Slow Cooker Caribbean Jerk Pulled Pork

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

Tender pulled pork infused with bold Caribbean jerk spices slowly cooked to perfection, perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, onion 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder all over with 3 tbsp jerk seasoning and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear pork on all sides until deep brown, about 4 minutes per side.
  2. Step 2: Transfer pork to slow cooker. Add 1 large sliced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 3 chopped green onions, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 small seeded chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using).
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is very tender and shreds easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork to a cutting board and shred with two forks, discarding excess fat. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir to combine with juices and vegetables before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Caribbean Jerk Pulled Pork 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 Jerk Pulled Pork?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Caribbean Jerk Pulled Pork?

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 Jerk Pulled Pork 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 Jerk Pulled Pork?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes