Pork and Pineapple Kebabs: A Sweet and Savory Summer Delight
Preparation Time: 8 hours (including marination)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Recipe Description
This recipe offers a fresh twist on the classic pork and fruit pairing, using the tropical sweetness of pineapple to complement the savory, tender pork. Perfect for summer cookouts or a casual lunch, these Pork and Pineapple Kebabs are marinated to perfection, then grilled to juicy, flavorful perfection. Served alongside a bed of fluffy rice, they provide a satisfying and balanced meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red wine vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic clove (minced) | 1 clove |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Hot red pepper flakes | 1 tsp |
| Boneless pork shoulder (cut into cubes) | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Ketchup | 1/4 cup |
| Distilled vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Pineapple (cut into chunks) | 4 cups |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1/2 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 826.9 kcal |
| Fat Content | 48.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 120.9 mg |
| Sodium | 1037.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 70.4 g |
| Fiber | 6.6 g |
| Sugars | 54.7 g |
| Protein | 31.6 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, whisking constantly until the marinade emulsifies (smooth and combined). This will infuse the pork with a zesty and mildly spicy base.
-
Marinate the Pork: Add 1 1/2 lbs of boneless pork shoulder, cut into cubes, to the marinade. Stir well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 6 hours, but for the best flavor, marinate it overnight.
-
Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of distilled vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set this sauce aside; it will be used to brush the kebabs during grilling for a glossy, sweet finish.
-
Assemble the Kebabs: After marinating, drain the pork, reserving the marinade for basting. Thread the marinated pork cubes and fresh pineapple chunks onto skewers, alternating between pork and pineapple. Use approximately 4 pieces of pork and 3 pieces of pineapple for each skewer. This mix of savory pork and sweet pineapple will create the perfect balance of flavors on the grill.
-
Grill the Kebabs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the kebabs with some of the reserved marinade, then place them on the grill. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Baste the kebabs with the marinade for the first 10 minutes of grilling. The goal is to cook the pork through while keeping it juicy and tender.
-
Finish with Sweet-and-Sour Sauce: In the final 2 minutes of grilling, brush the kebabs with the prepared sweet-and-sour sauce. Allow the sauce to caramelize and form a glossy, flavorful coating on the pork and pineapple. Continue to turn the kebabs gently until they are perfectly charred and cooked through.
-
Serve: Once the kebabs are done, remove them from the grill and serve immediately with steamed rice. The combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors makes for a delightful meal that will surely impress your guests.
Additional Tips & Variations
- Substitute with other fruits: While pineapple adds a tropical twist, you can also experiment with other fruits such as mango, peach, or even apple for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian version of this recipe, substitute the pork with cubes of firm tofu or seitan. The marinade and sweet-and-sour sauce will still give the dish plenty of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the marinade or even add a chopped fresh chili pepper for an extra kick.
Why You’ll Love These Pork and Pineapple Kebabs
These pork and pineapple kebabs are not only easy to prepare but also full of vibrant, contrasting flavors that make every bite exciting. The marinade works its magic on the pork, infusing it with tangy vinegar, garlic, and a bit of heat from the pepper flakes. Grilled to perfection, the kebabs have a slight char that adds complexity and depth. The sweet-and-sour sauce gives the skewers an irresistible glossy finish, making them perfect for a weekend barbecue or a family dinner. The pineapple adds a juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory pork, creating a well-rounded dish. Whether youโre enjoying these kebabs for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack, theyโre sure to be a hit!
SEO Keywords: Pork kebabs, Pineapple kebabs, Grilled pork skewers, Summer pork recipes, Sweet and sour pork, Pineapple recipes, Pork and fruit combinations, BBQ skewers, Marinated pork recipes
