Grilled Half-Size Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers

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

Spiced Caribbean jerk pork skewers grilled to juicy perfection in a half-sized portion, ideal for a flavorful quick meal or appetizer. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, jerk seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 2, 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Caribbean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp jerk seasoning, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz pork tenderloin cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours refrigerated.
  3. Step 3: Soak 4 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Thread marinated pork cubes onto skewers, dividing evenly.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until pork is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to seal in juices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Half-Size Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Half-Size Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Half-Size Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers?

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 Half-Size Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Half-Size Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers?

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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