Tenderloin with incredibly juicy and tender pineapple sauce.

Tender with pineapple sauce is a recipe that blends the sweet flavor of the tropics with the savory touch of ham. It comes from homemade versions that adapt festive dishes for everyday cooking. The result is a juicy, tender, and beautifully glazed dish, with a contrast between sugar and the acidity of the fruit. The best part is that it’s ready quickly and requires no oven, keeping the ham tender and full of flavor.
In this version, the pre-cooked ham meets pineapple slices and juice that bring sweetness and acidity. Butter melts and helps create a delicious glaze, while brown sugar and honey form a caramelized layer. Mustard adds a kick and soy sauce brings a savory depth. A little orange juice enhances the fruit, and cloves with black pepper add warmth and aroma. Together, these flavors create a sticky, glossy sauce that coats every slice, making the dish juicy and tender.

Ingredients

1 pre-cooked ham (1.5 kg)

8 pineapple slices (fresh or canned)

125 ml (1/2 cup) pineapple juice

50 g butter (≈ 4 tablespoons)

100 g brown sugar (≈ 1/2 cup)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon mustard

2 tablespoons soy sauce

60 ml (1/4 cup) orange juice

6 to 8 whole cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

Remove the ham from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Score shallow diamond cuts across the surface. For guidance on Safe ham preparation and cooking, consult handling and reheating recommendations for pre-cooked hams to avoid food safety risks.

If desired, press the cloves into the intersections of the diamond cuts and secure the pineapple slices onto the ham (use one clove per slice to hold them in place).

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.

Add the honey, mustard, soy sauce, pineapple juice, orange juice, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Place the ham and sear for 2 minutes on each side just to get a little color.

Reduce the heat to low, drizzle half the sauce over the ham, and cover the skillet. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning the ham and brushing with the sauce every 3–4 minutes.

Remove the lid in the last 2 minutes and brush with the remaining sauce to caramelize the surface and make it glossy. Be careful not to burn it.

Remove from heat, wait 5 minutes before slicing, and serve with the pineapple slices and sauce on top.

Some highlights and benefits of the ingredients:

Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion.

Honey and brown sugar provide energy and a sweet flavor, along with a caramelized touch.

Mustard and soy sauce add flavor without needing much extra salt.

Cloves and pepper add aroma and antioxidant properties.

The ham provides protein, making the dish satisfying.

For official recommendations on fruit consumption and balanced eating, consult the Dietary Guide for Fruit Choices.
Yield and occasions:

Makes about 6 to 8 servings (for a 1.5 kg ham).

Great for family lunches, year-end celebrations such as Christmas and Easter, or special gatherings where you want a juicy, beautifully presented dish. To organize multiple recipes for special occasions, see our weekly menu guide. For information on labeling and safety of processed products, see the Anvisa Food Safety and Labeling Guidelines.

If you’d like to adapt the recipe with what you already have at home or look for quick variations, check out tips on how to make the most of ingredients you already have to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

If you enjoyed this Tender with Pineapple Sauce recipe, follow us for more quick and easy recipes. Also check out our selection of quick dinner recipes in 20 minutes for practical and delicious ideas.
Try serving this ham with simple and flavorful sides. Here are five suggestions that pair well: