Roasted Pork Shoulder

In Caribbean households, a roasted pork shoulder is often a staple at large gatherings and holiday feasts, carrying with it the warmth of family traditions and celebratory cheer. This dish is known for its juicy, tender meat and incredibly crispy skin, which Caribbean people might refer to as chicharrones or cueritos. In my family, roasted pork shoulder is especially beloved by my Uncle Seg, who often reminisces about my mom’s roast pork with its perfectly crisp skin every time he visits. This recipe not only brings back memories but embodies the flavors and techniques passed down through generations.

See my latest roasted pork recipe here: Holiday Baked Pork Shoulder 

If you’re a fan of Caribbean recipes and West Indian dishes, this traditional Caribbean pork shoulder recipe will add a wonderful, cultural twist to your holiday menu. It’s a dish I make only on special occasions, but every time I do, it brings back those family memories and a sense of pride in our Caribbean heritage.

Ingredients You Will Need for Roasted Pork Shoulder

To create an authentic roasted pork shoulder, we’ll use several key ingredients to achieve deep flavor and that signature crispy texture.

• Pork Shoulder: The star of the dish, chosen for its rich flavor and tender texture after slow roasting.
• Garlic and Onion: Foundational aromatics in Caribbean cuisine that bring a savory depth to the seasoning.
• Oregano and Cumin (Geera): Oregano adds a fresh herbal note, while cumin gives a warm, earthy flavor.
• Habanero or Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Known for their heat, these peppers add a punch of spice typical of Caribbean recipes.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of acidity balances the richness of the pork and enhances the flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used to bind the seasonings and help with crisping the pork skin.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

These ingredients are essential to capturing the true essence of Caribbean roasted pork. With a bit of preparation, you’ll have the perfect foundation for a deeply flavorful and satisfying roast.

How to Cook Roasted Pork Shoulder – Overview

1. Prep the pork: Wash the pork shoulder with lemon or vinegar, rinse, and pat dry. Score the skin with a knife to help it crisp up during roasting.
2. Make the seasoning paste: Pulse garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, habanero, salt, and pepper in a food processor until pasty. Drizzle in olive oil and blend with vinegar.
3. Season the meat: Rub the paste thoroughly over the pork, working it into slits and cuts. Let marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Preheat and begin roasting: Set your oven to 400°F. Place the pork skin-side down in a roasting pan with water at the bottom. Roast uncovered for one hour.
5. Adjust temperature: Lower the oven to 350°F, turn the pork skin-side up, add more water as needed, and continue roasting for 3-4 hours.
6. Crisp the skin: Once cooked, broil the pork for about 5 minutes to achieve an ultra-crispy skin. Alternatively, increase the temperature to 400°F for 15 more minutes.
7. Rest before serving: Let the pork rest for 20 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.

If you’re after a “fall-apart” texture, consider roasting a bit longer at a low temperature, especially if you’re working with a larger cut of pork.

Variations and Substitutions

Experimenting with this classic recipe allows you to customize the flavors to your liking or make it work for various dietary preferences.

• Vegan Version: Swap the pork shoulder with a hearty vegetable like mushrooms (e.g portabella) or cauliflower. Season and roast using similar spices to infuse a Caribbean flavor.
• Caribbean Fusion: Add a bit of pineapple juice to the seasoning for a touch of tropical sweetness.
• Herb Variations: Instead of oregano, try using cilantro, culantro, or thyme for a twist. Each herb brings unique flavor notes to the roast.

This recipe is versatile enough for you to adjust seasonings based on availability or preference, so feel free to make it your own!

Tips to Ensure the Dish Comes Out Perfect

• Score the skin: Don’t skip this step! Scoring the skin allows fat to render out, leading to an ultra-crispy crust.
• Marinate for extended flavor: Letting the pork marinate overnight or up to two days infuses it with deep flavor.
• Monitor water levels: To keep the pork moist, add water to the roasting pan as needed. However, avoid too much water to ensure the skin crisps.
• Broiling for crisp skin: For an extra-crispy finish, don’t skip the broiling step. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

These tips will help you achieve a roast that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Serving Suggestions 

A roasted pork shoulder pairs wonderfully with traditional Caribbean sides.

• Rice and beans: The tasty coconut-infused rice with red beans complement the savory pork.
• Fried Plantains: A side of fried plantains offers a touch of sweetness that balances out the spices in the pork.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad helps cleanse the palate and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich meat.

You can also slice the roast thinly and serve it in sandwiches with spicy aioli or alongside mashed potatoes for a fusion twist.

Other Meal Ideas 

• Roasted Pork,  Stewed Red Beans, and Steamed Rice
• Roasted Pork,  Stewed Red Beans, Macaroni Pie or Mummy’s, Easy, Cheesy, Caribbean Scalloped Potatoes and/or rice.
• Roasted Pork, Trinidad Callaloo, Rice
• Roasted Pork and Home-Made Bread (Sandwich) or Hops Bread with Hot Sauce / Sliced Avocados
• Roasted Pork, Mashed Potatoes or Potato Salad and Green Beans / Roasted Asparagus / VEGGIE STIR FRY – WEEKLY MEAL PREP
• Roasted Pork, Stewed Lentils,(or other stewed beans), Pumpkin Rice / Yellow Rice and Peas or / Carrot Rice 
• Roasted Pork, Trini Fried Rice, Potato Salad, Lo Mein
• Make a Cuban Sandwich: To make a Cuban sandwich with roasted pork, start by layering slices of tender roasted pork on a Cuban or baguette-style bread, adding Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Press the sandwich in a hot sandwich press or grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts. Serve the sandwich warm for a crispy, flavorful treat that combines the savory pork with tangy pickles and creamy cheese.

Storing and Reheating Suggestions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pork in portions tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in an oven at 300°F until warmed through. This method helps retain moisture and crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the skin chewy rather than crispy.

Following these guidelines will keep your pork shoulder tasting fresh and delicious, even a few days later.

Step By Step Instructions (With Photos)

1. Wash meat with lemon or vinegar. Rinse, drain, and pat dry. Score meat’s skin with a sharp knife, making a cross-hatch pattern. Pulse garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, habanero or scotch bonnet, salt, and pepper together in a food processor, adding oil in a drizzle and scraping down sides as necessary, until mixture is pasty. Blend in the vinegar.

2. Rub this mixture well into pork. You may also make deep slits in the meat to place seasoning. Marinate overnight or several days(cover with plastic wrap).

 

4. At the end of cooking, place under the broiler for 5 minutes to crisp skin(or cook for an additional 15 minutes at 400 degrees F). Let meat rest for 20 minutes before cutting. Serve with rice and beans..or in a sandwich…