Slow Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Pulled Pork with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with tropical pineapple and spicy Scotch bonnet peppers for a vibrant Caribbean flavor. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs pineapple juice, fresh pineapple chunks, brown sugar 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; toss 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks in the spice mix until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chunks for 3 minutes per side until browned; transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup pineapple juice, 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1 small minced Scotch bonnet pepper, and 1 medium thinly sliced red onion to the slow cooker with the pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is very tender and easily shredded with two forks.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred into bite-sized pieces; return to the slow cooker and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice.
  6. Step 6: Let the pork absorb the juices for 10 minutes before serving with rice or tortillas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Pulled Pork with Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Pulled Pork with Pineapple 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 pineapple juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Pulled Pork with Pineapple 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 Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Pulled Pork with Pineapple 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 Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Pulled Pork with Pineapple 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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