Caribbean-Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew with Sweet Plantains
Tender pork shoulder slowly simmered in a fragrant Caribbean spice blend served with caramelized sweet plantains for a hearty meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 medium, peeled and sliced ripe plantains
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove pork and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 3: Return pork to pot and add 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes and 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook gently for 1 hour until pork is tender.
- Step 4: While stew simmers, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 peeled and sliced ripe plantains, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Cook plantains for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and golden.
- Step 5: Stir 1 tbsp lime juice into the stew just before serving. Serve pork stew topped with the caramelized sweet plantains for a balance of spicy and sweet flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean-Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew with Sweet Plantains 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 with Sweet Plantains?
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 with Sweet Plantains?
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 with Sweet Plantains for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 with Sweet Plantains?
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.
