Half-Batch Spiced Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers

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

These half-batch pork skewers are marinated in a vibrant jerk spice blend and grilled to smoky perfection, ideal for a flavorful Caribbean-inspired meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 small finely chopped seeded scotch bonnet pepper, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the jerk marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the pork is nicely charred and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of sides or dipping sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Batch Spiced Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Half-Batch Spiced Caribbean Jerk 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Batch Spiced Caribbean Jerk 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 Half-Batch Spiced Caribbean Jerk 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 Half-Batch Spiced Caribbean Jerk 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.

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