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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.