Charcoal-Grilled Caribbean Jerk Pork Ribs
Tender pork ribs slathered in a bold Caribbean jerk spice rub and grilled over charcoal for a smoky, fiery finish. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 180 minutes pairs pounds pork spare ribs, tablespoons brown sugar, tablespoon allspice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 3 pounds pork spare ribs
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 chopped scallions
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon allspice, 1 teaspoon ground thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon salt to create the jerk spice rub.
- Step 2: In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend 3 chopped scallions, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until smooth, then mix with the spice rub.
- Step 3: Rub the 3 pounds of pork spare ribs thoroughly with the jerk spice and marinade mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Step 4: Prepare a charcoal grill for indirect medium heat (about 300°F). Remove ribs from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Place ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill, cover, and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, turning occasionally, until tender and smoky.
- Step 6: For the last 10 minutes, move ribs directly over the coals to crisp up the edges and develop a charred crust. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Caribbean Jerk Pork Ribs take to make?
Total time is about 180 minutes (30 min prep + 150 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 Charcoal-Grilled Caribbean Jerk Pork Ribs?
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 pounds pork spare ribs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Caribbean Jerk Pork Ribs?
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 Charcoal-Grilled Caribbean Jerk Pork Ribs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Charcoal-Grilled Caribbean Jerk Pork Ribs?
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.
