Coconut and Tiki-Spiced Braised Pork Shoulder

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in a fragrant coconut milk and tiki-inspired spice sauce, delivering rich island flavors. This caribbean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 140 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, full fat coconut milk, medium, diced yellow onion 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, searing for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork and set aside. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp ground ginger, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the pot bottom.
  5. Step 5: Return pork to the pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Braise gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until pork is fork-tender and sauce is thickened.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to add brightness and freshness.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut and Tiki-Spiced Braised Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Coconut and Tiki-Spiced Braised Pork Shoulder?

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 full fat coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut and Tiki-Spiced Braised Pork Shoulder?

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 Coconut and Tiki-Spiced Braised Pork Shoulder 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 Coconut and Tiki-Spiced Braised Pork Shoulder?

Caribbean slow cooker 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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