Our full recipe guide on how to make Jerk Pork is the most popular dish in Jamaica.
Jerk pork is a flavorful and spicy Jamaican dish known for its bold, aromatic seasoning. The key to great jerk pork is the marinade, which typically includes a mix of allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Here’s a guide to making delicious jerk pork, along with some tips and nutritional information.
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How to Make Jerk Pork
Jerk Pork Recipe Ingredients
For the Jerk Marinade:
4-6 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
6 cloves garlic
1 large onion, chopped
3-4 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup orange juice
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pork:
4-5 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into large chunks
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Step By Step How to Make Jerk Pork
Prepare the Marinade
In a blender or food processor, combine the Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, onion, green onions, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, soy sauce, vegetable oil, vinegar, brown sugar, lime juice, and orange juice. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Pork
Place the pork chunks in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Grill the Pork
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill the pork, turning occasionally, until it is cooked through and charred in spots, about 20-30 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Rest and Serve
Let the pork rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with traditional sides like rice and peas, fried plantains, or a fresh salad.
Tips To Make Jerk Pork
Scotch bonnet peppers are very hot. Adjust the number of peppers according to your spice tolerance. You can also remove the seeds to reduce the heat.
Marinate the pork for as long as possible, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
For the best flavor, use a charcoal grill. The smoky flavor complements the spicy marinade. However, a gas grill or even an oven can be used if necessary.
If grilling is not an option, you can roast the pork in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
How Many Calories Have Jerk Pork
Calories: 350-400
Protein: 30-35 grams
Carbohydrates: 5-8 grams
Fat: 20-25 grams
Fiber: 1-2 grams
Sugar: 4-6 grams
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.