Caribbean-Style Braised Pork with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised with sweet pineapple chunks and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers for a vibrant Caribbean flavor. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes pairs fresh or canned pineapple chunks, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 120 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 pounds pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, turning to develop a deep crust. Remove pork and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the pork to the pot along with 1 cup pineapple chunks, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 tsp whole allspice berries, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and braise gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until pork is tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed and serve warm with rice or plantains.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Braised Pork with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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-Style Braised Pork with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet?

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 medium, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Braised Pork with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet?

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-Style Braised Pork with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet 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-Style Braised Pork with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet?

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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