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Pineapple BBQ Pork Skewers

pineapple BBQ pork skewers - featured image

Juicy pork tenderloin, sweet pineapple, and colorful veggies are marinated in a smoky BBQ sauce, then grilled to caramelized perfection on skewers. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large red onion, cut into wedges and layers separated
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Cut pork tenderloin into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any silver skin.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Reserve 1/4 cup of this marinade for basting.
  3. Add pork cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  4. While pork marinates, peel and core pineapple and cut into 1-inch chunks. Chop red bell pepper and red onion into similar-sized pieces. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
  5. Thread pork, pineapple, pepper, and onion onto skewers, alternating for color. Leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  7. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes for even charring. Pork is done when it reaches 145°F and is caramelized.
  8. In the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush skewers with reserved BBQ marinade for a glossy finish.
  9. Let skewers rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For best results, use fresh pineapple and pork tenderloin. Marinate pork for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor, but do not marinate overnight. If using bamboo skewers, soak them to prevent burning. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free BBQ sauce and tamari. Pork is perfectly juicy at 145°F—do not overcook. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple pork skewers, BBQ pork skewers, grilled pork, summer grilling, easy dinner, pork tenderloin, pineapple recipes, BBQ recipes, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option