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If you have a “thing” for flavor and spice, this is for you. Slow Cooker Jerk Pork. Serious heat lives here. In fact, I’ve actually cut back the quantity of jerk from my original recipe because initially, it was a teary-eyed, can’t breathe – FIRE ON A BUN experience! This still packs a punch but in a good way.
My secret ingredient is Walker’s Wood Jerk Seasoning. [Shameless affiliate link: Walkerswood Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, 10 oz ] I know, I know — I’m a food blogger. I should be “making my own” jerk. I can see the disappointment in your eyes and I’m sorry I’ve let you down, but in my defense, once you’ve had this, you won’t even think about making it yourself! The flavors are so authentic. With scallions, fiery scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, nutmeg and thyme – this nose-tingling blend packs a punch and frankly, just ruins you for other “jerks”.
Depending on where you live, you might have trouble finding this seasoning — I’ve seen it in many ethnic markets — especially Carribbean markets, but I’ve also found it at some larger grocery stores and of course online at Amazon >> Walkerswood Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, 10 oz — after trying other jerk seasonings, I can honestly say that this is THE BEST! Don’t even bother with anything else. If you can’t find Walker’s Wood, I would recommend this delicious Carolina Pulled Pork instead – there’s no heat, but lots of smoke.
This “recipe” couldn’t be simpler, either. Cut the pork shoulder into large cubes and coat it with some of the jerk seasoning. But beware! Don’t touch the seasoning with your bare hands! Those scotch bonnet peppers are fierce! I place the pork in a large ziptop bag, add a few tablespoons of Walker’s Wood, seal the bag, then massage the seasoning into the meat from the safety of “outside the bag”. If you do get the seasoning on your hands, avoid touching your eyes — otherwise, it will BURN. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight and transfer the whole thing to your crock pot to cook low and slow.
When the pork is done, the meat is so tender and juicy that you’ll want to dive in headfirst! Use a pair of forks or tongs to pull apart the chunks of pork and shred it into a kind of meat confetti for your sandwiches.
Since this recipe has a lot of spice, you need a way to tame the fire. My favorite method is with a cooling, vinegary cole slaw. You can use a box grater or grating disc on your food processor to make short work of the cabbages and carrot.
The dressing is a standard blend of sugar, vinegar and mayonnaise with a little celery seed. Pour the dressing over the cole slaw and toss to coat. You can use any type of roll for these jerk pork sandwiches, but my personal favorites are either the King’s Hawaiian Rolls or Martin’s Potato Rolls. They both have a slight sweetness that really sets off the combo of the pork and coleslaw. This makes a lot of jerk pork – so invite your friends and neighbors — and make sure your fridge is stocked with beer!
Slow Cooker Jerk Pork
Ingredients
- 1 7- pound boston butt pork shoulder, trimmed of fat
- ½ cup Walker's Wood jerk seasoning
- 1/2-1 cup vegetable broth
For Coleslaw
- 1 head green cabbage
- ¼ head red cabbage
- 1 carrot peeled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
For serving
- Sandwich rolls or hamburger buns
- lettuce
- micro greens pea shoots or other sprouts
Instructions
- Trim the pork shoulder and cube into large chunks. Transfer pork to a 2 gallon zip top storage bag. Add the jerk seasoning, seal the bag and massage the seasoning all over the pork. Refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, place the pork in the slow cooker, place the lid on top and turn it onto high for 6 hours or low for 8-10 hours or until pork is very tender and falls apart easily.
Meanwhile make the coleslaw
- Use a food processor or box grater to shred the cabbage and carrot. Mix in a large bowl and set aside. In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, celery seed, salt and pepper and whisk. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss with salad tongs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the pork and transfer to a large bowl. Use a ladle to scoop the braising liquid into a large measuring cup.
- Transfer the pork to a large bowl and use two forks to pull and shred the pork. Return the pork to the slow cooker and add half a cup of vegetable broth and stir. Taste for seasoning. If it needs more liquid you can add more vegetable broth to tone down the heat slightly, or use some of the braising liquid to kick it up even more. Pork should be moist and juicy, but not soupy.
- To make the sandwiches, split the rolls in half, place a leaf of lettuce on the bottom bun followed by a scoop of jerk pork, a spoonful of coleslaw and a sprinkle of sprouts.
Notes
Nutrition
More Inspired Sandwiches:
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- Sweet Black Pepper Grilled Chicken Hoagies
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- Tangy Barbecued Pork Sandwiches
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- Don’t Cry For Me Argentina Roast Beef Sandwich
I enjoyed using the jerk seasoning you recommended. I found it at a store almost at the edge of our Large metropolitan area. It was what I call an obscure find.
The Scotch Bonnet flavors are quite distinct, but I shall be adding habanero next time for the heat index.
Some of us Nordics are not afraid of pungent, fiery foods, as we’ve had enough of the really too cold just like we got tired real fast about lutefisk in cream or butter sauce. Most of my relatives however, the spiciest foods they’ve eaten had salt and pepper added to the dish.
Thanks. I look forward to making this recipe again. I’d never tried this in the crockpot.
heil og sæl
This looks amazing! I’m not sure I’ll be able to find Walkers Wood though…well, off to Google 🙂
I’ve included links to it — so you can order it from Google, but you can also find it in ethnic markets — especially Caribbean or Jamaican ones.
Well, if you say that Walkers Wood is the cat’s meow, I believe you. I’m going to start looking around for it. The pictures are so beautiful, even the RAW pork in the crock looked good enough to eat lol.
I don’t advise eating raw pork — but yes, definitely check out the Walker’s Wood. It is powerful stuff!
This looks so delicious! I love how you incorporated the cabbage. Yummy!
Pulled pork and coleslaw is a classic combo where I’m from in Virginia!
Light it up I say! Love that it is so flavorful! Your coleslaw looks like a perfect balance. Great meal!!
I like the way you think, Debra!
I love pork shoulder! It’s so tender and delicious! I cannot wait to try these flavors! Beautiful!
Enjoy it, Nikki!
I love spicy food so I need to look for that seasoning! You’re pictures make this look so appealing 🙂
We love spicy, too! And this is the most authentic jerk seasoning I’ve ever had — been eating this for more than 20 years.
Oooh haha thanks for the warning about that seasoning – there’d be nothing worse than burning eyes ruining this amazing sounding jerk pork! Your photos look amazing too, wish one of these was in front of me right now! 😀
That can be arranged, Laura!
Love, love, love this recipe!!! The hot jerk spiced pork tempered by the cool Coleslaw is the perfect combo. Can’t wait to try this!
Well, you’re kind of a spicy gal, Nola — so I know this is up your alley!
Lisa! This looks so succulent and gorgeous. I would leave the buns just so I can get more of the meat in 🙂
Thanks, Meeta! I’m glad you like it!