Zesty Pineapple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 9 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a dish that's both incredibly flavorful and perfect for easy entertaining, this Zesty Pineapple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is your answer. With tropical pineapple notes and a hint of smoky spice, it's a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.

Ingredients for Zesty Pineapple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

The star of this dish is the pork shoulder. Its marbled fat ensures the meat stays juicy over the long cook time. Pineapple juice adds a sweet, tropical tang that complements the richness of the pork. The apple cider vinegar brings a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. Soy sauce provides umami depth, while brown sugar enhances the sweetness and helps caramelize the exterior during searing. The smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper add layers of smoky, savory flavor with a gentle kick. Salt and black pepper are your basic seasonings. Crushed pineapple gives an extra burst of fruitiness and texture. Onion adds aromatic sweetness as it cooks down. Olive oil is used for searing to lock in flavor. Finally, hamburger buns make it easy to enjoy this pork as a hearty sandwich, and a side of coleslaw adds crunch and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, you can cook the pork on high for 4-5 hours instead.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
  • Leftover pulled pork freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.

Serving Suggestions

This pulled pork is versatile! Serve it on buns with a side of sweet potato fries for a classic combo. For a lighter option, try it over a bed of greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It also makes a great topping for nachos or in tacos with a squeeze of lime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork butt works well as a substitute for pork shoulder.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can use an oven. Cook the pork covered at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours.
Is there a substitute for pineapple juice?
Orange juice can be used, but it will alter the flavor profile slightly.

Zesty Pineapple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking together the pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will infuse the pork with incredible flavor as it cooks. Next, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned. This step locks in the juices and adds a rich layer of flavor.

Layer the sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. It acts as a flavor base and prevents the pork from sticking. Place the seared pork on top of the onion. Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the pork and add the crushed pineapple. Cover and let it cook on low for 8-10 hours. The slow, gentle heat will make the pork tender and easy to pull apart.

Once the pork is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat. This should be easy if the pork is properly cooked. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it well with the juices. This ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns. If you like, top it off with some crunchy coleslaw for added texture and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Set-it-and-forget-it convenience with a slow cooker.
  • Great for gatherings, family meals, or meal prep.
  • Versatile serving options, from sandwiches to salads.

Ingredients

3 lbs boneless pork shoulder
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup crushed pineapple (canned)
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
8 hamburger buns
Coleslaw (optional, for serving)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned.
3. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker and put the seared pork on top.
4. Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the pork and add crushed pineapple.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat.
7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix well with the juices.
8. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw if desired.

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