Caribbean-Spiced Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa

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

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with Caribbean spices, served with a fresh and tangy pineapple salsa that brightens the dish. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes blends pork shoulder, olive oil, ground allspice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 480 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then evenly sprinkle 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Massage the spice blend into the meat for 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker with 1 cup water, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender.
  3. Step 3: While the pork cooks, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Stir gently and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the cooking juices to keep it moist.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pulled pork topped with the chilled pineapple salsa for a bright, tropical contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Spiced Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Caribbean-Spiced Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Spiced Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa 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 Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa?

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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