Island-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with tropical spices and served in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, hand-held meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pineapple juice, brown sugar, ground allspice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice in a slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks to the slow cooker, coating them thoroughly with the spice mixture. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding any excess fat. Return shredded pork to the cooking juices and stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: To serve, spoon generous portions of the pulled pork into 12 large romaine lettuce leaves. Garnish each wrap with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup sliced green onions for a bright finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Island-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 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 Island-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps?

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 pineapple juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Island-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps?

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 Island-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps 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 Island-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps?

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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