Are you ready to take your taste buds on a tropical getaway? Dive into the vibrant world of Jamaican cuisine with our mouthwatering Jamaican Jerk Pork with Pineapple Salsa! This dish is a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors that will transport you straight to the Caribbean. With tender, juicy pork shoulder infused with aromatic jerk seasoning and a refreshing pineapple salsa to top it off, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to be the star of your next dinner gathering!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Jamaican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 pineapple, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pork by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and generously coating it with jerk seasoning, ensuring even coverage on all sides of the meat.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Allow the seasoned pork to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb the spices and ensure even cooking.
- Place the pork shoulder in a large, heavy-bottomed roasting pan or Dutch oven. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during slow roasting.
- Roast the pork in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for accurate temperature.
- While the pork is roasting, prepare the pineapple salsa by combining diced pineapple, diced red onion, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix gently and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice the pork against the grain into thin, succulent pieces and arrange on a serving platter.
- Top the sliced pork with the fresh pineapple salsa, ensuring each serving gets a generous portion of the bright, tangy salsa.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh lime wedges if desired, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Jamaican cuisine.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For an even more intense flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder in the jerk seasoning for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked pork, invest in a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness, which will keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Rest the Meat: Don’t skip the resting period after roasting! Allowing the pork to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite.
- Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to add other ingredients to your pineapple salsa, like diced jalapeños for an extra kick or chopped cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Serve with Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the pork and salsa just before serving can elevate the flavors even more, adding a zesty brightness that complements the dish perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
