Spiced Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers

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

Bold and aromatic pork skewers marinated in a spicy Caribbean jerk seasoning, grilled to smoky perfection for a flavorful street food experience. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, jerk seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb of 1-inch cubed pork tenderloin to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow flavors to develop.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes until edges are slightly charred and pork is cooked through to 145°F internal temperature.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with lime wedges or a fresh mango salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spiced Caribbean 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 pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Caribbean 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 Spiced Caribbean 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 Spiced Caribbean Jerk 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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