Tropical Pineapple Grilled Chicken & Pork Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this sweet and savory tropical pineapple marinade, perfect for enhancing the flavors of chicken or pork. This recipe combines the luscious taste of fresh pineapple juice with rich brown sugar and savory soy sauce, creating a deliciously sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Ideal for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, you can use this marinade with boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes or, for maximum flavor, overnight. Enjoy tender, flavorful meat that bursts with island vibes in every bite!
6
Servings
300
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pineapple Juice
1 cup (fresh or canned, unsweetened)
Packed Brown Sugar
1/3 cup (light or dark, firmly packed)
Light Soy Sauce
1/3 cup (low sodium recommended)
Garlic Cloves
1-2 (minced; adjust according to taste)
Chicken Breasts or Pork Tenderloin
2 lbs (cut into strips or whole, as desired)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved and remove from heat just before it reaches a boil.
2
Transfer the chicken or pork into a medium bowl and pour the marinade over it, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For optimal flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
4
Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
5
Take the marinated meat out of the refrigerator and thread it lengthwise onto the skewers.
6
Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken or pork for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear and the meat is cooked through. Keep a close eye on them as they can cook quickly.
7
Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
40g
Protein
0.33g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tropical Pineapple Grilled Chicken & Pork Marinade?
It is a sweet and savory tropical marinade made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce, designed to create a sticky glaze for grilled meats.
What types of meat work best with this recipe?
This recipe is perfect for chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or pork tenderloin.
How long should I marinate the meat?
For the best flavor, marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum impact.
What are the main ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of 1 cup of pineapple juice, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of light soy sauce, and 1-2 cloves of minced garlic.
Do I need to heat the marinade before using it?
Yes, combine the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, removing it just before it boils.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish is high in protein, providing 40g per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, you can use either fresh or canned unsweetened pineapple juice for this recipe.
What kind of brown sugar is recommended?
You can use either light or dark brown sugar, as long as it is firmly packed.
Is low-sodium soy sauce a good choice?
Yes, low-sodium light soy sauce is recommended to control the salt content.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 minced garlic cloves, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
What grill temperature is best?
Preheat your grill to medium heat for optimal cooking.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat and grilling.
How long does it take to grill the meat?
Grill the meat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear and it is fully cooked.
How should I prepare the grill to prevent sticking?
Lightly oil the grill grate before placing the meat on it to ensure nothing sticks.
Should the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, let the meat rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill to keep it tender and juicy.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Absolutely, it is ideal for summer barbecues and features tropical island vibes.
How much meat is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of chicken breasts or pork tenderloin.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains approximately 0.33g of fiber per serving.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine pineapple juice, sugar, garlic, and soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
How do I thread the meat onto skewers?
Thread the marinated meat pieces lengthwise onto the skewers after they have finished marinating.
Can I use this for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is a great option for quick and easy weeknight meals.
Is the marinade supposed to be a glaze?
Yes, the combination of pineapple juice and sugar creates a deliciously sticky glaze that caramelizes on the grill.
Can I cut the meat into strips?
Yes, the meat can be cut into strips or kept whole depending on your preference.
Should I cover the meat while it marinates?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator to marinate.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include marinade, grilling, chicken, pork, pineapple, tropical, barbecue, easy recipes, and summer dishes.
How do I ensure the meat is well coated?
Pour the marinade over the meat in a bowl and ensure all pieces are thoroughly covered before refrigerating.