Chicken is a classic option for jerking, but jerk pork can be great too.
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But have you ever thought about what to serve with jerk pork to improve the flavor of this dish?
The recipe ideas in this article will help you have the best options for jerk pork’s side dishes without any fuss.
What is jerk pork?
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Jerk pork is a Jamaican-inspired dish that is traditionally made with chicken.
A jerk recipe typically calls for allspice, thyme, garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers to rub on the meat before it is slow-cooked on an open fire or barbecue pit without oil added to keep the flavors intact.
The outside of the pork dish has a nice char from the spices that looks like it is burnt.
However, it provides a smoky flavor and crispy texture instead of being bitter from the actual burn.
The meat inside should be juicy and tender thanks to the long cooking time.
Jerk pork can be made from different cuts of pork, but a tough and well-marbled one is the best.
What to consider when choosing a jerk pork’ side dish?
A good side dish can make a meal.
The perfect side dish will have your taste buds singing with delight as you enjoy each bite of your main course.
So what to consider when choosing a good side dish for jerk pork?
Here are some tips from us:
Jerk pork can pair well with sweet, sour, or savory side dishes
The good news is that the taste of jerk pork goes well with different flavors.
Therefore, when looking for a side dish for jerk pork, you can opt for a companion with either a sweet, sour, or savory flavor.
This allows you to have a lot more options to choose from to create a delicious meal with jerk pork.
Consider if there are any allergies or dietary restrictions among your family members or your guests
To make sure that you will not only have a good meal that includes jerk pork and one or several side dishes but also a safe meal, you should check for any allergies or dietary restrictions from your guests or family members who are served with these dishes.
Therefore, it is best if you can prepare several accompaniments so that each person can have their own favorite to enjoy.
7 best side dishes to serve with jerk pork
There are many side dishes that can go well with jerk pork.
Below, we will highlight the top seven accompaniments that we find best to serve with jerk pork:
1. Coconut rice
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Coconut rice is a favorite side dish to serve with jerk pork.
This dish simply calls for rice that is soaked in coconut milk and cooked with coconut flakes.
Therefore, it is packaged with a typical coconut flavor that is pleasantly sweet.
This sweet note is perfect to be paired with the savory taste of jerk pork.
2. Salads
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If you are looking for a healthier side dish to go with jerk pork at your next party, salads are a great choice.
Salads are often made from raw vegetables and fruits that are chopped or sliced before being coated with some kind of dressing.
You can even make several kinds of salads to meet different taste buds.
3. Sweet potatoes
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Sweet potatoes can also be a good side dish for your jerk pork.
This ingredient is inexpensive, but it is a good source of vegan protein and packed with a sweet flavor that can definitely satisfy your sweet tooth, not in a bad way.
4. Salsa
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Salsa is a common sauce that is perfect for dipping.
It is a little spicy and can help boost your appetite and make your jerk pork even more delicious.
You can opt for fresh or cooked salsa to serve with your jerk pork depending on your preference.
5. Roasted vegetables
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Roasted vegetables can help provide you with more healthy nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Roasting vegetables are considered a more flavorful way to cook veggies instead of boiling them.
The best kinds of vegetables for roasting are asparagus, carrots, potatoes, or broccoli.
6. Fried plantains
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Plantains are a staple in Jamaica and other regional Caribbean cuisines.
Therefore, it is no surprise to see that fried plantains are often served alongside jerk meat.
Plantains are rich in nutrients and when fried, they have a satisfying crunchy texture.
7. Rum
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Do you want to spice up your meal with an extra zing?
Think about rum as a side dish to serve with jerk pork and you will have a new and delicious experience.
Opt for a low alcohol type that is enough to boost your appetite while still helping you enjoy your jerk pork more.
The bottom line
With so many side dish options to serve with jerk pork that we have compiled above, now you can make a Jamaican-style party with ease.
Which of the aforementioned jerk pork side dishes do you think work best for your taste buds?
We would love to hear from you in the comments.
