Pineapple and Bitter Herb Grilled Pork Skewers

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

Tender grilled pork skewers marinated with bitter herbs and sweet pineapple, creating a complex, savory-sour flavor. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, pineapple chunks, soy sauce 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 bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh bitter herbs (arugula and dandelion greens).
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder to marinade, mixing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes alternately with 1 cup pineapple chunks onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until pork is cooked through and slightly charred, and pineapple is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving with fresh herbs on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pineapple and Bitter Herb Grilled 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 Pineapple and Bitter Herb Grilled 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 pineapple chunks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pineapple and Bitter Herb Grilled 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 Pineapple and Bitter Herb Grilled 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 Pineapple and Bitter Herb Grilled 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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