Slow Cooker Pineapple-Glazed Pulled Pork

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

Tender, fall-apart pork shoulder simmered in a sweet-tart pineapple-ginger glaze for effortless weeknight dinners. This american-inspired slow cooker (gluten-free) ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2.5 pounds trimmed pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Whisk together 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pour over pork.
  2. Step 2: Cook on LOW for 8 hours. After cooking, remove pork and shred with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding solids.
  3. Step 3: Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in 1/2 cup drained canned pineapple chunks. Add 1/2 cup strained liquid and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes to thicken. Stir until sauce coats pork evenly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Pineapple-Glazed Pulled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Slow Cooker Pineapple-Glazed Pulled Pork?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Pineapple-Glazed Pulled Pork?

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 Slow Cooker Pineapple-Glazed Pulled Pork 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 Slow Cooker Pineapple-Glazed Pulled Pork 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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