Hawaiian Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple
Tender, sweet, and tangy pulled pork simmered in a pineapple-ginger glaze, perfect for sandwiches or tacos with a vibrant Hawaiian twist. This american-inspired slow cooker (gluten free) ready in about 375 minutes pairs pounds boneless pork shoulder, pineapple juice, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon, minced fresh ginger
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, drained pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 pounds cubed boneless pork shoulder in a slow cooker, then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Whisk together 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove; pour evenly over the pork.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until pork is fork-tender.
- Step 4: Shred pork with two forks, return to slow cooker, and stir in 1/2 cup drained pineapple chunks.
- Step 5: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth, then stir into the sauce; cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hawaiian Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hawaiian Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds boneless pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hawaiian Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple?
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 Hawaiian Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple 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.
Is Hawaiian Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
