Growing up in Hawaii, Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe was a staple in our household. The sweet and savory combination was always a crowd-pleaser, and the memories of my grandma’s Sunday luaus filled with this mouthwatering dish are forever etched in my mind. There’s just something about the tender pork belly, caramelized edges, and the burst of juicy pineapple that makes this Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe an absolute delight.
I can still picture myself as a little kid, eagerly waiting by the kitchen counter as Grandma prepared her famous Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe. The aroma of the sizzling pork and the tangy-sweet pineapple would waft through the air, making my stomach grumble with anticipation. She’d let me help her chop the fresh pineapple chunks, and I’d sneak a few pieces when she wasn’t looking. Those family gatherings around the table, sharing stories and savoring every bite of her Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe, are some of my most cherished memories.
Why This Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe
This Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe is truly a game-changer. The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors and the unique cooking technique that results in the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly you’ve ever tasted. By slow-roasting the pork belly and basting it with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, you’ll end up with a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
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Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of tender, crispy pork belly and sweet, juicy pineapple in this comforting, flavor-packed recipe. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the pork belly, pineapple, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the pork and pineapple evenly.
3. – Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly and pineapple mixture and sear for 2-3 minutes, until the pork begins to brown.
4. – Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the edges are crispy.
5. – Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork belly and pineapple rest for 5 minutes.
6. – Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
– For extra caramelization, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after roasting.
– Swap out the pineapple for mango or other tropical fruit for a variation.
– Serve over rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pork belly – The star of the show, this succulent cut of meat is the foundation of the dish.
- Pineapple – Fresh pineapple chunks add a bright, tropical sweetness that perfectly complements the rich pork.
- Soy sauce – A savory element that helps to balance the flavors.
- Brown sugar – Caramelizes and creates a delicious glaze.
- Garlic – Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Ginger – Provides a subtle warmth and zing.
- Salt and pepper – To season the pork belly and bring out its natural flavors.
Step-by-Step Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe
This Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe is a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. The total cooking time is around 2 hours, and you’ll need a baking sheet, a large mixing bowl, and a sharp knife to get started.
1- Start by patting the pork belly dry with paper towels and scoring the skin in a criss-cross pattern. This will help the fat render and the skin get deliciously crispy.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add the pork belly and toss to coat it evenly in the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
3- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Transfer the marinated pork belly to a baking sheet, making sure to pour any excess marinade over the top.
4- Roast the pork belly for 1 hour, then baste it with the pan juices. Continue roasting for another 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the pork is tender and the skin is crispy.
5- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the pineapple chunks to the baking sheet and toss them in the glaze, allowing them to caramelize slightly.
6- Remove the Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
– Make sure to score the pork belly skin to help the fat render and create a crispy texture.
– Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
– Baste the pork every 15 minutes during the cooking process to keep it moist and allow the glaze to caramelize.
– Keep a close eye on the pineapple chunks during the last 10 minutes to prevent them from burning.
– Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving and Storing Your Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe
This Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe is the star of the show, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed white rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the pork. For a tropical twist, serve it alongside grilled pineapple spears or a refreshing pineapple salsa. And don’t forget to pour a glass of your favorite tropical cocktail or a cold, crisp beer to complete the experience.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the pork and pineapple chunks on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the pork belly marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast. You can also roast the pork belly a day or two ahead of time, then reheat it and add the fresh pineapple just before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe
Creative Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe Variations
While this classic Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, you can also get creative with different flavor profiles. Try swapping the pineapple for mango or papaya for a tropical twist, or add a kick of heat with some sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha. You could also experiment with different types of sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup, to change up the glaze.
Making Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe more diet-friendly, you can swap the pork belly for a leaner cut of pork, such as tenderloin or loin. For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce. And for a lower-carb option, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the marinade or serve the pork and pineapple over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A: While fresh pineapple is best for this Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe, you can use canned pineapple in a pinch. Just be sure to pat the pineapple chunks dry before adding them to the baking sheet to prevent excess moisture.
Q: How long should I marinate the pork belly?
A: For the best flavor, marinate the pork belly for at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you can let it soak up the flavors, the more tender and flavorful the pork will be.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can roast the pork belly a day or two ahead of time, then simply reheat it and add the fresh pineapple chunks just before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
Q: How do I know when the pork belly is done?
A: The pork belly is ready when it’s tender and the skin is crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
Q: What should I do if the skin doesn’t get crispy?
A: If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, try broiling the pork belly for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and baste the pork with the pan juices one more time before broiling.
Conclusion
This Pork Belly with Pineapple Recipe is a true taste of paradise, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same joy and nostalgia that I felt growing up with this dish. The combination of the tender, flavorful pork and the sweet, juicy pineapple is simply unbeatable. Give this recipe a try, and I’m confident it will become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and be sure to share this recipe with your loved ones so they can enjoy it too!
