Oven Jerk Pork 🌶️🍖🇯🇲
A Juicy, Spiced Roast That Brings the Island Heat
You don’t need a grill or a trip to the Caribbean to enjoy rich, smoky jerk flavor. This Oven Jerk Pork is bold, spicy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for family dinners, weekend meal prep, or when you’re craving something with serious flavor.
Marinated overnight in a blend of jerk spices, fresh garlic, ginger, lime juice, and thyme, the pork roasts low and slow before getting a high-heat finish to caramelize and crisp the edges. It’s tender on the inside, slightly charred on the outside, and bursting with that signature jerk warmth.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is everything I want in a main course: bold spice, juicy meat, and just the right amount of heat. Jerk seasoning is a vibrant mix of savory, sweet, and spicy—and when you combine it with garlic, brown sugar, and a splash of lime, it creates a marinade that tenderizes and deeply flavors the pork.
Even better? It all comes together in the oven—no grill, smoker, or special equipment needed. This is island comfort food made easy.
Ingredients 🛒
- 3–4 lbs pork shoulder or pork loin
- 3 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Substitutions & Notes
- Pork cuts: Pork shoulder is juicier and more tender due to its fat content. Pork loin works too—just don’t overcook.
- Jerk seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought blend or make your own with allspice, cinnamon, cayenne, thyme, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Lime juice: Lemon juice can be substituted, but lime gives the most authentic tang.
- Spice level: Add scotch bonnet peppers or extra red pepper flakes if you love it hot.
How to Make Oven Jerk Pork
1️⃣ Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork dry. Use a sharp knife to make shallow slits across the surface—this helps the marinade penetrate and flavors soak in deeply.
2️⃣ Marinate
In a bowl, mix jerk seasoning, olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, thyme, allspice, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade all over the pork, working it into the slits.
Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
3️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Let the pork sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking.
4️⃣ Roast the Pork
Place the pork in a roasting pan or baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 2 hours. This slow roast ensures the meat becomes tender and infused with flavor.
5️⃣ Caramelize
Remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Roast for another 20–30 minutes, basting with pan juices every 10 minutes, until the outside is golden and slightly crisp.
6️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let the pork rest for 10 minutes to lock in the juices. Then slice or shred and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the rest: Letting the pork rest before slicing keeps it moist and flavorful.
- Use a thermometer: Internal temp should reach at least 145°F for pork loin, or 190–200°F for pork shoulder if you plan to shred it.
- Baste often: The pan juices deepen the flavor and promote that beautiful crust.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This jerk pork is perfect with traditional Caribbean sides or served fusion-style. Try it with:
- Rice and peas
- Coconut jasmine rice
- Fried plantains
- Fresh slaw or cucumber salad
- Or make it into tacos with these sheet pan quesadillas for a spicy twist
For a fun dinner spread, pair it with:
- Dorito casserole for a bold, cheesy contrast
- Walking taco bar for a mix-and-match buffet
- Or for a cozy dinner pairing, try these chicken enchiladas on the side
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced or shredded pork for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
- Meal Prep Idea: Use leftover pork for tacos, wraps, grain bowls, or spicy pulled pork sandwiches.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into bold flavors and comfort food that feeds a crowd, try:
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – Deep, slow-cooked flavor
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – Perfect for weeknights
- Dorito Casserole – Cheesy, crunchy, and fun
- Walking Taco Bar – Customizable and crowd-approved
- Chicken Enchiladas – Classic and satisfying
Final Thoughts
This Oven Jerk Pork brings bold island flavor into your kitchen without any special tools or long grill sessions. With tender, spice-rubbed meat and a deeply savory finish, it’s guaranteed to wow your guests—or just seriously upgrade your weeknight dinner.
If you try it, let us know! Snap a pic and tag @chefmaniac or drop a comment with your favorite side pairing. For more spicy, satisfying meals, check out our full collection of dinner ideas made to impress.
🔥 Stay spicy and keep cooking!
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