These Hawaiian Pork Fajitas are a tasty mix of juicy pork, colorful peppers, and a refreshing pineapple slaw. It’s like a tropical vacation on your plate!
Don’t forget the coconut rice—it’s super easy and adds a sweet twist! I love piling everything high on a tortilla and enjoying the flavors that remind me of summer. 🌴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork shoulder is ideal for fajitas due to its tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, pork tenderloin works great too. Chicken breast or tofu can also be a good substitute for a different protein.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple brings a bright flavor to the slaw. Canned pineapple in juice is a convenient alternative. Just make sure to drain it well. You can also use mango for a similar tropical sweetness.
Cabbage: Cabbage adds crunch to the slaw. You can substitute with coleslaw mix for convenience. If you prefer a lighter option, use shredded carrots or even kale!
Coconut Milk: Full fat coconut milk gives rich flavor to the rice. For a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk or even almond milk, though this will change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Pork for Fajitas?
Cooking pork for fajitas needs some attention to keep it juicy. Start with marinating for flavor and tenderness. This part is crucial! Here’s what to do:
- Use medium-high heat to sear the pork—this helps lock in moisture.
- Cook it just long enough until no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes.
- Let it rest off the heat for a minute before slicing. This keeps juices in!
What’s the Key to Flavorful Coconut Rice?
Coconut rice is easy to make, but the key is the perfect cooking ratio. Follow these tips:
- Rinse the jasmine rice really well to remove excess starch. This helps it cook fluffier!
- Combine equal parts coconut milk and water; this balances the creaminess and gives a nice texture.
- Let the rice sit covered after cooking to steam a bit. This finishing touch makes it light and fluffy.
Try these tips to make your Hawaiian Pork Fajitas a hit at the table! Enjoy the delightful flavors. 🍍🌮
Hawaiian Pork Fajitas with Pineapple Slaw and Coconut Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Fajitas:
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder or pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
For the Pineapple Slaw:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coconut Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, about 15-20 minutes for cooking, and an additional 30 minutes for marinating. In total, you’ll need about an hour to make all components while waiting for the pork to marinate. Perfect for a fun family dinner or a gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Pork:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced pork and toss everything so the pork is well-coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 1-2 hours if you have time.
2. Prepare the Coconut Rice:
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
3. Make the Pineapple Slaw:
While the pork is marinating, prepare the slaw. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add in the chopped pineapple, shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Cook the Pork and Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion, sprinkle a little salt, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Pork and Veggies:
Return the cooked pork back to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Stir everything together well, then drizzle with lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and heat for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
While the pork and veggies are finishing up, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in foil and place in the oven for a few minutes.
7. Assemble and Serve:
To serve, spoon the pork fajita mixture onto the warm tortillas and top with a generous scoop of pineapple slaw. Serve with a side of coconut rice for a delicious tropical flair!
Enjoy your taste of the islands with these vibrant Hawaiian Pork Fajitas with Pineapple Slaw and Coconut Rice! 🌈🍍
FAQ for Hawaiian Pork Fajitas with Pineapple Slaw and Coconut Rice
Can I Use a Different Protein for the Fajitas?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or shrimp can be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly: chicken will take about the same time as pork, while shrimp cooks much faster (about 2-3 minutes). Tofu is also a fantastic option for a vegetarian dish!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the pork marinade. You can also serve with hot sauce or a spicy salsa on the side for extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Slaw Ahead of Time?
Yes! The pineapple slaw can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it taste even better!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fajita filling and slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the fajitas, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat. The slaw can be enjoyed cold, making it a perfect topping for salads or snacks!
