Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Asia! This Asian Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple isn't just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines sweet, savory, and smoky notes in one irresistible dish. Imagine tender, juicy pork infused with a tantalizing marinade, perfectly charred and paired with caramelized pineapple slices that will make your guests think you've secretly trained with a professional chef.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Pineapple slices for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl. Whisk ingredients until sugar dissolves completely.
- Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin and place it in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over the pork, ensuring it's fully covered. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Remove pork from refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400-425°F). Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove pork from marinade, reserving the liquid. Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Grill pork tenderloin, turning occasionally, for approximately 15-20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature - aim for 145°F for medium-rare.
- During the last 5 minutes of grilling, add pineapple slices to the grill. Grill pineapple 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized with nice grill marks.
- Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result.
- Slice pork tenderloin against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Serve with grilled pineapple slices.
- Optional: Reduce reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened for a complementary sauce.
Tips
- Marinate Wisely: For maximum flavor, let the pork marinate overnight. The longer it sits, the more deeply the flavors will penetrate the meat.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork reaches the perfect 145°F. This guarantees a juicy, tender result every time.
- Rest Your Meat: Always let the pork rest after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist.
- Grill Pineapple to Caramelized Perfection: Watch your pineapple slices closely and aim for beautiful grill marks without burning.
- Don't Waste the Marinade: Reduce the reserved marinade into a delicious sauce that can be drizzled over the finished dish for an extra flavor punch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
