Smoky Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with smoky spices and a tangy pineapple glaze, served in crisp lettuce cups for a light island-inspired meal. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 2 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place pork in a slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Pour mixture over pork in the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until pork is tender and pulls apart easily with forks.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir to coat in juices.
  5. Step 5: To serve, spoon about 1/4 cup of pulled pork into each of 12 butter lettuce leaves. Top with 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves for brightness and crunch.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps 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 Smoky Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps?

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 Smoky Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps?

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 Smoky Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps 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 Smoky Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps?

BBQ & Smoked pork 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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