This Super Tender Pineapple Pork is a fusion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. The sweet pineapple glaze perfectly complements the rich and tender pork belly, creating a truly satisfying meal. With a hint of ginger and a touch of sesame oil, the flavors are a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and umami.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is as delicious as it is easy to make. The caramelized pineapple chunks add a burst of freshness, while the tender pork melts in your mouth. You can even pair it with some steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
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1.5 pounds pork belly
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1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
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1/4 cup pineapple juice
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon ginger, grated
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Season the pork belly with salt and pepper on both sides.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
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In a skillet over medium heat, sear the pork belly on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Transfer the pork belly to a baking dish. Pour the pineapple mixture over the pork belly and top with pineapple chunks.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5-2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart.
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Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Super Tender Pineapple Pork: A Tropical Twist on Comfort Food
When it comes to creating the perfect combination of flavors, nothing beats the marriage of sweet, tangy pineapple with tender, savory pork. This dish brings together these two ingredients in a way that is both comforting and bursting with tropical goodness. The pineapple acts as both a flavoring agent and a glaze, transforming the pork into a juicy, mouthwatering delight.
Pineapple is one of the most versatile fruits, and its sweet and slightly tart profile makes it a natural companion for savory dishes. The acidity of the fruit helps balance the richness of pork, making this recipe an ideal choice for anyone who loves bold, balanced flavors. This Super Tender Pineapple Pork offers a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
The Importance of Marinade in Tenderizing Pork
One of the key elements in making this pineapple pork recipe so tender is the marinade. By using a combination of fish sauce, lemon juice, honey, and a touch of tapioca flour (or cornstarch), the pork is infused with moisture and flavor. The marinade not only helps to tenderize the meat, but it also enhances the overall taste of the dish, giving it that extra layer of richness. The pork should be allowed to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though a longer marinating time can help intensify the flavor profile.
The inclusion of honey in the marinade is particularly important, as it adds a natural sweetness that complements the tartness of the pineapple sauce. As the pork cooks, the sugar in the honey caramelizes, creating a slightly crispy outer layer that seals in the juiciness and flavor.
The Perfect Pineapple Sauce: Balancing Sweet and Spicy
Creating the perfect pineapple sauce is essential to this recipe. The sauce is a fusion of flavors that includes shallots, garlic, chili, sriracha, and oyster sauce. The shallots and garlic provide a deep, aromatic base, while the sriracha adds a kick of spice that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pineapple. The ketchup and sugar work together to round out the flavor, providing a subtle tang and richness.
The pineapple itself is not only part of the sauce but also plays a key role in the texture and presentation of the dish. Pineapple chunks are added into the sauce and simmered until tender, adding both a natural sweetness and a delightful chewiness. When combined with the crispy fried pork, the sauce brings everything together, creating a perfectly balanced dish that’s both savory and sweet.
Frying the Pork: Crispy Perfection
Frying the marinated pork belly adds another layer of flavor and texture to the dish. When done right, the pork becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside. The deep-frying process also seals in the marinade, creating a beautifully caramelized outer layer.
For the best results, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the pork. This will ensure that the pork gets crispy without absorbing too much oil, which can lead to sogginess. Once the pork is golden and crispy, it’s transferred to a plate to rest briefly before being coated with the flavorful pineapple sauce.
Assembling the Dish: Bringing It All Together
Once the pork is fried to perfection, the next step is to coat it with the pineapple sauce. The sauce should be brought to a boil in a separate pan before the fried pork is added. A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) is used to thicken the sauce, ensuring that it clings to the pork without being too watery.
After the pork is coated with the sauce, the final step is to garnish it with fresh cilantro and, if desired, a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra layer of spice. The cilantro not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, flavorful pork. This dish is typically served with steamed rice, which helps soak up the delicious sauce and completes the meal.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
This Super Tender Pineapple Pork is best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables, such as bok choy, green beans, or bell peppers, for a well-rounded meal. For those looking to add a little more heat, serve the dish with extra chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers on the side.
To complement the sweet and savory profile of the dish, consider pairing it with a light, refreshing beverage. A chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would be an excellent choice. Alternatively, a tropical fruit mocktail or iced tea could provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pork.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a few reasons why this Super Tender Pineapple Pork recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. First, it combines the best of both worlds: the satisfying, hearty flavors of pork and the bright, refreshing taste of pineapple. The balance of sweet, salty, and spicy makes it universally appealing, even for those who are typically wary of spicy foods.
Second, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili, and you can substitute other fruits (like mango or papaya) for the pineapple to create a variation of the dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Finally, the combination of crispy fried pork with a rich, flavorful sauce makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, but the result feels luxurious and indulgent, making it the perfect choice for any occasion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Super Tender Pineapple Pork is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together tropical flavors and tender, juicy pork. The combination of sweet pineapple, spicy chili, and savory pork belly is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Its versatility, simplicity, and bold flavors make it a standout dish in any recipe collection. With just a few key ingredients and some patience, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s full of flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or an exciting new dish to try, this pineapple pork recipe is an excellent choice that is guaranteed to leave you craving more.