Charred Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy jerk-marinated pork grilled to a smoky char, paired with a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa for a vibrant contrast. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 52 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin, jerk seasoning, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 310 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb cubed pork tenderloin with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Stir to combine and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve pork skewers topped with fresh pineapple salsa.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charred Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Caribbean Jerk 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 Charred Caribbean Jerk 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 Charred Caribbean Jerk 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.

Related recipes