Pineapple Baked Pork Tenderloin

If there’s one recipe I come back to every summer — or anytime I want something bright and comforting — it’s this Pineapple Pork Tenderloin. Sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy, this dish checks all the boxes: short ingredient list, big flavor, and totally flexible whether you’re firing up the grill or using your oven.

The pineapple not only adds that golden tropical touch, but it does something magical to the pork — tenderizes it just enough and gives every bite this hint of sweetness that makes you want to go back for more. And if you’re anything like me, leftovers don’t last long around here.

What You’ll Need to Make It

Here’s the short and sweet ingredient list. It’s only six ingredients, and I bet you’ve got half of them already.

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs pork tenderloin

• Pineapple slices (fresh or canned – both work)

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Teriyaki sauce (the bottled kind is fine)

• Salt and pepper

Tools I Use in My Kitchen:

• 13×9-inch baking dish or a disposable foil roaster

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Measuring spoons

• Aluminum foil

• Meat thermometer (this helps you nail that doneness)

• If grilling: two bricks wrapped in foil (more on that below)

Cooking Pork the Right Way

If you’ve ever ended up with dry pork, don’t worry — I’ve been there too. Here’s what fixed it for me: using a meat thermometer. You want the pork to reach 145°F in the thickest part, then let it rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing. That resting time makes a big difference — it lets the juices settle so your pork stays moist.

Fresh or Canned Pineapple? Use What You’ve Got

I’ve made this with both fresh pineapple and canned rings — and honestly, both versions are delicious. If I’ve got a ripe pineapple sitting on the counter, I’ll definitely use that. But if I’m throwing dinner together on a weeknight, I just reach for a can from the pantry. No stress either way. The key is making sure those pineapple flavors can mingle with the pork as it cooks.

How Long Does It Take from Start to Finish?

You’re looking at about 40–50 minutes, depending on your method. If you’re using the oven, it’s more consistent. If you’re grilling, give yourself a bit of wiggle room since outdoor temps can be trickier to control.

I usually plan on 10–15 minutes of prep (mostly slicing and layering), then around 35 minutes in the oven or on the grill.

My Favorite Trick for Grilling Pork in a Baking Dish

Want to grill this but worried about scorching your pan or catching a flame? Here’s what I do: I place two bricks (wrapped in foil) directly on the grill grates and set my roasting pan on top of those. This keeps the dish elevated and safe from direct flame, basically turning your grill into a makeshift oven.

This setup has saved me more than once — especially during summer cookouts when I want that grilled taste but don’t want to babysit skewers.

Step-by-Step: Making Pineapple Pork Tenderloin

Whether you’re cooking indoors or out, the steps are the same. Here’s how I do it:

1. Start with the Pineapple Base
   If you’re using fresh pineapple, slice it into rings or chunks. Layer a few slices in the bottom of your baking dish.

2. Add the Pork Tenderloin
   Lay the pork right on top of the pineapple slices. The pineapple underneath helps infuse flavor and keeps the pork from sticking.

3. Season and Sauce It Up
   Drizzle the teriyaki sauce generously over the pork. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. This sauce does double duty — flavor booster and glaze.

4. Add Onion and Garlic
   Scatter the sliced onions and minced garlic over the top. These will caramelize beautifully and give the dish even more depth.

5. Top with More Pineapple
   Add a few more pineapple slices over the onions for good measure.

6. Roast or Grill
   Bake at 375°F (or grill using the brick method) for about 35–50 minutes. Start checking around the 30-minute mark — once your pork hits 145°F, it’s ready. Don’t forget the 5-minute rest before slicing.

7. Serve with Juices from the Pan
   That sweet-salty pan sauce is gold. Spoon it over the pork just before serving — you won’t want to waste a drop.

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any)

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. I usually reheat leftovers in a pan with a splash of the juice or broth to keep things moist.

• Freezer: Yes, it freezes well. Let the pork cool completely, then freeze in a container for up to 3 months. I like to portion it into slices first for easy reheating later.

Great for a Weeknight or a Summer Luau

This recipe is low-effort enough for a regular weeknight, but it also works beautifully for entertaining. If you’re hosting a backyard luau or tropical-themed dinner, this is one of those main dishes that fits right in without being too complicated.

Pair it with coconut rice, a chilled salad, or even grilled veggies — and don’t forget a fruity drink.

You Might Like These for a Luau Spread Too

If you’re planning a whole themed dinner, here are a few other fun dishes I like to serve alongside this pork:

• Pineapple Cheeseball – Easy to prep and always a hit at parties. Shaped like a pineapple too!

• Tropical Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes – With lime, coconut, and a little umbrella if you’re feeling festive.

• Coconut Macadamia Cookies – Buttery, nutty, and a perfect sweet finish.

• Hawaiian Chicken Salad – Great as a side or light lunch with chicken, dried pineapple, macadamias, and toasted coconut.

Yield: 8

Pineapple Baked Pork Tenderloin

Print

Juicy pork tenderloin meets sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki for a simple, flavor-packed dinner that works just as beautifully in the oven as it does on the grill.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 to 1½ pound pork tenderloin
• 15 slices fresh pineapple (or use canned pineapple rings if preferred)
• 1 large sweet onion, sliced
• ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F, or get your outdoor grill ready over medium-high heat.
2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Start by laying a few slices of pineapple across the bottom.
3. Place the pork tenderloin right on top of the pineapple base. Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the meat, making sure it’s well coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Next, scatter the onion slices over the top of the pork. Finish with the remaining pineapple slices layered over everything.
5. If baking, slide the dish into the oven and roast for about 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.
6. If grilling, place the baking dish on top of two foil-covered bricks on the grill grates (this creates indirect heat). Cover the grill lid and cook until the pork reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
7. Once done, remove the pork and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon some of those delicious pan juices over the sliced pork just before serving.

Notes

• If you notice the pork getting too dark before it’s done, loosely cover it with foil and continue cooking. On the grill, cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the temperature.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 242Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 62mgSodium 635mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 3gSugar 22gProtein 24g

Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

Pineapple Pork Tenderloin is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly really easy. I love how the pineapple caramelizes in the oven or on the grill, how the pork stays juicy, and how every bite has a little bit of everything — sweet, savory, and satisfying.

Try other Pork Loin recipes:

• Old South Coco-Cola Pork Loin
• Sous Vide Korean BBQ Pork Loin
• Best Pork Tenderloin Rub