Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Pork Skewers with Cilantro Lime Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork skewers marinated in jerk spices, grilled with caramelized pineapple chunks, served over fragrant cilantro lime rice for a Caribbean-inspired meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 60 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 480 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: 40 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs cubed pork tenderloin, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread pork cubes and 1 cup pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through and pineapple is caramelized and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: While grilling, rinse 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove rice from heat and fluff with fork. Stir in 3 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled pork and pineapple skewers over the cilantro lime rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Pork Skewers with Cilantro Lime Rice take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (40 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 olive oil 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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