Slow Cooker Jerk Pork in Pineapple Rice Bowls
User Reviews
5
-
Total Time
8 hrs
-
Servings
4 to 6
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Jerk Pork in Pineapple Rice Bowls
Description
Slow Cooker Jerk Pork in Pineapple Rice Bowls centers on pork shoulder seasoned generously with a blend of jerk spices including allspice, cayenne, thyme, and cinnamon, then slow-cooked with pineapple juice to infuse tender, flavorful meat. The slow cooking allows the pork to fall apart easily while soaking up the aromatic liquid. The accompanying brown jasmine rice is cooked with pineapple juice and coconut milk, adding a subtle sweetness and creaminess that complements the spicy pork.
The quick pineapple salsa made with diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice brings a fresh, tangy contrast, cutting through the richness of the pork and rice. Together, these elements form a balanced bowl with layers of warm spices, acidity, and sweetness.
This dish is suited for casual dinners, offering hands-off cooking with the slow cooker and a colorful presentation. The components can be prepared in advance and combined just before serving, making it practical for busy home cooks seeking a flavorful comfort meal with Caribbean influences.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 to 5 pound pork shoulder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion minced
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley dried
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly ground
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
rice
- 2 cups brown jasmine rice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
quick pineapple salsa
- 1 cup pineapple diced, chunks
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro chopped, fresh
- 1/2 lime juiced
- pinch salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium- high heat and add the vegetable oil. Season the pork all over with the salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet and sear on all sides, until deeply golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove the pork with kitchen tongs and transfer it to the slow cooker. Pour the pineapple juice over top.
- Stir together garlic powder, sugar, onion, thyme, parsley, cayenne, allspice, paprika, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Sprinkle it over the pork in the slow cooker and toss well. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
- After 8 to 10 hours, the pork should easily fall apart. There will be a lot of liquid in the slow cooker. You can discard some (I use a ladle) but you can also do what I do: shred the pork, remove the slow cooker lid, turn it on high and cook for 30 minutes or so, tossing often. I find that a lot of the pork soaks of the liquid and the rest sort evaporates. You can always discard some of the liquid if you need to.
- To serve, top the rice with the shredded pork and pineapple salsa. To serve in a pineapple bowl, carefully slice the pineapple in half lengthwise. Remove the fruit (I did so using a paring knife and grapefruit spoon, then used it for the salsa) and place the rice and pork inside. Easy peasy.
- rice
- Note: be sure to double check the cook time and liquid ratio on the rice you buy. If it’s quick cooking, you might need less time and/or liquid.
- Bring the rice, juice, milk and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the salt and butter. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until all liquid is absorbed, 35 to 45 minutes.
- quick pineapple salsa
- Stir together the pineapple, onion and cilantro. Season with the salt and pepper and squirt in the lime juice – stir well. Serve immediately or keep sealed in a container in the fridge for 1 to 2 todays.
Notes
- The jerk seasoning is adapted from myrecipes and provides the distinctive flavor base for the pork.
- After slow cooking, shredding the pork and cooking it uncovered on high helps evaporate excess liquid for better texture.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
