Slow Cooker Caribbean-Style Pulled Pork with Pineapple

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

Tender pulled pork infused with tropical pineapple and warm Caribbean spices, perfect for a flavorful meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 255 minutes pairs pork shoulder, pineapple juice, fresh pineapple chunks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 lbs pork shoulder, browning all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden to lock in flavor.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the browned pork to a slow cooker. Add 1 cup pineapple juice, 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced medium onion, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily shredded.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding any excess fat. Return pork to the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the juices and pineapple.
  5. Step 5: Serve topped with 1/4 cup chopped scallions for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the sweet and spiced pork.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Caribbean-Style Pulled Pork with Pineapple take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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-Style Pulled Pork with Pineapple?

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-Style Pulled Pork with Pineapple?

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-Style Pulled Pork with Pineapple 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-Style Pulled Pork with Pineapple?

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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