Smoked Pineapple and Ginger Tiki Pulled Pork

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

Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with smoky pineapple and spicy ginger, finished with a tangy tropical glaze for a bold island-inspired BBQ dish. This caribbean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs trimmed pork shoulder, fresh or canned pineapple juice, grated fresh ginger 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 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp salt, 2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes. Rub this spice blend all over the 3 lbs trimmed pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and add 1 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir well to coat with the cooking juices.
  5. Step 5: Serve the smoked pineapple and ginger pulled pork on toasted buns or over rice for a flavorful tiki-inspired meal.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Pineapple and Ginger Tiki 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 Smoked Pineapple and Ginger Tiki 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 trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Pineapple and Ginger Tiki 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 Smoked Pineapple and Ginger Tiki 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.

What goes well with Smoked Pineapple and Ginger Tiki Pulled Pork?

Caribbean 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.

Related recipes