Pineapple-Jalapeño Marinade Recipe

Introduction

This Pineapple-Jalapeño Marinade brings a vibrant balance of sweet and spicy to your favorite meats. Perfect for pork, steak, or chicken, it tenderizes while infusing bold tropical flavors that will make your next meal unforgettable.

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 it becomes a chunky puree. Transfer the 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. Mix well to combine.
3. Step 3: Place your chosen protein in the marinade, making sure all sides are coated evenly. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.
4. Step 4: When ready to cook, grill or pan-sear the meat, basting once on each side with the remaining marinade for extra flavor and moisture.

Tips & Variations

• For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before chopping. For more spice, leave them in or add extra jalapeño.
• Try swapping maple syrup for honey or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
• Use this marinade with seafood like shrimp or firm fish for a quick, flavorful twist.

Storage

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. Cooked leftovers should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain juiciness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade base a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the protein just before marinating to keep flavors fresh.

What if I don’t have fresh pineapple?

Fresh pineapple works best for texture and natural enzymes, but you can use canned pineapple in juice, drained well, as a substitute if necessary.

Pineapple-Jalapeño Marinade Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x

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Description

A vibrant and tangy Pineapple-Jalapeño Marinade that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Ideal for marinating pork shoulder, flank steak, or chicken thighs, this marinade tenderizes meat while adding a delicious tropical kick for grilling or stovetop cooking.

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Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pineapple Puree: In a blender, blend the coarsely chopped fresh pineapple until it forms a chunky puree. This provides the base of your marinade and will help tenderize your protein.
2. Combine Marinade Ingredients: Transfer the pineapple puree to a large resealable plastic bag or container. Add the finely chopped jalapeño, grated garlic cloves, maple syrup, and kosher salt. Mix well to combine the flavors thoroughly.
3. Marinate the Protein: Place your choice of protein (pork shoulder, flank steak, or chicken thighs) into the marinade. Turn the meat to coat all sides evenly. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion and tenderization.
4. Cook and Baste: When ready, grill or cook your meat as desired. During cooking, baste once on each side with the remaining marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Do not reuse leftover marinade as a sauce unless boiled first to kill bacteria.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity for preferred spice level.
• Marinating longer than 2 hours can overly tenderize the meat due to pineapple’s enzymes.
• Works well for grilling, stovetop searing, or broiling.
• Use fresh pineapple for best flavor and enzymatic activity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-30 minutes depending on protein and cooking method
• Category: Marinade
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pineapple marinade, jalapeño marinade, pork marinade, chicken marinade, steak marinade, tropical marinade, grilled meat marinade, spicy sweet marinade