Pineapple-Jalapeño Marinade Recipe

Introduction

This Pineapple-Jalapeño Marinade brings a vibrant mix of sweet and spicy flavors that complement pork, flank steak, or chicken thighs perfectly. It’s an easy way to add a tropical twist and tenderize your meat before cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh pineapple
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 pounds pork shoulder, flank steak, or chicken thighs

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a blender, pulse the pineapple until you have a chunky puree. Transfer this puree to a large resealable plastic bag or container.
2. Step 2: Add the finely chopped jalapeño, grated garlic, maple syrup, and kosher salt to the pineapple puree. Stir or shake to combine well.
3. Step 3: Place your choice of protein into the marinade, turning to coat all sides thoroughly. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours.
4. Step 4: When ready to cook, grill or cook the protein as desired, basting once on each side with the remaining marinade to enhance flavor and juiciness.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder heat, remove the jalapeño seeds before chopping. For extra spice, leave the seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and natural tenderizing effect. Canned pineapple can be used in a pinch but drain well before blending.
• This marinade works well with seafood like shrimp or firm fish if you reduce marinating time to 30 minutes.

Storage

Store any leftover marinade separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Discard used marinade that has come into contact with raw meat to avoid contamination. Cooked, marinated meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain tenderness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen pineapple works fine but thaw it first and drain any excess liquid before blending to prevent the marinade from becoming too watery.

Is this marinade safe for chicken?

Absolutely. The acidity in pineapple helps tenderize chicken, but avoid marinating for more than 2 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.

Pineapple-Jalapeño Marinade Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 132 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: Serves 4

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Pineapple-Jalapeño Marinade infuses your choice of pork shoulder, flank steak, or chicken thighs with a vibrant, spicy-sweet flavor. Fresh pineapple adds a natural tang and tenderizes the meat, balanced by the heat of jalapeño and the sweetness of maple syrup for a perfect marinade that elevates grilling or stovetop cooking.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade Ingredients

• 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh pineapple
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Protein

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, flank steak, or chicken thighs

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pineapple Puree: In a blender, blend the coarsely chopped fresh pineapple until it reaches a chunky puree consistency. Transfer this puree to a large resealable plastic bag or a suitable container.
2. Add Remaining Marinade Ingredients: To the pineapple puree, add the finely chopped jalapeño, grated garlic cloves, maple syrup, and kosher salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Marinate the Protein: Place your choice of pork shoulder, flank steak, or chicken thighs into the bag or container with the marinade. Turn the meat to coat all sides evenly. Seal the bag or container tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but no longer than 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate.
4. Cook and Baste: When ready to cook, grill or cook the meat by your preferred method. While cooking, baste the protein once on each side with the remaining marinade to enhance flavor and maintain moisture.

Notes

• Marinate for no longer than 2 hours to prevent the pineapple’s enzymes from over-tenderizing the meat.
• Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.
• This marinade works best with cuts like pork shoulder, flank steak, or chicken thighs for optimal flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Reserve leftover marinade for basting only; do not use it as a sauce unless boiled to ensure food safety.
• Adjust the jalapeño quantity to control the heat level according to personal preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes depending on protein and cooking method
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pineapple marinade, jalapeño marinade, meat marinade, grilled pork marinade, chicken marinade, spicy marinade, sweet and spicy, easy marinade