Few dishes capture the spirit of summer grilling and tropical flavor like Pork and Pineapple Kebabs with Sweet Chili Sauce. Juicy cubes of tender pork are marinated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, then skewered with chunks of golden pineapple, bell peppers, and onions before being grilled to smoky perfection.

This recipe combines the succulent savoriness of pork with the bright sweetness of pineapple, balanced by the irresistible glaze of sweet chili sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory — a tropical symphony on a stick!

The pork becomes incredibly juicy and flavorful after marinating, while the pineapple adds a natural tang and sweetness that cuts through the richness of the meat.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You simply must try this dish because:

1. It’s vibrant and flavorful — a beautiful balance of textures and tastes.
2. It’s quick and easy, ideal for weeknight dinners or summer parties.
3. It’s versatile — you can grill, broil, or pan-sear it.
4. It looks stunning on the table — colorful, glossy, and appetizing.
5. The flavor combination is timeless — pork and pineapple were made for each other!

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving (depending on sauce quantity and meat cut)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion

Ingredients

For the Kebabs:

• 600 g (1.3 lb) pork tenderloin or boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• Wooden or metal skewers (8–10)

For the Marinade:

• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Extra sweet chili sauce, for serving

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cut the pork into evenly sized cubes (about 1½ inches each) for even cooking.
2. Cut the pineapple, bell peppers, and onion into similar-sized pieces.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, oil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Pork

1. Add the pork cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Kebabs

1. Thread alternating pieces of pork, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers.
2. Brush lightly with any leftover marinade.

Step 5: Grill or Broil

• Outdoor Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (200°C / 400°F). Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
• Stovetop Grill Pan: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook for the same time, brushing with extra marinade as they cook.
• Oven Broil Method: Broil on high for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

1. In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the kebabs with a little extra sweet chili sauce for a glossy, caramelized finish.
2. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot, directly off the grill, with a side of steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodle salad.
• For a party presentation, serve on a platter with extra sweet chili dipping sauce and lime wedges.
• These also pair beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad or grilled corn on the cob for a summery meal.

Recipe Tips

1. Marinate longer for deeper flavor — 4 hours gives you tender, flavorful pork.
2. Don’t overcook — pork tenderloin cooks quickly; overcooking can make it dry.
3. Use fresh pineapple — canned pineapple can be too soft and watery for grilling.
4. Baste while grilling — this builds up a beautiful glaze and enhances flavor.
5. Cut ingredients evenly — for consistent cooking and an appealing presentation.

Variations

1. Spicy Hawaiian Style: Add 1 tbsp sriracha or chili paste to the marinade for a spicy-sweet kick.
2. Teriyaki Version: Replace sweet chili sauce with teriyaki glaze for a richer, umami-forward profile.
3. Thai-Inspired: Add coconut milk, fish sauce, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts when serving.
4. Pork-Free Option: Substitute chicken, shrimp, or tofu for pork — adjust cooking times accordingly.
5. Vegetarian Option: Use firm tofu or tempeh with pineapple, zucchini, and mushrooms for a meat-free delight.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked kebabs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or grill pan until hot.
• Freezing (Raw): Freeze marinated pork cubes (without pineapple or veggies) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before skewering and grilling.
• Freezing (Cooked): Cooked kebabs can be frozen for up to 1 month, though pineapple may soften slightly.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill or grill pan (for best flavor and char)
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Mixing bowls
• Basting brush
• Kitchen tongs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I use canned pineapple?
A: You can, but fresh pineapple gives a better texture and flavor when grilled.

Q2. How do I prevent the pork from drying out?
A: Don’t overcook — remove from the grill as soon as the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).

Q3. Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the skewers a few hours before grilling and keep them refrigerated. Brush with sauce just before cooking.

Q4. Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20–25 minutes, turning once midway, then broil briefly for color.

Q5. What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
A: Try a mix of honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce as a quick homemade alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these kebabs with:

• Drinks: Iced tea, tropical cocktails, or a crisp white wine (Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc).
• Sides: Coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or Thai cucumber salad.
• Sauces: Extra sweet chili, peanut satay, or mango salsa for dipping.

Conclusion

Pork and Pineapple Kebabs with Sweet Chili Sauce are a perfect blend of tropical charm and savory satisfaction. With their juicy pork, caramelized fruit, and sticky-sweet glaze, they’re a guaranteed hit for any meal — whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, planning a weeknight dinner, or simply craving something vibrant and flavorful.

Every bite tells a story of balance — sweet meets spicy, tender meets charred, tropical meets smoky — making this dish an unforgettable culinary experience.

So light up that grill and bring a taste of paradise to your plate!