Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love a mix of sweet, savory, and a little bit of tropical goodness, then this pineapple pork with coconut rice is for you.
The pork is juicy, the pineapple adds a burst of sweetness, and the coconut rice? Oh, it’s creamy and full of flavor. Plus, this meal comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy days. Let me show you how to make it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large skillet or wok
- Saucepan with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Important Info
- Servings: 4 plates
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $15 for all the ingredients
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 550 kcal
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: All year round
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make Pineapple Pork with Coconut Rice
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Pineapple Pork:
- 1 lb pork (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup bell peppers (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
For the Coconut Rice:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Pork | Chicken or shrimp |
| Soy sauce | Tamari (for gluten-free option) |
| Honey | Brown sugar |
| Pineapple juice | Orange juice |
| Coconut milk | Regular milk (less creamy) |
Instructions
- Marinate the pork. In a bowl, mix the pork, salt, pepper, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
- Cook the rice. In a saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for another 5 minutes.
- Sear the pork. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add veggies and pineapple. Toss in the bell peppers and pineapple chunks. Stir and cook for 3 minutes.
- Make the sauce. In a small bowl, mix honey, vinegar, and pineapple juice. Pour over the pork and stir well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Fluff the rice. Use a fork to fluff the coconut rice before serving.
- Serve and enjoy. Spoon the coconut rice onto a plate and top with the pineapple pork.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh pineapple if possible. It gives a better, natural sweetness compared to canned pineapple.
- Don’t overcook the pork. It gets tough if left too long in the pan.
- Rinse the rice before cooking. This removes excess starch and makes it fluffier.
- For extra flavor, toast the coconut rice. Let it cook for an extra 2 minutes at the end to bring out the coconut aroma.
- Make it spicy. Add chili flakes or fresh chili for a bit of heat.
What to Serve with Pineapple Pork with Coconut Rice
This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, here are some ideas:
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy
- A side of fried plantains
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
- A cold tropical smoothie
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
You can serve this dish on a regular dinner plate, but if you want to get fancy, use a hollowed-out pineapple half as a bowl. It makes the meal feel extra special.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is great for weeknight dinners, but it’s also a hit at backyard cookouts, tropical-themed parties, and even holiday gatherings. It’s a meal that feels like a treat but is still easy to make.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- This dish is best eaten fresh, but if you need to keep it for a few hours, cover it and leave it at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store leftover pork and rice in separate airtight containers.
- The pork will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- The coconut rice lasts about 4 days.
Freezing
- You can freeze the cooked pork in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- The coconut rice is best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can swap the pork for chicken. Just cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink before adding the other ingredients.
What if I don’t have coconut milk?
You can use regular milk, but the rice won’t have the same creamy texture. Another option is to use half milk and half water.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pork ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop before serving. The rice is best made fresh.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Use lean pork cuts, reduce the honey, and add more vegetables like zucchini or snap peas.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry the pork at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then, cook the sauce separately on the stovetop and mix everything together.
Meta Description
Pineapple pork with coconut rice recipe is a sweet and savory dish with juicy pork, tropical pineapple, and creamy rice. Easy to make and perfect for dinner.