Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple

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

Tender pork skewers marinated and glazed with a rich Caribbean rum sauce paired with sweet pineapple chunks for a tropical flair. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cubed, Caribbean dark rum, pineapple juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup Caribbean dark rum, 1/3 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is well blended.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours, to infuse flavors.
  3. Step 3: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated pork cubes alternately with 1 cup pineapple chunks onto the skewers.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 2 tbsp olive oil on the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Season skewers with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: During the last 2 minutes, brush the skewers with some reserved marinade to create a sticky rum glaze. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Rum-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple?

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 shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Rum-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple?

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 Rum-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple 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 Rum-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple?

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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