Spiced Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Vegetables
Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in rich spiced rum with colorful Caribbean vegetables and aromatic spices. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 170 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, spiced rum, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs, cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder
- 1 cup spiced rum
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups assorted colors, chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup, sliced carrots
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned on all sides; transfer pork to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups chopped bell peppers and 1 cup sliced carrots, sautéing for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup spiced rum, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift browned bits. Let the rum simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Return pork shoulder to the pot, submerging in the liquid.
- Step 6: Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and braise for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until pork is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken sauce further before serving.
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 Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Spiced Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Vegetables?
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 spiced rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Rum-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caribbean Vegetables?
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 Vegetables 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 Vegetables?
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.
