Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork with Pineapple BBQ Sauce

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

Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with smoky pineapple BBQ sauce, combining sweet and savory flavors reminiscent of tiki beachside cooking. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes blends pork shoulder, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over the entire surface of the 3 lb pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour 1 cup pineapple juice over it. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, prepare pineapple BBQ sauce by whisking together 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: When pork is done, shred it using two forks, discarding excess fat. Mix the pulled pork with half of the pineapple BBQ sauce, reserving the rest for serving.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns or over rice, drizzling with remaining pineapple BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork with Pineapple BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork with Pineapple BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tiki-Inspired Pulled Pork with Pineapple BBQ Sauce?

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 with Pineapple BBQ Sauce 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 with Pineapple BBQ Sauce?

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.

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