Sweet and Savory Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin

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

Juicy pork tenderloin marinated in a vibrant jerk spice blend with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, grilled to smoky perfection. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, brown sugar, ground allspice 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: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp dried thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 small seeded and minced scotch bonnet pepper, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the jerk marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, massaging to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and grill for 15-18 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the outside is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch thick medallions. Serve with your choice of sides to enjoy the sweet and spicy Caribbean flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet and Savory Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Sweet and Savory Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin?

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 Sweet and Savory Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin?

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 Sweet and Savory Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin 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 Sweet and Savory Caribbean Jerk Pork Tenderloin?

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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