Summer Cookout Caribbean Jerk Grilled Pork Skewers

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

Tender pork skewers marinated in a vibrant Caribbean jerk sauce, grilled to charred perfection for an authentic summer cookout experience. This Caribbean-inspired grilling recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs pork tenderloin, green onions, fresh thyme leaves 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 4 chopped green onions, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 seeded and chopped scotch bonnet pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until a smooth marinade forms.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 lb cubed pork tenderloin in a large bowl and pour the jerk marinade over the pork. Toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to develop deep flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving small gaps for even cooking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until pork is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with lime wedges and your favorite summer sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Summer Cookout Caribbean Jerk 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 Summer Cookout Caribbean Jerk 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 pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Summer Cookout Caribbean Jerk 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 Summer Cookout Caribbean Jerk 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 Summer Cookout Caribbean Jerk Grilled 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.

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