Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Sofrito and Sweet Plantains

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

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Tender slow-cooked pork infused with vibrant Caribbean sofrito, served alongside caramelized sweet plantains for a hearty, flavorful meal. This Caribbean-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 440 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, Caribbean sofrito, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 420 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 520 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. Sear 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large chunks, for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Transfer pork to slow cooker. Add 1 cup Caribbean sofrito, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  4. Step 4: Peel 2 large ripe sweet plantains and slice them into 1/2-inch thick diagonal pieces. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Step 5: Add plantains and 1/2 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Serve shredded pork topped with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and caramelized plantains on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Sofrito and Sweet Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 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 Sofrito and Sweet Plantains?

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 Sofrito and Sweet Plantains?

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 Sofrito and Sweet Plantains 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 Sofrito and Sweet Plantains?

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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