Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus and Scotch Bonnet

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

Tender slow-cooked pork infused with bright citrus flavors and a spicy Scotch bonnet kick, perfect for a flavorful Caribbean meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes, orange juice, lime juice 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Stir until sugar dissolves and marinade is fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 lbs cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork cubes in batches, searing on all sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer pork to a slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 sliced medium onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, scraping up browned bits. Transfer onions to the slow cooker.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 fresh thyme sprigs and 1/2 cup water to the slow cooker. Pour remaining marinade over the pork and onions.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork. Remove thyme sprigs before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus and Scotch Bonnet take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus 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 Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus 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 Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus 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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