This Tropical Pulled Pork with Pineapple is a delightful twist on a classic dish. It's perfect for bringing a taste of the tropics to your table, whether you're in the dead of winter or enjoying a summer barbecue. The combination of tender pork and sweet pineapple creates a mouthwatering meal that's both comforting and exotic.
Pork shoulder is the star here, offering a rich, savory base that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Pineapple juice adds sweetness and a slight tang, infusing the meat with tropical notes. The coconut milk provides creaminess, balancing the acidity of the pineapple. A good BBQ sauce brings in smoky, tangy flavors that complement the fruitiness. Soy sauce adds depth and a touch of umami. The combination of brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ginger powder enhances the savory profile, while smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. A bit of black pepper and salt rounds everything out. Finally, diced pineapple brightens up the dish with bursts of fresh sweetness, and a mix of cornstarch and water thickens the sauce perfectly.
This pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Try serving it in soft taco shells with a slaw made of cabbage, carrots, and a touch of lime juice. It's also fantastic over a bed of rice, allowing the sauce to seep into the grains. For a casual gathering, consider serving it in buns for an easy, delicious sandwich. Pair with a light, crisp salad or grilled veggies to balance the richness.
Start by seasoning your pork shoulder with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure to rub the spices in well; this is where the flavor magic begins. Next, in your slow cooker, mix together the pineapple juice, coconut milk, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar until everything is well combined. Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker, nestling it down into the liquid. This is where the magic happens — as it cooks slowly over eight hours on low, the pork will absorb all these wonderful flavors.
Once your pork is tender and practically falling apart, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should come apart easily if it's cooked right. Toss the diced pineapple into the slow cooker now, adding a fresh, fruity kick. Mix your cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir it into the sauce to thicken it up a bit. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, ensuring all that delicious sauce coats it well. Let it cook for another 30 minutes on low; this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating that irresistible pulled pork you’re after.
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