Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Pork Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice
Tender pork marinated in spicy jerk seasonings, grilled alongside caramelized pineapple chunks, served over fluffy cilantro-lime rice for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 45 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 460 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 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork shoulder with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil. Toss well to coat and marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Thread the marinated pork cubes and 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 3: While marinating, rinse 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice until water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rice with 3 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water absorbed. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in 2 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Cover to keep warm.
- Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the pork and pineapple skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through and pineapple caramelized.
- Step 6: Serve the skewers hot over the cilantro-lime rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Pork Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 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 Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice?
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 Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice?
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 Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice 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 Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice?
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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