Tiki-Inspired Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple and Spices

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

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked in a fragrant blend of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and island spices, perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, pineapple juice, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the pineapple-spice mixture over it, turning to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Stir chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro into the shredded pork.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over, ideal on toasted buns or over coconut rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki-Inspired Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple and Spices 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 Tiki-Inspired Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple and Spices?

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 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple and Spices?

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 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple and Spices 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 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple and Spices?

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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