This pineapple jalapeño marinade is sweet, spicy, and just a little tangy—basically perfect for summer grilling or jazzing up boring chicken. The pineapple brings juicy sweetness, the jalapeño adds a kick (but not too much), and everything comes together in under 5 minutes. It’s bright, bold, and super easy.
Why I Love This Recipe
This one came about during taco night—I had pineapple, a lone jalapeño, and some chicken that needed love. I threw everything in the blender, let the chicken soak for an hour, and boom—so much flavor. Now it’s my go-to for grilling season, taco bowls, and even shrimp.
Why it’s a keeper:
- 🍍 Sweet + spicy combo that works on everything
- ⏱️ Blends up in minutes
- 🔥 Perfect for grilling, baking, or stir-frying
- 🌱 Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- 💡 Also makes a great dipping sauce or salsa base
⏰ Time to Make: 5 minutes
🍽️ Enough For: 1.5 to 2 pounds of protein or veggies
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 small jalapeño, stemmed and chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make Pineapple Jalapeño Marinade
1. Add Pineapple and Jalapeño to Blender
Place pineapple chunks and chopped jalapeño into a blender or food processor.
2. Add Garlic, Lime Juice & Soy Sauce
Add minced garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, and salt to the blender.
3. Blend Until Smooth
Blend until creamy and pourable. Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed.
4. Use or Store It
Pour over chicken, shrimp, tofu, or veggies. Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What to Serve With It
This marinade works beautifully in all kinds of meals. Try it with:
- 🌮 Chicken or shrimp tacos
- 🍚 Rice bowls with grilled veggies
- 🥗 Shredded chicken over a tropical salad
- 🍤 Skewered shrimp or tofu on the grill
- 🌯 As a dipping sauce for burritos or wraps
FAQ
Is it really spicy?
It depends on the jalapeño! Remove the seeds for a milder flavor—or leave them in if you like heat.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just make sure to drain it first. Fresh will give you a brighter flavor, though.
Can I freeze it?
You can! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I use it as a sauce too?
Definitely. Just reduce it in a pan for a few minutes to thicken it into a sweet-spicy glaze.
How long should I marinate my protein?
30 minutes minimum, 2–4 hours is ideal. Don’t go overnight with shrimp or fish—they’ll get mushy.
Enjoy!
This Pineapple Jalapeño Marinade brings the perfect mix of sweet and spicy to whatever’s on your plate. It’s tropical, tangy, and makes any dinner feel like a sunny day. 🍍🌶️☀️