Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Citrus Marinade

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

Tender, juicy pork shoulder slow-roasted in a zesty marinade of orange, lime, and island spices, perfect for a festive dinner. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 340 minutes blends pork shoulder (bone-in), fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice 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 8, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 320 min Serves 8 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 lbs bone-in pork shoulder in a large resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over it. Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, seal, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 300°F. Transfer the pork and marinade to a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Roast for 4-5 hours until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  4. Step 4: Remove foil and increase oven temperature to 425°F. Roast uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to crisp the exterior, basting occasionally with pan juices.
  5. Step 5: Let the pork rest for 15 minutes before shredding or slicing. Serve with the pan juices spooned over.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Citrus Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 340 minutes (20 min prep + 320 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Citrus Marinade?

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 Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Citrus Marinade?

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 Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Citrus Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Citrus Marinade?

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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