Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Juicy pork tenderloin marinated in a spicy and aromatic jerk seasoning, grilled to smoky perfection. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, fresh 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground thyme
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 small, finely chopped (optional for heat) scotch bonnet pepper
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp ground thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the jerk marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the pork. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill the pork tenderloin for 15-18 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the exterior is nicely charred.
- Step 5: Remove from grill, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch thick medallions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
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 Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
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 Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin 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 Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin?
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.
