Jamaican Jerk Pork Tenderloin is a flavorful and delicious main dish protein that’s baked in the oven, and the leftovers are just as good the next day!
Succulent pork tenderloin is marinated in a harmonious blend of jerk seasoning, boasting a tantalizing mix of heat, sweetness, and aromatic spices. Enjoy this dish with this flavorful Instant Pot rice pilaf.
Whether you want to impress your dinner guests or are simply craving a taste of the tropics, this recipe promises to satisfy. Serve this homemade tropical ice cream for dessert to continue the tropics theme.
Jump to:
- What Is Jerk Seasoning?
- Is it Better to Cook Pork Tenderloin Fast or Slow?
- SAVE THIS RECIPE!
- ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥘 Ingredients
- 🔀 Substitutions
- 🌈 Variations / Options / Add-Ins
- 🥄 Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
- 🔪How to Make Jamaican Jerk Pork Tenderloin
- ❓ Recipe FAQs
- 🙏 Pairing
- SAVE THIS RECIPE!
- 📋 Recipe
What Is Jerk Seasoning?
Jerk is actually a style of cooking meat. There is some controversy about the origins of jerk cooking.
Most people believe that jerk cooking originated in Jamaica.
Jerk seasoning is typically a spicy seasoning mix called Jamaican Jerk Seasoning. The seasoning gives the meat a smoky, spicy flavor and is usually used for chicken and pork. Allspice is a common ingredient in jerk seasoning.
Most people are hooked after they try jerk seasoning just one time.
Is it Better to Cook Pork Tenderloin Fast or Slow?
When thicker and fattier pork roasts are cooked low and slow for hours, you end up with pull-apart-tender meat. However, the leaner pork tenderloin is best cooked quickly at a high heat.
You want to brown the outside while still keeping it a little pink on the inside. If you overcook it, the pork tenderloin will be chalky and chewy.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This flavorful and delicious main dish will become one of your go-to meals to prepare. Here are some reasons why:
- Very flavorful: Since there are so many spices used in this recipe, the meat will definitely have a nice flavor.
- Bonus vegetables: The green beans and onions are a delightful bonus addition to the tenderloin and add to the flavor.
- Leftovers make great lunch: You can bring the leftovers to work the next day; either, just as you served it, or as a surprisingly delicious sandwich.
If you’re adventurous and want to try another unique twist using pork tenderloin, check out this strawberry stuffed pork loin recipe.
🥘 Ingredients
You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. However, if you don’t, they’ll be easy to find in the store, especially because eight of them can be found in the same aisle.
- Pork Tenderloin: This is the star of the show, so you definitely need it.
- Allspice: A common ingredient in jerk seasoning.
- Cumin: It adds a nutty warmth, pepper flavor, and smokiness to the meat.
See recipe card for complete list of ingredients and quantities
🔀 Substitutions
Cinnamon: Since you only need a pinch of cinnamon, don’t run out and buy it if you don’t have it. You can use a pinch of ground cloves instead, or any other cinnamon substitute.
Thyme: Savory is a great substitute because they both have a bold flavor profile with similar notes.
🌈 Variations / Options / Add-Ins
You can vary this recipe in several ways to add variety and experiment with different flavors. Here are some suggestions:
- Use different vegetables: Either substitute the green beans or add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or asparagus. This will add more color and nutrients to the dish.
- Kid friendly: Kids always like things more sweet, so you can add ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar. This sweetness will balance out any heat or acidity.
- Top with nuts: As long as none of your family or guests have nut allergies, sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or peanuts over the dish before serving for added texture and flavor.
If your kids like the sweet variation of the dish, they might also like this Instant Pot sweet pork tenderloin.
🥄 Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
Here is what you need to make this flavorful pork tenderloin:
- Baking sheet: Your entire dish will cook on this baking sheet.
- Large mixing bowl: This will be used to combine the vegetables, olive oil and garlic.
🔪How to Make Jamaican Jerk Pork Tenderloin
This is basically made similarly to a sheet pan meal. The meat and vegetables are all cooked on the same pan so it is hassle-free.
Step 1: Prepare Veggies
Start off by preheating the oven to 400 F.
If your veggies aren’t prepared go ahead and get them ready now. Snap the ends off the fresh, whole green beans.
Cut the onions into quarters.
Step 2: Prepare Pork
Take a large rimmed baking sheet and place the pork tenderloin in the center. Salt and pepper the meat to your own personal taste.
In a small mixing bowl combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, cumin, allspice
, cinnamon, thyme and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir these ingredients together to combine.
Pour this jerk marinade over the tenderloin and rub it in well.
Step 3: Season Veggies
Place the green beans and onions in a big bowl and pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 cloves of minced garlic over the vegetables. Toss the green beans and onions around to coat.
Put the coated veggies around the pork tenderloin on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 155 F as read on a meat thermometer
.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meat rests, slice it up, serve it and enjoy!
❓ Recipe FAQs
Allow the cooked pork tenderloin to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful end product.
Yes, you can use store-bought jerk seasoning if you’re short on time or want a more convenient option. However, making your own marinade allows you to customize the flavors and adjust the heat level to your family’s preferences.
Once cooked, Jamaican jerk pork tenderloin can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness.
🙏 Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Jamaican Jerk Pork Tenderloin:
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📋 Recipe
Jamaican Jerk Pork Tenderloin
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Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 pound green beans whole with the ends snapped off
- 2 onions quartered
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 tablespoons thyme
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons allspice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- pinch of cinnamon
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Place the pork tenderloin/s into the center of a baking sheet, and apply salt and pepper to taste.2 pounds pork tenderloin, salt and pepper
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, the paprika, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, thyme and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir to combine.4 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons thyme, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 ½ teaspoons allspice, 1 teaspoon cumin, pinch of cinnamon, 4 cloves garlic minced
- Pour the jerk marinade over the pork tenderloin/s and rub it in well.
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans and onions. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them along with 2 cloves of minced garlic. Toss to coat.1 pound green beans, 2 onions
- Place the seasoned green beans and onions onto the baking sheet around the pork tenderloin/s, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 155 F.
The recipe seems so simple yet looks so appetizing!
I definitely like to share easy to make recipes! Thanks for commenting.
This can be something to serve guests. I will definitely copy this recipe and the plating, too! Hehe
Yes, the plating does really make a difference! Thanks for commenting.