Hawaiian Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Shred pork with two forks, return to slow cooker, and stir in 1/2 cup drained pineapple chunks.
  5. 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.

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.

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