Jamaican Jerk Pork with Plantains Recipe
Jamaican Jerk Pork with Plantains is a vibrant and flavorful Caribbean dish featuring tender pork marinated in spicy jerk seasoning, perfectly grilled or pan-cooked to juicy perfection, and accompanied by sweet, caramelized ripe plantains. This recipe offers a delightful balance of heat, zest, and sweetness, ideal for a tropical-inspired meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Pork
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Plantains
- 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced diagonally
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Pinch of salt
- Marinate the pork: In a bowl, combine the pork cubes with jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, and salt. Toss well to coat the meat evenly in the marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Prepare the plantains: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced plantains in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they become golden and caramelized. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to drain any excess oil and keep warm.
- Cook the pork: You have two options: For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork onto the soaked skewers and grill them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred. For stovetop cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the pork cubes for 4 to 5 minutes per side until nicely browned and thoroughly cooked.
- Serve: Arrange the jerk pork alongside the caramelized plantains on a plate. Serve with your choice of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or a tropical salsa for an enhanced flavor experience.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the pork for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Ripe plantains should be yellow with black spots for optimal sweetness and caramelization.
- Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- This recipe can also be made gluten-free by ensuring your jerk seasoning mix contains no gluten additives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (includes pork and plantains)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Jamaican jerk pork, plantains, Caribbean recipe, grilled pork, tropical meal, spicy pork, gluten free, quick dinner