Grilled Pineapple and Rum-Glazed Pork Skewers
Tender pork marinated in a rum-spiced glaze and grilled alongside caramelized pineapple chunks for a tropical flair. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, fresh pineapple, dark rum for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 1 medium, cut into 1-inch chunks fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground allspice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly; cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Step 3: Thread marinated pork cubes and 1 medium cut pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F); grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until pork is cooked through (internal temperature 145°F) and pineapple is caramelized.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pineapple and Rum-Glazed 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 Rum-Glazed 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 pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pineapple and Rum-Glazed 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 Rum-Glazed 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 Rum-Glazed Pork Skewers?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple, vibrant Caribbean flavors. Took 20 minutes total – perfect for weeknight grilling.
- ★★★★★
My family begged for seconds! The rum glaze balanced the pineapple sweetness perfectly for our Sunday dinner.
- ★★★★☆
The pineapple caramelized perfectly, but I should've marinated the pork longer for more flavor.
