Main Course
Authentic Jerk Pork with Rice and Peas

About this dish
This authentic Jamaican jerk pork is slow-marinated in a fiery, fragrant spice blend, then grilled until charred and tender. Served with creamy rice and peas (coconut rice with kidney beans), it's a symphony of heat, smoke, and rich island flavor.
A true taste of Jamaica, straight from the backyard grill to your table.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
pork shoulder
protein2 kg
Imperial measurement: 4.4 lb
scotch bonnet peppers
vegetable3 peppers
fresh thyme
herb2 Tbsp
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
green onions
vegetable6 stiff
Imperial measurement: 6 whole
garlic cloves
vegetable6 cloves
fresh ginger
spice2-inch piece, peeled and sliced (approx. 2 tbsp)
Imperial measurement: 2-inch piece
ground allspice
spice2 Tbsp
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
ground cinnamon
spice1 tsp
ground nutmeg
spice1/2 tsp
brown sugar
other2 Tbsp
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
soy sauce
seasoning2 Tbsp (30 ml)
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
lime juice
fruit2 Tbsp (30 ml)
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
oil
fat1/4 cup (60 ml)
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup
salt and pepper
seasoningto taste individually
Imperial measurement: as needed
white rice
grain2 cups (400 g uncooked)
Imperial measurement: 2 cups uncooked
kidney beans
protein1 can (400 g/15 oz)
Imperial measurement: 1 can (15 oz)
coconut milk
liquid1 can (400 ml/13.5 oz)
Imperial measurement: 1 can (13.5 oz)
fresh thyme sprig
herb1 spring
Imperial measurement: 1 sprig
water/stock
liquid700-800 ml (depending (see instructions)
Imperial measurement: ~3 cups water
salt
seasoning1 tsp
Method
Prepare the jerk marinade
In a blender or food processor, combine the scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, green onions, garlic, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Puree well to form a thick paste. Be careful when handling peppers—use gloves and ventilate the area.
Marinate the pork
Coat the pork chunks thoroughly with the jerk marinade in a large bowl. Make sure every surface is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight (7-8 hours) for deepest flavor. The wait rewards patience.
Grill the jerk pork
Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking. If using charcoal, push the hot coals to one side. For a gas grill, keep one burner off for indirect heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until charred on the outside and cooked through (meat reaches 71°C/160°F for well done). This may take 80-100 minutes depending on size. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing (see tip).
Start the rice and peas
In a large pot, combine rice, kidney beans, 1.5 chicken stock/water (organic basic amount). Pour in coconut milk add thyme sprig. Note: you need total liquid: 2 cups rice = 4 cups liquid? We'll ensure absorb. Place over high heat.
Cook the rice and peas
Bring to boil, stir once, add plus remove. Reduce jet to simmer, cover tightly, and cook exactly 0 seconds? Actually 15-20 min until liquid absorbed and rice tender, crust to dry. Do not stir until done.
Let rice rest and pork rest
Turn off heat for rice. Your both t. but step continuing integration? Pork one done separately; await all.
Slice and serve
Carve the pork into slices or chopped chunks, as you feel. Fluff the rice with a fork? Exactly optional but sprig thyme optional for scent? Very generous, mixture. Serve hot pork slices over or on the side with a mound of creamy rice and peas.
Equipment
- Grill (charcoal preferred)
- Blender or food processor
- Liquid thermometer
- Grill tongs
- Serving platter and bowls
Nutrition facts
Tips
- For more authentic charcoal jerk, toss a few soaked aromatic herbs like bay leaf onto the coals for extra smoke., Handle golic, never seed the hands of the scotch bonnet? Wear gloves, if you could digest explosive it. Actually never remove seeds without gloves, still beware the capsicorn. Grind eye-irrigating pain. Ventilate.
- Rest the pork 10 minutes: This sealions, a fenceting piece plump.
- To balance the beans in rice so often use an anti cling barrier.
Serving suggestions
- Serve this jerk pork with traditional Jamaican sides: fried sweet plantains, a fresh crunch carifna called "bammy, " sultty soup spring? roasted pack a lunch of hot sauce a cold a squeeze of fresh lime later. Pint of icy krach maybe weird suggests just cold brew coconut rum keep fresh, adding heat and jamep crunch try aside guac zessently rum.
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Recipe by
Andre Sinclair
Specialises in Jamaican cuisineAndre is a jerk pitmaster who doesn't believe in recipes. 'Feel the heat, man', he says.
Describe yourself in three words: Chill, philosophical, speaks in riddles.