Caribbean Dark Rum-Glazed Pulled Pork
Slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with a rich dark rum and spice glaze, perfect for a savory Caribbean-inspired meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, dark rum, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder all over with 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 4 minced garlic cloves, ensuring even coating.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and caramelized.
- Step 3: Remove pork and add 1 sliced medium onion to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup dark rum and 1/4 cup brown sugar into the pot, stirring to dissolve the sugar and scrape up browned bits.
- Step 5: Return pork shoulder to the pot, spoon some of the rum glaze over the top, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
- Step 6: Roast for 3 hours, basting with pan juices every hour, until pork is very tender and shreds easily.
- Step 7: Remove pork from pot, shred with two forks, and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice for brightness before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Dark Rum-Glazed Pulled Pork take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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-Glazed Pulled Pork?
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-Glazed Pulled Pork?
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-Glazed Pulled Pork 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-Glazed Pulled Pork?
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.
