The Best Oven-Style Jamaican Jerk Pork: Bold Flavors, Easy to Make

The Best Oven-Style Jamaican Jerk Pork: Bold Flavors, Easy to Make Craving that authentic Jamaican jerk pork but don’t have a grill or the time to slow cook it over a fire? No worries! This oven-style jerk pork recipe will bring all the bold, smoky, spicy flavors of traditional jerk pork right into your kitchen—without the need for a grill. With just a few key ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll have an incredibly delicious and tender pork dish that tastes like it’s straight from the Caribbean. For this recipe, which serves about 4-6 people, you’ll need the following ingredients: 1.5 kg (about 3 lbs) of pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into large chunks 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon of soy sauce 1 tablespoon of olive oil 2 tablespoons of brown sugar 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme 1 scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero for less heat), finely chopped Juice of 2 limes Salt and pepper to taste Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, lime juice, salt, and pepper. This marinade is what gives the pork its signature jerk flavor—spicy, sweet, and packed with Caribbean spices. Take your chunks of pork and rub them thoroughly with the marinade. Make sure each piece is fully coated, and then let the pork marinate in the fridge for at least two hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor. Once the pork has marinated, place the pieces in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Roast in the oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the pork is tender and cooked through. For that perfect crispy jerk finish, remove the foil for the last 20 minutes of cooking and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Once done, let the pork rest for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy this flavorful jerk pork with rice and peas, grilled vegetables, or even stuffed into a sandwich for a true Jamaican experience. Ready to bring some island flavor to your dinner table? Give this oven-style jerk pork a try and let us know in the comments how it turned out!