Tiki-Style Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with island spices served in crisp lettuce cups topped with a bright pineapple salsa for a fresh tropical bite. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes blends trimmed pork shoulder, pineapple juice, soy sauce 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 320 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 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs pork shoulder in a slow cooker with 1 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground ginger, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, and 1 tsp salt. Cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  2. Step 2: While pork cooks, prepare pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves, and 1 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: When pork is done, shred it using two forks and stir to coat with cooking juices.
  4. Step 4: To serve, spoon generous portions of shredded pork into 12 large iceberg lettuce leaves and top each with 1-2 tbsp pineapple salsa for a fresh, crunchy contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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.

Related recipes