Sticky Caribbean Jerk Pork with Pineapple Salsa

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

Tender pork shoulder marinated in spicy jerk seasoning and slow-roasted to perfection, served with a fresh pineapple salsa to balance the heat. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 195 minutes blends cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, jerk seasoning, brown sugar 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 300°F. Transfer the marinated pork to a roasting pan, covering tightly with foil.
  4. Step 4: Roast the pork for 3 hours until very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  5. Step 5: While pork roasts, prepare pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 minced jalapeño in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
  6. Step 6: Once pork is done, remove from oven and shred with two forks. Serve warm topped with pineapple salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sticky Caribbean Jerk Pork with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 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 Sticky Caribbean Jerk Pork 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 Sticky Caribbean Jerk Pork 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 Sticky Caribbean Jerk Pork 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 Sticky Caribbean Jerk Pork with 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.

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