Slow-Roasted Mexican Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa
Tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with traditional Mexican spices, paired with a vibrant charred pineapple salsa for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 380 minutes blends pork shoulder, ground cumin, ground coriander into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 small, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks pineapple
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 cup orange juice to create a marinade. Rub this mixture thoroughly over the entire 3 lbs pork shoulder.
- Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Roast in the oven for 5-6 hours until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Step 3: While the pork roasts, prepare the salsa: heat a grill pan over medium-high heat, and add 1 small pineapple cut into 1-inch chunks. Grill the pineapple for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and caramelized, then dice finely.
- Step 4: In a bowl, combine the charred pineapple, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 finely chopped jalapeño (seeded for less heat), 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Mix well and let the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Once the pork is done, shred it with two forks and serve topped with the charred pineapple salsa for a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Mexican Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Mexican Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Mexican Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
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-Roasted Mexican Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa 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-Roasted Mexican Pork Shoulder with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
Mexican 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.
