Half-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork skewers marinated in bold Caribbean jerk spices, grilled to half doneness, and finished with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze for a tropical bite. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 55 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, jerk seasoning, lime juice 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb cubed pork shoulder with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thread pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill pork skewers for 4 minutes per side, turning once, until the exterior is nicely charred but the pork is half-cooked inside (internal temperature about 130°F).
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 minced garlic clove. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-6 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Brush the pineapple glaze generously over the skewers and grill for an additional 2 minutes per side to caramelize the glaze and finish cooking the pork to 145°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Half-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Glaze?

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 jerk seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Glaze?

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-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Glaze 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-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers with Pineapple Glaze?

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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