Imagine a mouthwatering journey where sweet, smoky flavors dance together in perfect harmony - that's exactly what you'll experience with these incredible Smoked Pork Pineapple Skewers! This tropical-inspired dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched paradise. Whether you're a grill master or a weekend cooking enthusiast, these skewers promise to elevate your cooking game and impress everyone at your next gathering.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Tropical
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cubed
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, cubed
- 1 red onion, cubed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, and grated ginger in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Cut pork tenderloin into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent size. Place cubed pork in the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to enhance flavor absorption.
- While pork marinates, prepare vegetables by cutting bell pepper and red onion into similar-sized cubes matching the pork and pineapple dimensions.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during smoking.
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C), using fruit wood chips like apple or cherry for complementary flavor.
- Thread marinated pork, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and red onion alternately onto skewers, leaving small spaces between ingredients for even heat circulation.
- Place skewers in the smoker and cook for approximately 45-60 minutes, rotating once halfway through to ensure uniform smoking.
- Check internal temperature of pork, which should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Remove from smoker and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions, and pair with rice or tropical salad.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Letting the pork sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes (and up to 2 hours) allows deeper flavor penetration.
- Wood Chip Selection: Choose fruit woods like apple or cherry for a subtle, sweet smoke that complements the pineapple's natural sweetness.
- Skewer Technique: Alternate ingredients evenly and leave small spaces between them to ensure consistent smoking and prevent overcrowding.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check that pork reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Relax: Always let your skewers rest for 5-10 minutes after smoking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with coconut rice or a light tropical salad to complete the island-inspired meal experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg
