Kona Tiki Pork

Jump to recipe

Tropical BBQ at Home

Bring the islands to your backyard with Kona Tiki Pork, and let your grill transport you to a tropical paradise. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Hawaii, this recipe combines the bold heat of chipotle-rubbed pork with the sweet, smoky notes of grilled pineapple for a truly vacation-worthy meal. The tropical combination of spicy, sweet, and savory will have you feeling like you’re enjoying a BBQ on a sun-soaked beach. With a few simple ingredients and your Kamado Joe® Classic Joe – Series II, you can recreate the ultimate island vibes and enjoy a taste of the tropics, no passport required.

How to Grill Pork Tenderloin on a Kamado Joe® 

Grilling pork tenderloin on the Kamado Joe® Classic Joe – Series II is a fantastic way to infuse your meat with rich, smoky flavor while achieving a perfectly tender result. Start by setting your grill for indirect heat, aiming for a steady temperature around 375°F. Use the Kamado Joe’s premium ceramic design to maintain consistent heat throughout the cooking process, and keep the vents slightly open for airflow. For the best results, monitor the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer, removing it from the grill once it reaches 145°F for a juicy, tender roast. Don’t forget to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in all those delicious juices!

The Ultimate Sweet and Spicy BBQ Combo

The combination of chipotle-rubbed pork and grilled pineapple is the ultimate sweet and spicy BBQ pairing that will excite any adventurous eater. The smoky, spicy heat from the chipotle rub adds a bold kick to the tender pork, while the caramelized sweetness of the grilled pineapple perfectly balances the heat. The pineapple’s natural sugars create a delightful contrast, intensifying the savory flavors of the pork with every bite. Together, these flavors deliver a dynamic blend of smokiness, spice, and sweetness that’s sure to please your taste buds and elevate any BBQ experience.

By Chef Eric Gephart

Kona Tiki Pork

Serves: 5 people
Skill:
Intermediate:
Method:
Grilled
Food:
Pork

Ingredients

  • Main

Kona Tiki Pork is all about big island flavor with bold smoky vibes. We’re taking pork tenderloin and giving it a punchy, savory-sweet rub with chipotle and coffee, then pairing it with fresh grilled pineapple to balance the heat. Cooked to perfection on the Kamado Joe® Classic Joe® Grill – Series II, this recipe is a nod to tropical cookouts and smoky backyard sessions.

Instructions

  1. 01

    Mince the canned chipotle peppers, making sure to include both the seeds and the adobo sauce. The heat and smokiness from the peppers will build the base of your rub.

  2. 02

    In a small bowl, mix the minced chipotles with instant coffee. Stir until it forms a thick, gritty paste. This rub will deliver a deep, bold flavor with a hint of sweetness and smoke.

  3. 03

    Pat the pork tenderloins dry with a paper towel, then coat them evenly with the chipotle-coffee rub. Let them rest while you prepare the grill, allowing the flavors to soak in.

  4. 04

    Fire up your Kamado Joe Classic Joe® Grill – Series II. Set it for indirect heat and bring the temperature to 250°F, ideal for slow-smoking tenderloin.

  5. 05

    Place the pork tenderloins on the grill and cook with the lid closed until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F–145°F, about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on size.

  6. 06

    While the pork is smoking, grill the pineapple slices over direct medium-high heat until they’re nicely caramelized—about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

  7. 07

    Grill the pork tenderloin over direct heat, turning occasionally to develop a charred crust. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F at the thickest point. Remove from the grill and let rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing. This ensures the pork stays juicy and is safe to eat.

Kamado Joe Recipes

Create Something Unexpected

View All Recipes