Tiki-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork seasoned with warm tiki spices, served in crisp lettuce cups topped with fresh pineapple salsa for a refreshing tropical bite. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes blends pork shoulder, brown sugar, smoked paprika 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 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mix evenly over 2 lbs pork shoulder, coating all sides thoroughly.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork in a slow cooker and pour in 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
  4. Step 4: While the pork cooks, prepare pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Set aside.
  5. Step 5: Once the pork is done, shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker and stir to mix with the cooking juices.
  6. Step 6: To serve, spoon generous portions of the pulled pork into 12 butter lettuce leaves and top with the pineapple salsa for a bright, refreshing contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa 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-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa?

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-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa?

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-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa 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-Spiced Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa?

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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