The Best Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers

Savor the authentic flavors of Jamaica with this easy-to-make Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers recipe. Marinated in a flavorful blend of green onion, scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, garlic, thyme, and orange juice, these skewers are perfect for the oven or grill. Elevate your cookout or summer gathering with this standout dish!

Join me in celebrating Juneteenth with more than 30 other Black culinary creators. Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day, signifying the final emancipation of those enslaved in the US announced in 1865. This year, we are celebrating “Freedom Day” by offering a delightful selection of mains, sides, desserts, and refreshing drinks that are perfect for backyard barbecues and summer gatherings with friends and family. Join us in honoring the legacy of progress and freedom by cooking and sharing these recipes. Additionally, you can easily follow each participant by using the hashtag #JuneteenthCookout2023 on Instagram. You can find a list of all recipes from the 2023 Juneteenth Virtual Potluck on the Eat the Culture website.

Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers Recipe

What I appreciate most about Juneteenth and the celebrations surrounding it is that it always provides me an opportunity to reflect on my personal Black experience. Growing up in a small Pennsylvania town, I had limited exposure to the breadth and depth of Black foodways until I left my hometown for graduate school in Virginia. Since then, my knowledge of foods rooted in the African diaspora has expanded significantly, and this Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers recipe serves as evidence of my evolution.

One significant influence on my Black food journey has been my husband, who immigrated here from Jamaica for college. He actually grew up in the region of Jamaica where Jerk originated. Through him, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge about the origins of some of my favorite Caribbean dishes and how they are (in many ways9 international “cousins” to beloved Black American dishes. This connection exists because our cuisine is heavily influenced by African traditions. The Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers recipe I’m sharing incorporates a traditional jerk wet marinade. It’s worth noting that “jerk” not only refers to the seasoning or marinade itself but also to the style of cooking. That’s why I’ve provided an option to prepare this recipe either on a grill or in the oven.

If you’re interested in adding a touch of international to your summer gathering menus this summer, then you have to check out these other International and Caribbean recipes from the 2023 Juneteenth Virtual Potluck.

• Dish It With Tisha –Mango Scotch Bonnet Wings
• We Eat At Last – Kachumbari
• We Eat At Last – Kashata
• Sims Home Kitchen – Coconut Rum Cupcakes
• We Eat At Last – Zobo
• Kerri-Ann’s Kravings – Watermelon Coconut Jamaican Rum Punch

Key Ingredients for Jerk Pork Skewers

Use these key ingredients needed to make Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers:

• Pork Shoulder: Pork shoulder is best for grilling because its well-marbled fat content adds flavor and moisture, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
• Chopped Thyme: Thyme adds an earthy and herbaceous note, enhancing the overall complexity and aromatic profile of the marinade.
• Ground AllSpice: Common
• Maggi Sauce: A trusted brand in the Caribbean, this umami-flavored seasoning is akin to soy sauce.
• Orange Juice: Orange juice is the citrus element that acts as a meat tenderizer, and at the same time adds some sweetness.
• Scotch Bonnet Peppers: The heat in this dish comes from scotch bonnets. These small spicy peppers pack a punch of heat, so use them sparingly.

Equipment Needed for Jerk Pork Skewers

For this Jamaican Jerk Wet Marinade recipe you will need the following equipment

• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Chef’s Knife
• Blender or Food Processor
• Metal Skewers or Wooden Skewers (soaked in water for at least an hour)

How to make Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers Recipe

1. Prepare the jerk wet marinade. Combine onion, scallions, thyme, garlic, ginger, allspice, black pepper, white pepper, browning, dark brown sugar, Maggi sauce, orange juice, and scotch bonnet peppers in a blender.
2. Marinate the pork. Cut pork shoulder into 1-inch chunks, and place in a large bowl. Pour in 1 cup of jerk marinade and mix until well-coated. Cover the bowl or transfer to a plastic storage bag before placing it in the refrigerator to marinate for up to 2 hours (up to overnight).
3. Prepare the skewers. Remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before placing 6 to 8 pieces of pork on metal skewers or wooden skewers.
4. To prepare on the grill. Preheat gas grill to 450 degrees (approximately 15 minutes) and place the skewers on the grill directly over the heat. Close the lid and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally to cook all sides evenly.
5. To prepare in oven. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place jerk skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Place in oven and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and nicely browned, turning the skewers once halfway through cooking.
6. Serve.

Note: The pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) for medium.

Tips for Preparing and Storing Jamaican Jerk Pork Skewers

For this recipe, marinating the pork in jerk marinade overnight will produce the best flavor and juiciest meat Cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for food safety.

To store, allow pork to cool completely before removing pork from the skewers. Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave at one-minute intervals until hot, or in a pan on the stove over low heat until hot.

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