Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with bold Caribbean jerk spices, finished with a tangy pineapple glaze for a vibrant island-inspired dish. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 315 minutes pairs jerk seasoning, salt, black pepper 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: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 3 lbs of trimmed pork shoulder chunks evenly with 3 tbsp jerk seasoning, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme. Let marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the pork to a slow cooker and pour 1 cup pineapple juice over the meat.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is fork-tender and easily shredded.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar and 2 tbsp lime juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Toss the shredded pork with the pineapple-lime glaze until well coated.
  6. Step 6: Serve garnished with 3 sliced scallion stalks alongside rice or plantains for a full Caribbean meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Shoulder 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 jerk seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Shoulder 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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Shoulder 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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Pork Shoulder 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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