Slow-Roasted Tiki-Style Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy pork shoulder slow-roasted with island spices, served with a vibrant pineapple salsa that balances smoky and sweet flavors. This caribbean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 320 minutes blends pork shoulder (bone-in), brown sugar, ground cumin 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 420 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a dry rub.
  3. Step 3: Pat dry 3 lbs bone-in pork shoulder with paper towels and rub 2 tbsp vegetable oil all over the meat.
  4. Step 4: Generously coat the pork shoulder with the dry rub mixture, pressing it into all sides.
  5. Step 5: Place the pork in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and roast in the oven for 4 to 5 hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender and an internal temperature of 195°F is reached.
  6. Step 6: While pork roasts, combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 small minced seeded jalapeño in a bowl to make the pineapple salsa. Let it rest to meld flavors.
  7. Step 7: Remove pork from oven, let rest for 15 minutes, then shred meat with two forks.
  8. Step 8: Serve the shredded pork topped with the fresh pineapple salsa for a balance of smoky, savory, and bright tropical flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Tiki-Style Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Tiki-Style Pork Shoulder with 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 Tiki-Style Pork Shoulder with 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 Tiki-Style Pork Shoulder with 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 Tiki-Style Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa?

Caribbean slow cooker 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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