It was the summer of 2015 when I first discovered the magic of a slow cooker Hawaiian pulled pork recipe. It was a sunny Saturday, and my friends had gathered for a barbecue. I wanted to impress them with a meal that was not only delicious but also easy to make. Fast forward a few hours, and my kitchen was filled with that sweet and savory aroma wafting from my slow cooker.
By the end of the day, I knew this dish would become a staple in my home. In this post, I will share why this recipe is not just another pulled pork recipe but a tropical getaway for your taste buds, along with a detailed guide on how to create it, tips for getting it just right, and the perfect sides to serve alongside.
What is Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork?
When I say “slow cooker Hawaiian pulled pork,” what I’m really talking about is comfort food at its finest. This dish features tender, juicy pork shoulder simmered low and slow, soaked in a tropical blend of flavors that come together beautifully in your slow cooker.
Picture tender meat infused with the sweetness of pineapple and brown sugar, a hint of soy sauce, and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes. Voilà! You’ve got a feast that transports you straight to the sunny beaches of Hawaii, all without leaving your kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork Recipe?
There are many reasons this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my cooking rotation. First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
Secondly, the flavor profile is a delightful concoction of sweetness, savory notes, and just enough heat to make it exciting. Lastly, it’s perfect for gatherings or meal prep. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a summer barbecue, this dish shines every time. And let me tell you, leftovers (if there are any) are a dream.
The Ingredients
To get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (3 lb) pork shoulder roast
- 1 (20 oz) can of pineapple chunks packed in juice (trust me, the juice is a game-changer)
- ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce (we want flavor, not sodium overload)
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar (how can you resist that caramel-like sweetness?)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (it adds the perfect savory depth)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (for that robust kick)
- 1 tablespoon honey (more sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (to balance things out)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (for that hint of spice)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Take your pork shoulder roast and trim any excess fat. You want the fat content to render down nicely during cooking but not overwhelm the dish. Pat it dry with paper towels. This little step helps achieve that delicious crust when the edges caramelize.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple chunks (make sure to keep the juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, ginger, and pepper. Whisk it all together until the sugar dissolves. I love the moment when those flavors marry in the bowl.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
In your slow cooker, place the sliced onion at the bottom. This forms a lovely base that flavors the meat and catches all that juicy goodness. Next, put the pork shoulder on top of the onions. Then pour the pineapple mixture over the pork, ensuring everything is well covered.
Step 4: Set and Forget
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours or high for about 4 hours. Let the magic happen! I recommend the low setting for the most tender outcome. Your home will soon smell fantastically inviting.
Step 5: Shred the Pork
Once the time is up, carefully remove the pork shoulder using tongs. Shred it using two forks while still warm. You could really get in there, and it just falls apart. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder is ideal for shredding, but a pork butt works too.
- Don’t Skip the Onions: They not only add flavor but also moisture during cooking.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Leftover Magic: This dish is excellent for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully.
- Sauce It Up: Feel free to add more pineapple juice or soy sauce for a saucier result.
Nutrition Information
For those watching their intake, a serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe) is about 350 calories. It provides around 45 grams of protein, 13 grams of fat, and only 4 grams of carbs. It’s a satisfying option packed with protein that keeps you full longer.
Can I Store Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork?
Absolutely! You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well too. Just portion it out in freezer bags, and it can last for up to three months. Just make sure to date your bags!
What Can I Serve with Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork?
Here are some tasty accompaniments that pair beautifully with this dish:
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness offers a pleasant contrast to the tender pork.
- Rice or Quinoa: These grains soak up the juices wonderfully.
- Tortillas: Create tacos with your pulled pork. Add some avocado and fresh cilantro, and you’ll be in heaven!
- Sweet Potato Fries: The slight sweetness complements the dish’s flavor.
- Grilled Pineapple: Add that tropical feel right on your plate.
Variations
There are countless ways to customize this dish. Here are several ideas to spice things up:
- Spicy Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Add some sliced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for a kick that will wake up your taste buds.
- BBQ Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Mix in some of your favorite BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor—perfect for summer cookouts.
- Hawaiian Pork Sliders: Serve the pulled pork on slider buns with tangy coleslaw for a fun finger food option.
- Tropical Hawaiian Pulled Pork Bowl: Use quinoa or brown rice as a base, then top with shredded pork, fresh pineapple pieces, and avocado for an Instagram-worthy meal.
- Coconut Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Stir in some coconut milk during the last hour of cooking for a creamy twist on this classic dish.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a recipe that brings smiles to your table and a taste of the tropics, look no further than this slow cooker Hawaiian pulled pork. It’s a hands-off approach to a flavorful dish that caters to your busy lifestyle yet doesn’t skimp on taste.
From the ease of preparation to the mouthwatering results, this recipe is truly a winner. So fire up that slow cooker, grab some pineapple, and let’s make some magic happen—your family and friends will thank you!
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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen
Description
It was the summer of 2015 when I first discovered the magic of a slow cooker Hawaiian pulled pork recipe. It was a sunny Saturday, and my friends had gathered for a barbecue. I wanted to impress them with a meal that was not only delicious but also easy to make. Fast forward a few hours, and my kitchen was filled with that sweet and savory aroma wafting from my slow cooker.
By the end of the day, I knew this dish would become a staple in my home. In this post, I will share why this recipe is not just another pulled pork recipe but a tropical getaway for your taste buds, along with a detailed guide on how to create it, tips for getting it just right, and the perfect sides to serve alongside.
Ingredients
To get started, here’s what you’ll need:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
-
Take your pork shoulder roast and trim any excess fat. You want the fat content to render down nicely during cooking but not overwhelm the dish. Pat it dry with paper towels. This little step helps achieve that delicious crust when the edges caramelize.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
-
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple chunks (make sure to keep the juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, ginger, and pepper. Whisk it all together until the sugar dissolves. I love the moment when those flavors marry in the bowl.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
-
In your slow cooker, place the sliced onion at the bottom. This forms a lovely base that flavors the meat and catches all that juicy goodness. Next, put the pork shoulder on top of the onions. Then pour the pineapple mixture over the pork, ensuring everything is well covered.
Step 4: Set and Forget
-
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours or high for about 4 hours. Let the magic happen! I recommend the low setting for the most tender outcome. Your home will soon smell fantastically inviting.
Step 5: Shred the Pork
-
Once the time is up, carefully remove the pork shoulder using tongs. Shred it using two forks while still warm. You could really get in there, and it just falls apart. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder is ideal for shredding, but a pork butt works too.
- Don’t Skip the Onions: They not only add flavor but also moisture during cooking.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Leftover Magic: This dish is excellent for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully.
- Sauce It Up: Feel free to add more pineapple juice or soy sauce for a saucier result.
