Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pork with Citrus and Scotch Bonnet

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

Tender pork slow-cooked with bright citrus and spicy Scotch bonnet peppers, delivering a vibrant and deeply flavorful Caribbean dish. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 2 pounds pork shoulder with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon ground allspice, ensuring an even coating.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the pork to a slow cooker. Add 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper to the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
  5. Step 5: Shred the pork with two forks, mixing it well with the cooking juices for maximum flavor.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve with rice or fried plantains for a complete Caribbean meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pork with Citrus and Scotch Bonnet 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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pork with Citrus and Scotch Bonnet?

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 pounds pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pork with Citrus and Scotch Bonnet?

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 Pork with Citrus and Scotch Bonnet 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 Pork with Citrus and Scotch Bonnet?

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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