Caribbean-Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, hearty stew featuring tender pork shoulder simmered with warm Caribbean spices and root vegetables. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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: 20 min Cook: 70 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes and sear for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are browned and edges are crispy.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 minced scotch bonnet pepper to the pot; sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and onions soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 tsp allspice, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and 1 cup sliced carrots, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1 hour until pork is tender and vegetables are soft.
  6. Step 6: Remove thyme sprigs, stir in 1 tbsp lime juice, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 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-Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew?

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-Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew 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-Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew?

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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