Slow Cooker Polynesian Pulled Pork with Tangy Pineapple Glaze

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

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked in a tangy pineapple and soy glaze, infused with tropical spices to evoke Polynesian flavors. This polynesian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs trimmed pork shoulder, pineapple juice, soy sauce 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: 480 min Serves 6 Polynesian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs trimmed pork shoulder into the slow cooker and pour the pineapple-soy marinade over the meat, turning to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the remaining juices.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm on buns, rice, or alongside tropical sides to enjoy the full Polynesian-inspired flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Polynesian Pulled Pork with Tangy Pineapple Glaze 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 Polynesian Pulled Pork with Tangy Pineapple Glaze?

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 trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Polynesian Pulled Pork with Tangy Pineapple Glaze?

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 Polynesian Pulled Pork with Tangy Pineapple Glaze 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.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Polynesian Pulled Pork with Tangy Pineapple Glaze?

Polynesian slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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