Grilled Pineapple and Rum-Glazed Pork Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice

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

Tender pork skewers marinated in a sweet rum glaze grilled alongside caramelized pineapple chunks, served with zesty cilantro-lime rice for a tropical-inspired meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, dark rum, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup dark rum, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed pork tenderloin to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: While pork marinates, rinse 1 cup long-grain rice under cold water until clear. Combine rinsed rice with 2 cups water and 1 tsp salt in a pot, bring to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until tender.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes and 2 cups pineapple chunks alternately onto soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through and pineapple is caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Fluff cooked rice with a fork, stir in 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve pork skewers over cilantro-lime rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 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 dark rum from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pineapple and Rum-Glazed 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 Rum-Glazed 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 Rum-Glazed 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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