Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Pork Shoulder Tacos

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

Juicy pork shoulder marinated in bold jerk spices and grilled alongside sweet pineapple, served in warm tortillas with fresh slaw for an island-inspired taco experience. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, jerk seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder with 3 tbsp jerk seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil until all pieces are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill 1 medium pineapple sliced into 1/2-inch rings for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and grill marks appear. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Step 3: Grill the marinated pork cubes for 6-8 minutes total, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage, 1 large julienned carrot, 3 tbsp lime juice, and salt and black pepper to taste. Toss to create a fresh slaw.
  5. Step 5: Warm 12 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by layering grilled pork, pineapple pieces, and slaw. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Pork Shoulder Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Shoulder Tacos?

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 jerk seasoning from drying out.

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

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 Shoulder Tacos 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 Shoulder Tacos?

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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