Pineapple and Cachaça Glazed Pork Skewers
Tender pork skewers marinated and glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple-cachaça sauce, grilled for a tropical flair. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin, fresh pineapple chunks, cachaça for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup cachaça
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup cachaça, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed pork tenderloin and 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until pork is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with a sprinkle of fresh lime juice for added brightness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pineapple and Cachaça Glazed Pork Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pineapple and Cachaça Glazed Pork Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh pineapple chunks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pineapple and Cachaça Glazed Pork Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pineapple and Cachaça Glazed Pork Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pineapple and Cachaça Glazed Pork Skewers?
Brazilian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.