Caribbean Dark Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in a rich, spiced dark rum sauce infused with aromatic herbs and warm spices. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 180 minutes pairs pork shoulder, dark rum, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Cook: 165 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs pork shoulder with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown in the pot for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply caramelized. Remove pork and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 cup diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 2 tbsp brown sugar, cooking for 1 minute until the spices bloom.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3/4 cup dark rum and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Let the rum reduce for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork shoulder to the pot, add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 3 sprigs fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and braise gently for 2 1/2 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork and herbs. Stir 1 tbsp lime juice into the braising liquid, then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Slice or shred the pork and spoon the sauce over before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Dark Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 180 minutes (15 min prep + 165 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 Caribbean Dark Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Dark Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder?

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 Caribbean Dark Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder 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 Caribbean Dark Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder?

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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