Instant Pot Caribbean Jerk Pork Shoulder

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

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.

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.

Related recipes