Caribbean Coconut Pulled Pork

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 9 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you're craving a taste of the Caribbean, this Coconut Pulled Pork will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-soaked island. Infused with rich coconut milk and fragrant spices, it's a dish that’s perfect for both cozy family dinners and lively gatherings.

Ingredients for Caribbean Coconut Pulled Pork

The star of the show is the pork shoulder, which becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking. Coconut milk adds a creamy, tropical base to the dish, while pineapple juice brings a hint of sweetness and acidity. The soy sauce provides a salty, umami depth, and brown sugar balances it all with its subtle molasses flavor. Allspice offers a warm, aromatic note, complemented by minced garlic and grated ginger, which add fresh, zesty undertones. A touch of salt and black pepper enhances the overall flavor, and fresh lime juice at the end brightens the dish. Finally, chopped fresh cilantro is used for garnish, adding color and a fresh herbaceous finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your pork shoulder has a layer of fat, you can trim it to your preference before cooking, but leaving some fat adds flavor and moisture.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the lid of the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
  • Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

This Caribbean Coconut Pulled Pork is delightfully versatile. Serve it in soft tacos with a crunchy cabbage slaw, or pile it onto a toasted bun with a side of sweet plantains. For a lighter option, try serving it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice with a side of sautéed greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork butt or pork loin can be used, but pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness and flavor.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
You could use a mix of heavy cream and coconut extract, but it won't have the same authentic flavor.

Caribbean Coconut Pulled Pork Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients and your trusty slow cooker. In the slow cooker, combine the coconut milk, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, garlic, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure the sugar dissolves and the spices are well mixed.

Next, take your pork shoulder and place it into the slow cooker. Roll it around a bit to coat it thoroughly with the coconut mixture. This ensures that every inch of the pork gets infused with those incredible flavors.

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Let it cook for 8 to 10 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is so tender that it practically falls apart with the gentle prod of a fork.

Once cooked, remove the pork from the cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork back into the slow cooker and pour in the lime juice. Stir everything together so that the pork is nicely coated with the cooking juices.

Serve the pork warm, with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Slow cooker convenience: Set it and forget it, with minimal hands-on time.
  • Exotic flavors: A delightful mix of coconut, pineapple, and spices for a tropical twist.
  • Versatile: Perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or even over rice.
  • Meal prep friendly: Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

4 lbs boneless pork shoulder
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp ground allspice
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large slow cooker, combine coconut milk, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, garlic, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the pork shoulder into the slow cooker, turning to coat it with the coconut mixture.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
5. Stir in lime juice and return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing to coat with the sauce.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro.

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