Caribbean Pork with Pineapple Rice Salad Recipe
Table of Contents
If you’re craving a meal that combines savory flavors with tropical sweetness, this Caribbean Pork with Pineapple Rice Salad is the perfect choice. Packed with juicy pork, vibrant vegetables, and a refreshing pineapple-infused rice salad, this dish delivers a balanced and delicious combination of flavors. Below, you’ll find the ingredients, steps, and tips to make this delightful recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
How to Make Caribbean Pork with Pineapple Rice Salad Recipe
- Cook the rice using a rice cooker or over the stove according to the package directions. Once your rice is done cooking, let it cool slightly.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the pork. First, preheat your oven to 375 F degrees.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, allspice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloin.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Transfer the pork to a baking dish and squeeze the juice of 1 lime over it. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle the salad with lime juice and olive oil. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the roasted pork tenderloin and serve it over the pineapple rice salad.
Recipe Tips
- If you have extra time, marinate the pork in the spice mixture for 1-2 hours before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Jasmine or basmati rice adds a fragrant touch to the salad, but you can use any type of rice you prefer, such as brown rice for a healthier option.
- Fresh pineapple offers more flavor and texture, but canned pineapple works well if you’re short on time.
- You can garnish the dish with additional cilantro leaves, lime wedges, and avocado slices if desired.
- Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like cucumbers or cherry tomatoes to add more crunch and variety to the salad.
- This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. You can store the pork and rice salad separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Final Note
This Caribbean Pork with Pineapple Rice Salad recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy this vibrant dish with family and friends!
For more delicious rice recipes, browse through our collection.