Instant Pot Caribbean Jerk Pork Shoulder

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

Tender, flavorful pork shoulder infused with vibrant Caribbean jerk spices, pressure-cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 100 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch chunks, olive oil, caribbean jerk seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 80 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 3 tbsp Caribbean jerk seasoning, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the pork pieces in batches, browning on all sides for 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove browned pork and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 chopped scallions and 1 tbsp brown sugar to the pot, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp lime juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Step 5: Return all pork to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
  6. Step 6: When cooking ends, allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then release remaining pressure manually.
  7. Step 7: Remove pork chunks and shred or slice as desired. Serve with the cooking juices spooned over.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Caribbean Jerk Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (20 min prep + 80 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 Instant Pot Caribbean Jerk 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Caribbean Jerk 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 Instant Pot Caribbean Jerk 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 Instant Pot Caribbean Jerk Pork Shoulder?

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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