Grilled Banana Leaf Wrapped Pork with Tiki Citrus Glaze

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

Tender pork marinated in a zesty tiki-inspired citrus glaze, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled for smoky aroma. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 105 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 75 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp honey, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs pork shoulder cubes and toss to coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Lay out 4 large banana leaves and divide the marinated pork evenly among them.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the pork, then wrap the banana leaves securely around the pork cubes, folding edges to form sealed packets.
  4. Step 4: Place the banana leaf packets on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes, until pork is tender and cooked through with a smoky aroma.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, carefully unwrap, and serve the pork with extra citrus glaze or fresh lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Banana Leaf Wrapped Pork with Tiki Citrus Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (75 min prep + 30 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 Grilled Banana Leaf Wrapped Pork with Tiki Citrus Glaze?

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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Banana Leaf Wrapped Pork with Tiki Citrus Glaze?

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 Grilled Banana Leaf Wrapped Pork with Tiki Citrus Glaze 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 Grilled Banana Leaf Wrapped Pork with Tiki Citrus Glaze?

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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