PORK & PINEAPPLE KEBABS (GLUTEN FREE)

July 09, 2023

Time to switch it up from your usual chicken and beef with these Pork & Pineapple Kebabs! These skewers are tender, flavorful, and cheap to make since pork tenderloin costs less than chicken or beef. They're also gluten-free, dairy-free, and macro-friendly! If you can't have pork, feel free to use chicken; and if you need this vegan, try squares of tempeh.

Did you know? Soy sauce contains wheat and is not gluten-free unless specified! Tamari is "usually" gluten-free, but can contain traces of wheat so look for gluten-free. Coconut aminos and liquid aminos are always gluten-free, though they lack some of the flavor that soy and tamari offer.

Pork and substitutes

When looking for pork, I look for labels that ensure the pigs were treated well. The gold standard is "Animal Welfare Approved" which means no antibiotics, unlimited freedom to forage outside, and adequate indoor space. "Certified Humane" and "Animal Welfare Certified" require similar conditions, though less stringent. "Certified Organic" requires that the animals are not treated with antibiotics and have outdoor access, but this is loosely defined (much like "free range"). And of course, "no antibiotics ever" means no antibiotics were used due to disease or sickness. 

Since I like to limit saturated fat and animal fats in general, I went with lean pork loin chops. You could also use lean pork tenderloin, or pork sirloin chops. 

Again, if you do not eat pork, chicken breast or chicken thighs will work just as well! And, if you need this vegan, try tempeh cut into squares the same size as your pineapple. 

Soy sauce and substitutes

I used a gluten-free soy sauce for this recipe, because I prefer the rich, savory "unami" flavor soy sauce offers. Comparatively, tamari sauce has a darker color, stronger flavor, and similar sodium levels, but usually gluten-free. Tamari sauce would be a good alternative here! Those with Celiac or wheat allergy should still look for gluten-free tamari.

Liquid aminos are gluten-free and similar to tamari with less "unami" flavor, which can make them taste rather salty. You may need more sugar to balance this! Coconut aminos are also gluten free, have about half the sodium, and are sweeter than the others. You may need to reduce the amount of sugar and add a little salt to get the right flavor balance.

Other sauce ingredients

Besides the soy sauce (or alternatives), you're going to need brown sugar alternative, some reserved pineapple juice, ketchup, cornstarch, granulated garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. 

You can use regular brown sugar too - this recipe doesn't call for that much! Ketchup adds some tangy sweet and sour vibes which I love. The cornstarch can be swapped for tapioca starch or potato starch, and dry garlic and ginger can be swapped for fresh (just use three times the amount). 

Pineapple and vegetables

You can use either fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe, just reserve one quarter cup of the pineapple juice! I also used fresh bell peppers (red, orange, and green), as well as a purple onion for lots of color! You can totally substitute white or yellow onion if that's all you have. 

These skewers are delicious served over a bed of basmati rice. And best of all, you can make these Pork & Pineapple Kebabs in the oven or on the grill (I've included instructions for both)! Here's the printable recipe card :)

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