Sweet and Smoky Caribbean Jerk Pork Skewers
Pork marinated in a vibrant jerk spice blend and grilled to smoky perfection, served on skewers for a flavorful Caribbean experience. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, chopped green onions, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 shoulder
- 3, chopped green onions
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 small, seeded and chopped (or substitute jalapeño) scotch bonnet pepper
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine 3 chopped green onions, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 chopped scotch bonnet pepper, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth to create the jerk marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1 lb cubed pork shoulder in a large bowl and pour the jerk marinade over it. Toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until the pork is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your choice of sides.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet and Smoky Caribbean Jerk 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 Sweet and Smoky 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 chopped green onions from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Smoky 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 Sweet and Smoky 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 Sweet and Smoky 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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