Caribbean Citrus-Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork skewers marinated in bright citrus and island spices, served with a fresh pineapple salsa for a tropical flavor burst. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb pork tenderloin cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the salsa by mixing 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 minced jalapeño (seeded), and 1 tbsp honey in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill the pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot pork skewers topped with the fresh pineapple salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Citrus-Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean Citrus-Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Citrus-Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean Citrus-Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caribbean Citrus-Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Caribbean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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