Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Slaw
Savory slow-cooked pulled pork paired with a tangy pineapple slaw, wrapped in crisp lettuce for a refreshing handheld meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 12 large leaves iceberg lettuce leaves
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine 2 lbs pork shoulder, 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp ground ginger. Cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Step 2: While pork cooks, prepare pineapple slaw by tossing 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup grated carrot, and 1 cup diced fresh pineapple with 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
- Step 3: When pork is done, shred with two forks and mix into the cooking juices to keep moist and flavorful.
- Step 4: To assemble, spoon generous portions of pulled pork onto 12 large iceberg lettuce leaves, then top with a heaping tablespoon of pineapple slaw.
- Step 5: Serve immediately for handheld Tiki-inspired wraps bursting with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Slaw?
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 Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Slaw?
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 Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Slaw 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 Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Slaw?
Caribbean 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.