Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Pineapple and Sofrito

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

Tender slow-cooked pork infused with vibrant Caribbean sofrito and sweet pineapple, perfect for a flavorful family meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, pineapple chunks (fresh or canned), sofrito sauce 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.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the pork to a slow cooker and add 1/2 cup sofrito sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 cup pineapple chunks. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
  4. Step 4: Once cooked, stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Serve hot with rice or plantains.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Pineapple and Sofrito 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 Pineapple and Sofrito?

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 sofrito sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Pineapple and Sofrito?

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 Sofrito 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 Sofrito?

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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