Grilled Pineapple and Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers
Juicy pork pieces marinated in fiery Jamaican jerk spices grilled alongside sweet pineapple chunks for a balanced smoky flavor. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks, Jamaican jerk seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 skewers wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound 1-inch cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate covered in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes and 2 cups pineapple chunks alternately onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 3: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until pork is cooked through with a slight char and pineapple is caramelized.
- Step 4: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with lime wedges for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pineapple and Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers 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 Grilled Pineapple and Jamaican 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 jamaican jerk seasoning from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pineapple and Jamaican 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 Pineapple and Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers 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 Pineapple and Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers?
Caribbean grilling 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.