Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple Glaze

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

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with tropical spices and finished with a sweet, tangy pineapple glaze perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, pineapple juice, brown sugar 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker. Add 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 cup pineapple chunks around the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Pour remaining juices and pineapple chunks into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 2 tbsp lime juice.
  4. Step 4: Return shredded pork to the saucepan and toss with the pineapple glaze until well coated. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Pulled Pork with Pineapple Glaze?

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 Pulled Pork with Pineapple Glaze?

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 Pulled Pork with Pineapple Glaze 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 Pulled Pork with Pineapple Glaze?

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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