and mix it with the sauce over medium heat until bubbly. Not only does this save you time during busy weeknights, but it also ensures that each bite is just as juicy and flavorful when finished!

How to Store and Freeze Super Tender Pineapple Pork

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the pork moist and the flavors intact.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pork in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat the pork on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, ensuring the flavors of the Super Tender Pineapple Pork shine through.

Super Tender Pineapple Pork Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and give this dish your own spin!

Chicken Substitute: Swap the pork shoulder for boneless chicken thighs for a lighter take without sacrificing flavor.
Veggie Boost: Add vibrant bell peppers or snap peas to the stir-fry, introducing crunch and color to the dish.
Quinoa Base: Serve the pineapple pork over quinoa instead of rice for a wholesome and nutty alternative.
Tropical Twist: Mix in diced mango or papaya with the pineapple for an extra tropical sweetness and a unique texture.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or mint leaves to the sauce for a refreshing herbal twist that elevates the dish.
Spicy Kick: Increase the chili content or add sliced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat that’ll thrill spice lovers.
Goodness of Coconut: Stir in coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, tropical flavor that beautifully complements the pineapple.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free while keeping that rich umami flavor.

Super Tender Pineapple Pork Recipe FAQs

What kind of pork should I use?
For the best results, I recommend using pork shoulder as it offers rich flavor and incredible tenderness when cooked. If you prefer a leaner cut, pork loin is a suitable substitute.

How should I store leftover Pineapple Pork?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the moisture and vibrant flavors of your Super Tender Pineapple Pork.

Can I freeze Super Tender Pineapple Pork?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place your pork in a sealed freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a splash of water or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, you can mix a little cornstarch and water together to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce over heat until it thickens.

Can this recipe be made for someone with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you’re looking to accommodate dietary restrictions, consider swapping fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian option. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of honey or use maple syrup for anyone managing sugar intake, or simply omit it altogether if someone’s avoiding sweetness.

How do I know if my pineapple is ripe?
Choose a pineapple that feels firm but slightly yields to pressure when gently squeezed. It should have a sweet aroma, especially at the base. Look for a golden color, and avoid any dark spots or excessive browning, which may indicate overripeness.