Spiced Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Pineapple Salsa
Tender pork shoulder slow-braised in a warm spiced rum sauce paired with a bright pineapple salsa to balance rich flavors with fresh sweetness. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes blends cut into 3-inch chunks pork shoulder, gold rum, olive oil 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 450 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, cut into 3-inch chunks pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup gold rum
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, finely diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup, finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2, thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks in batches, browning on all sides for 3-4 minutes per batch, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground allspice and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
- Step 4: Deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup gold rum, scraping up browned bits, then add 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Return the browned pork to the pot.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until pork is fork-tender.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, prepare the salsa by combining 1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 thinly sliced scallions in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Step 7: Serve the tender pork shoulder topped with the fresh pineapple salsa for a bright balance of flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spiced Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caribbean 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 Spiced Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caribbean 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 Spiced Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caribbean 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 Spiced Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Pineapple Salsa?
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.
