Quick Grilled Pineapple and Jerk Pork Skewers
Tender pork marinated in a vibrant jerk spice blend, skewered with juicy pineapple chunks, and grilled to caramelized perfection for a flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin, jerk seasoning, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup, cut into 1-inch chunks fresh pineapple
- 1 tbsp, fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb pork tenderloin cubes with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Thread the pork cubes and 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks alternately onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until the pork is cooked through and has nice grill marks, and the pineapple is caramelized.
- Step 4: Remove from grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Grilled Pineapple and Jerk Pork Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Quick Grilled Pineapple and 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 jerk seasoning from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Grilled Pineapple and 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 Quick Grilled Pineapple and 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 Quick Grilled Pineapple and Jerk Pork Skewers?
Caribbean grilling 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.