Dinner

Grilled Pineapple BBQ Pork Skewers

Name: Grilled Pineapple BBQ Pork Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pound pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned drained; 2 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 clove garlic minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 piece wooden skewers

Flora Chen May 7, 2026

Total Time: 57 mins Difficulty: Beginner

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Tender pork and sweet pineapple meet on smoky skewers for a summer grill feast.

Get ready to fire up the grill and dive into our Grilled Pineapple BBQ Pork Skewers—tender pork and juicy pineapple bathed in a tangy, smoky marinade for the ultimate backyard feast. This beginner-friendly dinner brings together sweet char and savory juiciness in every bite, making it perfect for summer skewers with friends and family.

Key Ingredients

Before you dive into grilling, gather these simple ingredients to make your skewers shine:

1.5 pound pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch cubes: Lean protein that soaks up every drop of the tangy BBQ marinade while staying tender.
2 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned drained: Sweet, tropical fruit that caramelizes into golden pockets of juicy goodness.
2 tablespoon soy sauce: Salty, umami-rich liquid that forms the savory backbone of the marinade.
2 tablespoon ketchup: Adds a tomato-ey sweetness and helps the marinade cling to the pork.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances tangy and spicy flavors with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright acidity to cut through richness.
2 clove garlic minced: Aromatic pungency that infuses the meat with depth.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle heat and smoky complexity.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors and seasons the pork evenly.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a subtle spicy kick.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps bind the marinade and promote even coating.
8 piece wooden skewers: The foundation for threading pork and pineapple—soaked to avoid burning.

How To Make Grilled Pineapple BBQ Pork Skewers

This recipe is all about straightforward prep and hands-on grilling. You’ll whip up a vibrant marinade, soak your skewers, and alternate juicy pork with sweet pineapple for even caramelization. Follow the step-by-step guide below to ensure each skewer cooks perfectly, locks in flavor, and develops those irresistible grill marks.

1. Soak the wooden skewers – Place skewers in a shallow dish of water and let sit for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

2. Whisk the marinade – In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until smooth and well blended.

3. Marinate the pork – Add pork cubes to the bowl, toss to coat thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) for deeper flavor.

4. Preheat the grill – Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to keep ingredients from sticking.

5. Assemble the skewers – Thread pork cubes and pineapple chunks alternately onto each skewer, leaving a bit of space between pieces for even cooking.

6. Grill with care – Place skewers directly on the hot grates and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes to achieve an even char.

7. Check for doneness – Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and pineapple edges are caramelized.

8. Rest before serving – Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Pineapple BBQ Pork Skewers are simply delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right sides elevates your summer spread:

Serve with coconut rice to absorb the flavorful juices and add a creamy, tropical touch.
Top with a bright mango salsa for an extra burst of fresh acidity and color.
Pair alongside a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette to balance sweet and savory.
Offer lime wedges on the side so guests can squeeze extra tang over each skewer.

Tips For Perfect Grilled Pineapple BBQ Pork Skewers

Mastering these skewers is all about timing and temperature. A few simple tricks ensure you get juicy, flavorful pork every time:

For best results, marinate pork at least 2 hours or overnight.
Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
Ensure pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F before serving.
Serve with chopped cilantro and extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.

How To Store It

If you have leftovers or want to prep ahead, storing these skewers correctly keeps them fresh and delicious:

Refrigerator: Place cooled skewers (or remove pork and pineapple) in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Lay skewers flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or return briefly to a hot grill for 2–3 minutes per side to revive char.
Labeling: Always note the date on your container or bag to ensure you use them while fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious minds want to know—here are the top questions about these skewers:

How long does it take to prepare and cook these Grilled Pineapple BBQ Pork Skewers from start to finish?

At minimum you’ll spend about 15 minutes whisking the marinade, cutting pork and pineapple, and soaking skewers. You then need at least 30 minutes of marinating time (though 2 hours to overnight yields better flavor), followed by 10–12 minutes on the grill and a 5-minute rest. So plan on about 1 hour total for a quick version, or up to 2–3 hours including a longer marinade.

What is the ideal marinating time for the pork, and can I leave it overnight?

The recipe calls for at least 30 minutes in the marinade, but for best results marinate the pork for 2 hours or up to overnight (no more than 24 hours). Longer marination allows the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and spices to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in juicier, more flavorful skewers.

Can I use canned pineapple chunks, and how should I prepare them?

Yes—use canned pineapple that’s been well drained. After draining, pat the chunks dry with a paper towel to remove excess liquid so they caramelize properly on the grill rather than steaming.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning or catching fire on the grill?

Soak each wooden skewer in water for at least 30 minutes before threading. You can soak them up to 2 hours if convenient. The water absorption keeps the ends from charring or igniting when exposed to direct heat.

How can I tell when the pork is fully cooked and safe to eat?

The pork is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a cube reaches 145°F. You should also see caramelized edges on the pineapple and pork, and the meat’s juices should run clear. Always let the skewers rest for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the juices to redistribute.

Can I assemble the skewers ahead of time and refrigerate before grilling?

Yes. After marinating and draining excess liquid, thread the pork and pineapple onto skewers, cover them with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before grilling. This saves time on grilling day without compromising food safety or flavor.

How should I store and reheat any leftover skewers?

Remove pork and pineapple from the skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also return them briefly to a hot grill for 2–3 minutes per side to revive the char.

What Makes This Special

These skewers strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making every bite a mini celebration. The tangy marinade clings to lean pork cubes as they sizzle next to caramelizing pineapple—no wonder it’s a go-to for summer BBQ nights! With beginner-friendly steps and simple pantry staples, you’ll want to print this recipe, pin it on your fridge, and bring it out at every gathering. Give it a whirl, then let me know how it went or drop any questions below—happy grilling!

Print Recipe