Jerk Pork with Rice and Peas
CaribbeanLunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

This quintessential island dish showcases the bold flavors of jerk seasoning, a fiery blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and aromatic spices that have defined Caribbean cooking for generations. Tender pork chops are marinated in this explosive spice mixture, then grilled to perfection with a caramelized crust and juicy interior. Accompanying the meat is the beloved rice and peas, where fluffy white rice simmers with red kidney beans in rich coconut milk, infused with garlic, thyme, and scallions. This combination represents the heart of Caribbean home cooking, offering a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory depth that transports you straight to the islands with every bite.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. In a food processor, combine garlic, ginger, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, hot sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and olive oil to create jerk marinade. Blend until smooth.

  2. Place pork chops in a large dish and coat thoroughly with half the jerk marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  3. Rinse rice in cold water until water runs clear. Drain well.

  4. In a large saucepan, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.

  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  6. Add rice, black beans, coconut milk, water, thyme, salt, and bay leaves. Stir well.

  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

  8. While rice cooks, preheat grill to medium-high heat.

  9. Remove pork chops from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

  10. Let pork rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  11. Fluff rice with fork, remove bay leaves, and serve alongside jerk pork with lime wedges.

Jerk Pork with Rice and Peas

5.0 (15)

Succulent jerk-marinated pork chops served alongside traditional rice cooked with kidney beans and coconut milk, creating an authentic island feast bursting with spice and tropical flavors.

medium
55 min
4 servings

Ingredients

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Jerk Pork

  • 800 grams pork-chops, bone-in, 1-inch thick

Jerk Marinade

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ginger, fresh, grated
  • 2 tablespoons thyme, fresh leaves
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne
  • 1 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg, ground
  • 2 tablespoons hot-sauce
  • 3 tablespoons soy-sauce
  • 2 pieces lime, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons olive-oil

Rice and Peas

  • 2 cups rice-white, long grain
  • 1 1/2 cups black-beans, cooked or canned, drained
  • 1 cups coconut, coconut milk
  • 1 pieces onions, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons coconut-oil
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • 2 pieces bay-leaves

Chef Tips

expert advice
For authentic flavor, prepare the marinade a day ahead to let the spices meld.
Scotch bonnet peppers can be substituted for cayenne if you want traditional heat.
If grilling is not possible, pan-sear the pork chops in a cast iron skillet over high heat.
The rice and peas can be made vegetarian by replacing with vegetable broth.
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter to the rice just before serving.
Adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper according to preference.
Fresh thyme is essential for authentic Caribbean flavor.
The pork can be substituted with chicken thighs for variety.