Servings: 6 to 8
This juicy, flavorful pork takes time—a few hours to brine, overnight to marinate, and 7 or 8 hours to smoke. It’s mostly hands off, and well worth it. In Jamaica, this is street food that’s eaten with rice and peas, grilled corn, or fried cornbread called festival.
In a large measuring cup, combine all the brine ingredients with 3-1/2 cups water. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
Pour the brine into the bag with the pork, squeeze out any air, and seal, or cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 and up to 6 hours.
Stir the rum and molasses into 1 cup of the mixture and reserve for basting.
Remove the pork from the brine and pat dry. Discard the brine.
Use a fork or the tip of a sharp knife to poke holes all over the pork. Return to the bag or bowl. Pour the remaining marinade over the pork, squeeze out any air, and seal, or cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 8 and up to 24 hours.
Prepare a grill for indirect cooking over medium-low heat (300°F to 325°F) following the directions below.
Remove the pork from the marinade and place on the cool side of the grill, fat side up. Cover the grill and cook for 2 hours.
Using a silicone brush, baste the pork with the reserved basting liquid every 30 minutes until it’s used up. Continue cooking until tender when pierced with a fork and an instant-read thermometer registers 190°F in the center, another 5 to 6 hours, checking the temperature on the grill.
Transfer the pork to a cutting board. Let it rest until cool enough to handle. Remove teh pork from teh bone, cut into 2-inch chunks, and serve.
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The first time I had jerked pork was in Miami FL, made by Mikey from Banana Hut. I loved it. Moved away and tried a few recipes to replicate the flavor. This isn’t exact but it comes close. I double the peppers for more heat. Always a hit. A full 8 lb shoulder doesn’t last long. I use a Weber 22” grill with coals on either side, adding 3 or 4 every once in a while to maintain temps.
This is great. Thank you!
Now if I can make stewed cabbage and rice and peas...
This recipe was AMAZING.
First of all, ignore the review below that says it was the worst. The person clearly did not follow the instructions. They brined it overnight, which is WRONG. You're supposed to brine it for up to 6 hours then MARINATE IT over night.
So if you know how to read simple instructions and follow them, you can make this recipe and the results will be absolutely stellar.
I cooked it on a gas grill with a small packet of smoking wood chunks and the flavor was exceptional.
Make it with the rice and peas, serve with grilled corn.
Absolutely delicious.
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