Pineapple Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Juicy Pineapple Pork Tenderloin Recipe: Sweet & Savory Magic

Succulent pineapple pork tenderloin promises a delightful culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds.

Tropical flavors dance across your plate with unexpected zest and complexity.

Sweet and tangy notes create a harmonious blend of savory goodness.

Marinating techniques unlock deep, rich undertones in this remarkable dish.

Each bite reveals layers of nuanced seasoning that surprise and delight.

Perfectly balanced ingredients complement the tender meat’s natural richness.

No ordinary dinner will compare to this extraordinary meal that beckons you to savor every single morsel.

Ingredients For Pineapple Pork Tenderloin

For the Protein:
  • Pork Tenderloin: A lean and tender cut that serves as the main protein in this tropical-inspired dish.
For the Marinade Base:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, savory umami flavor that enhances the meat's taste.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a deep sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and ensures even coating of the marinade.
For the Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: These fresh ingredients bring bold, zesty flavors that complement the pork's natural taste.
For the Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the meat's natural flavors and create a simple but delicious crust.
For the Fruit and Herbs:
  • Fresh Pineapple: Adds a tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the meat during roasting.
  • Green Onions, Cilantro: Provide fresh, bright garnish with herbal notes.
  • Lime: Offers a citrusy finish that brightens the entire dish.
For the Cooking Preparation:
  • Cooking Spray or Oil: Prevents the meat from sticking to the roasting pan.

How To Make Pineapple Pork Tenderloin

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Meat

Transfer pork tenderloin to a shallow container and pour the marinade completely over the meat. Seal and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the pork.

Step 3: Prepare the Oven

Crank up the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a roasting pan with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the Tenderloin

Pull the pork from the marinade and gently pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the entire surface of the meat.

Step 5: Set Up for Roasting

  • Pork tenderloin
  • Fresh pineapple chunks

Place the seasoned tenderloin in the preheated roasting pan and scatter chopped pineapple pieces around the meat for extra flavor.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 145°F. This ensures a juicy and thoroughly cooked tenderloin.

Step 7: Let the Meat Rest

Remove the pan from the oven and let the tenderloin sit for 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 8: Slice with Style

Using a sharp knife, cut the tenderloin diagonally into elegant medallions.

Step 9: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

  • Green onions
  • Cilantro
  • Lime

Sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro over the meat. Squeeze fresh lime juice across the top for a bright, zesty kick.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pork medallions alongside the roasted pineapple pieces, creating a mouthwatering tropical-inspired main course that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips To Perfect Pineapple Pork Tenderloin

  • Boost Marinade Flavor: Add a splash of rice wine or apple cider vinegar to enhance the depth and complexity of the marinade.
  • Ensure Tender Meat: Pat the pork tenderloin completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and seal in moisture.
  • Prevent Dryness: Monitor internal temperature closely, removing the pork at 145°F to prevent overcooking and maintain juicy texture.
  • Elevate Presentation: Arrange roasted pineapple pieces strategically around the sliced tenderloin for a stunning, restaurant-quality plating.
  • Maximize Freshness: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and aromatic qualities.

Fun Twists For Pineapple Pork Tenderloin

  • Tropical Herb Fusion: Replace ginger with lemongrass and add fresh mint leaves for a zesty, aromatic herb-infused marinade that elevates the pork's flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Island Style: Substitute brown sugar with monk sweetener and serve alongside cauliflower rice, maintaining the tropical essence while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Coconut Kick: Incorporate coconut milk and red chili flakes into the marinade, creating a creamy, spicy coating that adds depth and heat to the pork tenderloin.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap pork with firm tofu or tempeh, using identical marinade and roasting techniques to create a plant-based version with similar tropical flavors.

Perfect Pairings For Pineapple Pork Tenderloin

  • Savor Pineapple-Glazed Pork Pairing Delights
  • Unleash Tropical White Wine Companion: Select crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with subtle sweetness that complements the pork's caramelized pineapple notes, cutting through rich meat flavors while enhancing tropical undertones.
  • Create Zesty Side Salad Match: Prepare light mixed greens with mandarin orange segments, toasted macadamia nuts, and lime-honey vinaigrette, echoing the dish's bright Hawaiian-inspired profile and providing refreshing contrast.
  • Boost Flavor with Coconut Rice Pairing: Cook jasmine rice with coconut milk, adding subtle sweetness and creamy texture that harmonizes perfectly with the pineapple-glazed pork, creating a cohesive tropical dining experience.

Storage Instructions For Pineapple Pork Tenderloin

  • Store sliced pork in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate pork from pineapple to maintain meat's texture.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Pork tenderloin can be frozen up to 3 months without losing quality. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place pork slices on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warm throughout. Add splash of chicken broth to retain moisture.

FAQs About Pineapple Pork Tenderloin

  • Why marinate the pork tenderloin?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse deep flavors, and keep the pork moist during cooking by breaking down proteins and allowing seasonings to penetrate.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

While this recipe is designed for pork tenderloin, you can adapt it to chicken breast or turkey tenderloin with similar marinating and cooking techniques.

  • How do I know when the pork is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This ensures the pork is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

Why Pineapple Pork Tenderloin Is Sweet And Savory

  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Marinate the pork tenderloin in a zesty blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, transforming ordinary meat into a taste sensation that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Roast the tenderloin in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen.
  • Create Tropical Twist: Surround the pork with fresh pineapple chunks during roasting, infusing the dish with a sweet and tangy flavor profile that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
  • Impress with Elegant Presentation: Slice the tenderloin into beautiful medallions, garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime, turning an everyday meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
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Pineapple Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Pineapple Pork Tenderloin Recipe


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4.5 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent pineapple pork tenderloin delivers a tropical dance of sweet and savory flavors that elevate weeknight dinners. Caribbean-inspired marinades and caramelized pineapple glaze create a mouthwatering main course that brings island charm directly to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, chopped

Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated

Garnish and Seasoning:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl until fully integrated and smooth.
  2. Place pork tenderloin in a shallow marinating container, then generously pour the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Preheat the oven to 425°F, preparing a roasting pan with a light coating of cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove tenderloin from marinade, pat dry with paper towels, and season externally with salt and black pepper.
  5. Arrange the marinated pork in the preheated roasting pan, surrounding it with chopped fresh pineapple pieces for additional flavor infusion.
  6. Roast the tenderloin for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F, ensuring a perfect balance of juiciness and thorough cooking.
  7. Once removed from oven, let the meat rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain optimal tenderness.
  8. Slice the tenderloin diagonally into medallions, creating elegant presentation slices.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, and squeeze lime juice over the top for a bright, citrusy finish.
  10. Serve immediately with the roasted pineapple pieces, creating a harmonious tropical-inspired main course.

Notes

  • Dial down the sugar content by using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to create a lower-glycemic marinade that’s friendly for diabetic or weight-conscious diners.
  • Swap traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free and soy-free alternative that maintains the umami depth and complements the pineapple’s sweetness.
  • Consider adding a quick brine to the pork tenderloin before marinating to enhance moisture retention and ensure an incredibly tender, juicy result that melts in your mouth.
  • Experiment with additional aromatics like lemongrass or red chili flakes to introduce subtle complexity and elevate the tropical flavor profile of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 1-2 hours
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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