How to Make Authentic Jerk Pork in the Oven (Sunday Dinner Style)

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.

Start by making the jerk rub with onion, green onion, scotch bonnet pepper, pimento berries, nutmeg, garlic, ginger, thyme, and vinegar or lime juice.

Add liquid smoke for a smoky flavor, and brown sugar for color.

Wash the pork shoulder and apply the jerk seasoning dry rub, including onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Rub the seasoning into the pork, ensuring it penetrates well.

Let the pork marinate for at least 4 hours.

Prepare the festival by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of refined cornmeal, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl.

Add a small amount of nutmeg, then mix all the dry ingredients together.

Pour in 1 cup of milk and 1 tbsp of vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together and feels a little sticky.

Cover the dough and let it rest.

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).

Cover the marinated pork with foil and place it in the oven for 2 hours.

After 2 hours, check the pork with a fork to ensure it's tender.

Remove excess liquid from the pork and set the oven to broil.

Broil the pork for 15-20 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.

Prepare the gravy using the drippings from the pork, adding ketchup for moisture.

Heat oil in a pot for frying the festival.

Take a piece of the rested dough and roll it in your palm to form a shape.

Lower the heat and add the festival dough to the pot, frying for about 3 minutes on both sides until golden brown.

Serve the jerk pork with gongo rice and peas.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary