Jamaican Jerk Pork (Caribbean delicacy infused with herbs, spices, and seasonings and grilled on open fire)
The Jamaican Jerk Pork recipe is a wonderful, flavorful and popular Caribbean delicacy. Succulent pork is marinated in a fiery blend of herbs, spices, and seasonings, then grilled to perfection, resulting in tender meat with a tantalizing kick that teleports you to the sunny shores of Jamaica with every bite.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 4-24 hours
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Number of Servings
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into 1-inch thick slices or cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Combine soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped thyme, chopped green onions, grated ginger, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place pork slices or cubes in a shallow dish and pour marinade over pork, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 4-24 hours to marinate.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F / 190-200°C).
- Remove pork from marinade, letting the excess marinade drip off.
- Grill pork slices or cubes for 5-6 minutes per side, or until pork is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once pork is done, transfer to a serving platter and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish Jamaican Jerk Pork with lime wedges and fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Historical and Cultural Significance
Jamaican Jerk Pork is a traditional dish that originated in …wait for it…Jamaica. The term “jerk” refers to the unique method of seasoning and cooking meat, which involves marinating it in a spicy blend of herbs and spices, then grilling it over a hot fire or charcoal.
This technique dates back to the indigenous Arawak people of Jamaica and has been passed down through generations.
Special Tips
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the pork for the full 24 hours.
- Serve Jamaican Jerk Pork with lime wedges for squeezing over the meat, adding a refreshing citrus kick.
- Pair this dish with a cold Jamaican Red Stripe beer or a fruity rum cocktail for an authentic Caribbean dining experience.
- For an authentic Jamaican experience, serve Jamaican Jerk Pork with rice and peas, fried plantains, and coleslaw.
Download the printable recipe here
Jamaican Jerk Pork Recipe
Jamaican Jerk pork is marinated in a fiery blend of herbs, spices, and seasonings, then grilled to perfection, resulting in tender meat with a tantalizing kick that teleports you to the sunny shores of Jamaica with every bite.
Ingredients
2 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into 1-inch thick slices or cubes
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Combine soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped thyme, chopped green onions, grated ginger, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place pork slices or cubes in a shallow dish and pour marinade over pork, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 4-24 hours to marinate.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F / 190-200°C).
- Remove pork from marinade, letting the excess marinade drip off.
- Grill pork slices or cubes for 5-6 minutes per side, or until pork is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once pork is done, transfer to a serving platter and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish Jamaican Jerk Pork with lime wedges and fresh cilantro before serving
Notes
- Special Tips
+ For a more intense flavor, marinate the pork for the full 24 hours.
+ Serve Jamaican Jerk Pork with lime wedges for squeezing over the meat, adding a refreshing citrus kick. - + Pair this dish with a cold Jamaican Red Stripe beer or a fruity rum cocktail for an authentic Caribbean dining experience.
+ For an authentic Jamaican experience, serve Jamaican Jerk Pork with rice and peas, fried plantains, and coleslaw.
