These Pineapple and Pork Kabobs have pork that is marinated in a Jamaican jerk marinade then added to skewers with fresh pineapple and onions. Grill the kabobs for a perfect summer supper with a bit of spice.
When I was a few weeks from my due date with my daughter, I was so ready to have that baby. I had it in my head that she was going to come 2 weeks early, but that day came and went without a baby. As my due date approached, I was prepared to do anything to get her to come. I was so excited to meet her, and I was so tired of being pregnant! So I did what many expectant mothers do – I tried all of the “methods” out there to get her to come. I walked (and walked, and walked…), I ate spicy food, and even went to get a pedicure after I heard there is a spot on your foot that most salons know about that is said to induce labor. Nothing worked. Then I read something that said that eating fresh pineapple helps. Something to do with an enzyme that is in it helping to soften the cervix. So I bought a pineapple. And I ate the whole thing. Over the course of a week, I think I ate 3 pineapples. By the time that was over, I didn’t want to see another pineapple ever again. (By the way, the pineapple didn’t work, either. She ended up coming a few days after my due date, regardless of everything I tried!)
Since then, I haven’t eaten much pineapple. I guess it goes to show you that there can be too much of a good thing! But here I am, 18 months later, and when I saw this pineapple and pork kabobs recipe, I immediately wanted that fresh pineapple. Especially grilled!
I only had one issue with this recipe. You are supposed to marinate the meat for 2-4 hours. Well, since I’m working, that wasn’t possible. It was either marinate it for 6-7 hours, or for 1 hour. I wish I would have opted for the 1 hour. These pork kabobs ended up super flavored, and it was a bit overpowering. Actually, more than a bit – it was very overpowering. It was good, but you couldn’t eat too much, because it was so strong. I used to think that you couldn’t marinate something too long, but I am now learning that that isn’t true!
Recipe Notes:
- You can choose what kind of pepper you want in the marinade. I chose a jalapeño, and I removed the seeds and ribs. I know that jerk is typically hot, but I also know that my husband won’t eat it if it is too spicy. This gave it a little kick, but it wasn’t too hot.
- The jerk marinade calls for Jamaican allspice, but I used regular. Supposedly, the Jamaican allspice is supposed to give it the authentic jerk flavor, but I used what I had!
Pineapple and Pork Kabobs
Ingredients
Jerk Marinade
- 1/2 yellow onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 to 1 habenero jalapeño, or serrano chile, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 tablespoon cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar
Kabobs
- One 1 1/2 pound boneless pork loin cut into 1 1/2-2 inch cubes
- 3/4 cup Jerk marinade recipe follows
- 1 fresh pineapple peeled, cored, and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 12 pearl onions peeled, or 1 large yellow onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedgesa
Instructions
Prepare the marinade:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Store leftover marinade in the refrigerator in a tightly closed jar for up to 1 month.
Prepare the kabobs:
- In a resealable plastic bag, combine the pork and the jerk marinade. Rotate the bag several times to coat the meat. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Add the pineapple and onion to the meat to marinate slightly. At the same time, soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 20 to 30 minutes. Prepare a hot fire in a charcoal grill or prepare a gas grill.
- Skewer the pork, pineapple and onions alternately on the skewers. Grill for 15 to 20 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Serve hot.
Jen @ Jen's Favorite Cookies says
Grilled pineapple is the best! I didn’t know that, about pineapple inducing labor. It sounds a lot better than the stuff I tried!
Julie says
Those darn babies just come out whenever they want to…but I think the kabobs look like a great way to bide one's time…yum 🙂
grace says
how woeful to be turned off by pineapple! the wives' tale was surely worth a try, though. 🙂
i like these kabobs, although i can see how marinating the meat for too long would have iffy results!
Joanne says
For a while I was eating pineapple every day because I loved it so much! It must have made me super sensitive to acid because now when I eat it I get a stomachache immediately. It's too bad because this sounds delicious!
Liz says
I think pork pairs so well with sweet things!
Kim says
Even though I don't work I always have an issue with marinating meat. I'm usually somewhere in the afternoon that prohibits me from starting a marinade and find the whole "marinating" thing to be frustrating at times. This does look like a wonderful recipe. I've never had pineapple grilled before, but would love to try it.
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says
I love grilled pineapple so I'm quite sure I would love this! I'm more of a chicken fan though, thanks!
scrambledhenfruit says
You remind me of my daughter in law- she did exactly the same thing the week before my grandson was born! Pork and pineapple are great together. Thanks for the recipe!
Monet says
What a cute story…I love grilled pineapple, it is such a wonderful compliment to grilled meat. This recipe looks lovely!
Susi says
This sounds fantastic. Great combo!
Rosa's Yummy Yums says
A great combo! The pineapple must make the meat soft…
Cheers,
Rosa
Evan B says
I love pineapple paired with pork! I guess I'll have to try it on a weekend when I can make sure to only marinate it for 2-3 hours..