Half-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin
Tender pork tenderloin marinated in a simplified jerk spice mix for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 pepper (optional for heat) scotch bonnet pepper, finely minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp salt to create the jerk spice mix.
- Step 2: Rub the 1 lb pork tenderloin evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil and then coat thoroughly with the prepared jerk spice mix, adding 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper minced if using for heat.
- Step 3: Place the pork tenderloin in a shallow dish, drizzle with 2 tbsp lime juice, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork tenderloin for 3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Step 5: Transfer skillet to the oven and roast the pork tenderloin for 15-18 minutes until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin?
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 tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin?
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-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin 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-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin?
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.
