Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Pork Kebabs

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

Juicy pork chunks marinated in a spicy jerk seasoning are grilled alongside sweet pineapple pieces, creating a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs tablespoons jerk seasoning, tablespoons olive oil, fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds pork shoulder cubes with 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork, 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, 1 medium red bell pepper pieces, and 1 medium red onion wedges alternately onto skewers.
  3. Step 3: Grill the kebabs for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until pork is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges and pineapple is caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Remove from grill and sprinkle 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves over the kebabs. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Pork Kebabs 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 Jerk-Spiced Pork Kebabs?

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 tablespoons jerk seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Pork Kebabs?

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 Jerk-Spiced Pork Kebabs 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 Jerk-Spiced Pork Kebabs?

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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