Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet

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

Tender slow-cooked pork infused with sweet pineapple and a spicy kick from Scotch bonnet peppers, perfect for a flavorful Caribbean meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 435 minutes pairs pork shoulder, fresh pineapple chunks, scotch bonnet pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 lbs pork shoulder and cut into 2-inch chunks. Place in a slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1 chopped Scotch bonnet pepper (seeded for less heat), 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced medium onion to the slow cooker with the pork.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves and 2 tbsp brown sugar evenly over the ingredients, then pour 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 cup water.
  4. Step 4: Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until pork is tender and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, shred pork with two forks and mix with the cooking juices for a juicy finish. Serve with rice or plantains.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 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 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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker 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 Slow Cooker 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 Slow Cooker 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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