Braised Caribbean Pork Shoulder with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent pork shoulder slow-braised with sweet pineapple chunks and fiery Scotch bonnet pepper for a fragrant and juicy Caribbean-inspired dish. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 175 minutes pairs pineapple chunks (fresh or canned), large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Season 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Brown the pork in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms. Remove pork and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp whole allspice berries, and 4 sprigs fresh thyme, cooking for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned pork to the pot along with 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks and 1 chopped seeded Scotch bonnet pepper. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and braise for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded.
  7. Step 7: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in 2 tbsp lime juice before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Caribbean Pork Shoulder with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Caribbean Pork Shoulder with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Caribbean Pork Shoulder with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Caribbean Pork Shoulder with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Caribbean Pork Shoulder with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet?

Caribbean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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