Half-batch Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Marinated pork tenderloin skewers with spicy Caribbean jerk seasoning, paired with a fresh, tangy pineapple salsa for balance. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 47 minutes blends pork tenderloin, jerk seasoning, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 35 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb pork tenderloin into 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While pork marinates, prepare pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1/2 small minced jalapeño in a bowl. Mix and set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto 6 skewers evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot pork skewers topped with the fresh pineapple salsa for a spicy-sweet flavor contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-batch Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 47 minutes (35 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Half-batch Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-batch Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Half-batch Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Half-batch Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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.

Related recipes