Jerk Pork Recipe | Sweet & Spicy Jerk Sauce | Jerk Rub

scotch bonnet peppers

🥗Healthier: habanero peppers

💰Cheaper: jalapeño peppers

Jalapeños provide a milder heat while being more accessible.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic index.

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork loin

Chicken thighs are leaner and often less expensive.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos are often less costly.

Prepare the Jamaican style jerk rub by combining 1.5 tablespoons onion powder, 1.5 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon white pepper, 0.5 tablespoons cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground allspice, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 3 tablespoons maple sugar, 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon dried minced onion in a bowl.

Rub the jerk seasoning all over the pork butt, ensuring even coverage on all sides.

Let the seasoned pork rest in the fridge while preparing the grill.

Preheat the grill to 250°F (121°C).

Place the pork on the grill and smoke for about 3 hours, flipping halfway through.

Check the pork after 2 hours for color and continue cooking for another hour at 275°F (135°C).

Prepare the pineapple salsa by chopping 1.5 cups of fresh pineapple, 1 jalapeno (seeds removed), and 0.25 red onion. Mix with 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, juice from 0.5 lime, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Set aside in the fridge.

Make the jerk sauce by blending 2 rehydrated habaneros, 1 jalapeno, 1 small red onion, 5 cloves of garlic, and 4 green onions with 0.25 cup soy sauce, 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar, juice from 0.5 lime, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme until smooth.

After 3 hours, check the pork for color and wrap it in foil to continue cooking.

Prepare the glaze by simmering 6 ounces of pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons jerk sauce, 0.5 cup ketchup, 0.25 cup honey, 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar, 0.25 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon jerk rub in a pan for about 10 minutes until reduced.

Remove the pork from the grill, let it rest, then brush with the glaze and return to the grill for another 15 minutes to set the glaze.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: