Succulent pork and juicy pineapple go in the crockpot with homemade Pineapple BBQ Sauce, resulting in sweet & savory Slow Cooker Pineapple Pulled Pork...perfect for sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, pizza, and more!
Have I mentioned before that I big puffy heart my crock pot? I think I may have...a time or twelve. But did you know that one of my favorite things to cook in the slow cooker is pork? And that I consider pork and pineapple to be a match made in heaven? I suppose that's what I get for being born in Hawaii... But if you happen to agree, you are going to love what I have in store for you today!
The crock pot is so great for cooking big hunks of meat and then shredding them, whether that involves beef, chicken, or pork. Of course, it's easy for such recipes to all end up tasting somewhat similar. I really try to get different flavors out of my trusty slow cooker, and that's probably why I enjoy this recipe so much. It's pulled pork...with a kick. I mean, who doesn't love traditional pulled pork? But when you cook your pork with chunks of pineapple and then mix in a flavorful, homemade, Pineapple Barbecue Sauce, you've just elevated pulled pork to the next level!
In my humble opinion, the barbecue sauce is the unquestionable star of this recipe. Most variations of Pineapple Pulled Pork that I've seen incorporate pineapple chunks and bottled barbecue sauce. This sauce, however, has so much more pizzazz than regular BBQ sauce. True to its name, its most predominant undertone comes from pineapple juice. But it also boasts the sweetness of honey and molasses countered by the bite of apple cider vinegar and the acidity of ketchup. It's the fresh ingredients that really shine, however, including garlic, ginger, and cilantro. How could that combo not result in an explosion of flavor?!
In fact, can I be honest here? I don't even need the pulled pork. I could just drink this Pineapple Barbecue Sauce on its own. Hand me a straw.
However, I suppose the pork is necessary if you want to turn this crock pot goodness into a legitimate meal. There are so many different directions that you can go with this recipe, so I decided to make a few suggestions but leave it open-ended so that you feel free to deal with your pulled pork as you see fit. 😉
Perhaps the most obvious way to enjoy pulled pork is to pile it on top of a pillowy bun along with a creamy coleslaw of some sort, or -- if you just can't get enough -- topped with additional rings of grilled pineapple. Then there are tacos! I think this pork would be delicious on fresh corn tortillas, topped with guacamole, shredded PepperJack cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro. You could also turn that same combo of ingredients into some pretty kickin' quesadillas. Or even enchiladas? That's one I haven't tried, but it definitely sounds promising.
Orrrr, you could sprinkle this pineapple-studded pork on top of a platter of tasty nachos or across a Pineapple Pulled Pork Pizza with Bacon, Jalapeños, & Cilantro. I have some delicious ideas brewing for that latter suggestion, so stay tuned to see what I come up with! Check out the link above for that amazing recipe!
Help me think outside the box here. What else could you make with this Pineapple Pulled Pork? Or how would you use the scrumptious Pineapple Barbecue Sauce? Aside from drinking it, of course...but I believe I already covered that one. 😉
More Slow Cooker Recipes with Real Food Ingredients
- Pineapple Pulled Pork Pizza with Bacon, Jalapeños, & Cilantro (using leftovers from this slow cooker recipe)
- Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff {with no 'Cream of X' soup}
- Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham
- Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes
Slow Cooker Pineapple Pulled Pork with Pineapple BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
FOR THE PORK:
- 3 pound boneless pork butt (shoulder roast)
- garlic salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, undrained
FOR THE PINEAPPLE BARBECUE SAUCE:
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons grated OR minced fresh ginger
- 1 jalapeño, seeds & membranes removed, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper
OPTIONAL GARNISHES:
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Trim fat from pork and pierce all over surface with a knife. Liberally season all sides with garlic salt and pepper and place in slow cooker. Pour can of pineapple tidbits and juice on top. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
- An hour or so before pork is done, prepare Pineapple Barbecue Sauce. Combine pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, jalapeño, and cilantro in a medium pot. Bring to a boi, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Stir in ketchup, vinegar, honey, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and pepper. Cook on low for 15 more minutes. Remove from heat.
- Remove pork from slow cooker and place on cutting board. Discard fat, cut meat into chunks with a knife, and then shred chunks with two forks. Drain liquid from slow cooker (reserving about a cup) and add shredded meat back to crock pot. Stir in Pineapple Barbecue Sauce. You may add a splash of reserved cooking liquid if sauce seems too thick. Heat on low for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until warm.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Notes
- Although it's leaner and more expensive, I sometimes use pork loin instead of pork shoulder if that's what I have on hand (but it doesn't turn out as moist).
- If you have fresh pineapple, feel free to use it. But since it gets pretty cooked down after so many hours in the slow cooker, I typically use canned pineapple for this recipe. Then depending on how I use the finished pulled pork, I often use fresh pineapple chunks for garnish.
- When I buy a big hunk of fresh ginger, I keep the unused portion in the freezer until the next time I need it. Then I peel a small section and use a microplane to grate the amount I require (while still frozen).
- This barbecue sauce is not too spicy using only one jalapeño (as long as you remove all seeds and membranes). For more heat, feel free to leave the seeds and membranes intact and/or add an extra jalapeño!
- Since the sweetness of pineapple juice may vary, you might want to add the honey gradually and to taste, rather than all at once.
Barbecue Sauce adapted from Tasty Kitchen.
Darisse Smith
I rarely comment on recipes but this one was a huge hit with my husband and 9 year old with a particular palette. There have been other similar recipes I've tried, but none have had the boisterous reaction as this one. My slow cooker must be hot because I cooked this on low for 5 hours, and then on High for the last hour, and the pork was perfectly done. I also just reduced the sauce on the stove, and added it as desired, just in case my son didn't like the sauce. Thanks!
E.H.
When I first found this recipe, I was looking for a lower sugar, sweeter option for bbq sauce, and WOW did this hit the spot! After making the pork, I had to have the sauce on its own, I now make this sauce on a weekly basis, because the WHOLE family loves it so much more than store bought bbq sauce. I use a no sugar added ketchup, and tweak the honey and its perfect! Love it!!
Akiko
You have to love vinegar to love this sauce. I would've loved a rich, smokier sauce but this sauce just tastes like sweetened vinegar. I should've gone with my gut just looking at the recipe. Ended up "fixing" it by adding a can of tomato paste and then going half in half with a store bought BBQ sauce.
Debra Katz
I’ve made the pineapple pulled pork twice. Very YUMMY!
Question: I could only find a 9 pound bone in pork roast. It turned out great. But I am left with about a quart of rich, gelatenous pork broth that I am reluctant to throw away. Any ideas of what to do with this broth?
Samantha Skaggs
Hi Debra! I think your broth would nicely complement the flavors in this soup! I'd probably just use it in place of all or some of the chicken broth. You could even use leftover pulled pork in the soup instead of chicken. Since both recipes have that sweet BBQ undertone, I think the flavors would translate well. 🙂
Paige R
This recipe was amazing and I will be making it again. I did the meat a little differently. I soaked the meat in apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice and bone broth. To get the meat really tender. I also added two cans of diced pineapple while cooking. The Homemade Pineapple BBQ sauce was divine and light, the fresh ginger added a burst of flavor. I bought coleslaw and Hawaiian rolls to pair with it. Hats off to the creator of this delicious recipe. A taste from the islands on the mainland 🙂
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I'm so happy to hear this was such a hit, Paige! I bet your modifications made it extra delicious. 🙂
Jenny
I hate to say it, but this way way too sweet. The recipe looked delicious but we weren't fans. With the pineapple juice, molasses and honey it felt like a desert. We tempered it by adding more vinegar and spice and serving with a slaw that didn't have any sugar.
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I'm so sorry to hear that your family didn't enjoy this, Jenny. I know that everyone has different tastes as far as sweetness, but I'm wondering if the variety of pineapple juice used could make a difference in how sweet this sauce turns out? I used a natural, unsweetened variety that honestly wasn't very sweet. I just did some research, and it looks like most pineapple juice is unsweetened, but I'd be curious to read labels and compare the sugar content of different brands. Anyway, I apologize again that this recipe didn't work out for you, and I appreciate your comment. I'll add a note at the bottom of the recipe suggesting adding the honey to taste, since the sweetness of pineapple juice may vary. Have a great weekend!
Kayla Magill
I made this last night for me and my parents and it was a hit. I just wish it had a little bit more pineapple taste, maybe I didn't let the sauce reduce as long as I should have. Overall it was great! I will be making it with rice tonight for dinner and I will put this in my dinner rotation. Thanks!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I'm so glad this was a hit at your house, Kayla! I'm not sure how to make the sauce more pineapple-y since it already starts with pineapple juice, but hopefully a little extra time reducing it will do the trick the next time you make this. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment...hope you have a great weekend!
Carolyn Crouchet
This is beyond scrumptious! I cooked this for our most recent Saturday supper and got raves! We had enough left for sandwiches the next day and tacos last night. Thank you so much for another winner!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Awww, I'm so happy to hear that it was a hit, Carolyn! I just posted a new pizza recipe this morning using this Pineapple Pulled Pork as a topping...you'll have to let me know if you try it the next time you end up with leftoevers. 😉 Have a great rest of the week! 🙂
Bri | Bites of Bri
This sounds so good! The slow cooker is my best friend and my all time favorite for pork! Thanks!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much, Bri! I totally agree...I couldn't function without my slow cooker, and pork is one of my favorite things to cook in it. 🙂 Hope you enjoy this one...I appreciate you stopping by!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments
That looks amazingly good Samantha. Love the pineapple.
Pinning!
Have a great day!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much, Melanie, for the sweet comment and the pin. Happy Friday and happy weekend! 🙂
Thalia @ butter and brioche
love anything slow cooked.. this looks too delicious!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thank you, Thalia! You just can't beat a good crock pot dinner, right? 😉 I'm so glad you stopped by...have a great weekend!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea
I think pulled pork is one THE best dishes a slow cooker makes. Of course it's all in the sauce. So I had to pin this version because I love love your sauce!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I couldn't agree with you more, Carol! I love cooking pork in the slow cooker. And not to toot my own horn, but this sauce is soooo good...I'm trying to think of other uses for it! 😉 Thanks, as always, for stopping by...hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Melinda @Home.Made.Interest
Stopping by from Create It Thursday. This looks delicious and your pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing, pinning onto our Crockpot Board.
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much for hopping over, Melinda, and for your sweet comment. 🙂 I also appreciate the pin! Happy Friday, and I hope you have a great weekend!
Gina
Are you kidding me??!!! I can't get enough of shredded pork - I need this - ALL of this. YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
You and your shredded meats, Gina...I had a feeling you'd enjoy this one! 😉 Hope you're enjoying that gorgeous new house...have a fabulous weekend! 🙂
Amy | Club Narwhal
Samantha, be still my beating heart! Pineapple + pulled pork + slow cooker!? You are speaking my language. My slow cooker is my BFF. My friends used to call me an old lady for using it so much but it really is my favorite kitchen appliance, especially on hot summer days when I can't be bothered with, you know, cooking 🙂
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I am totally in the BFF Slow Cooker Club with you, Amy...I don't even care if that makes me old! And I've had a life-long love affair with pineapple, so incorporating it into everything I can is a given. 😉 Thanks so much for stopping by...happy Friday!
Britni
Love this with pineapple!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thank you, Britni! Much like bacon, I think pineapple makes everything better. 😉 Happy Friday...enjoy your weekend!
Liz
Thank you for the nice recipes.
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Enjoy, Liz! Happy Friday! 🙂
Matt Robinson
This sounds so good, especially with the pineapple. Love the pulled pork slow cooked!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Thanks so much, Matt! I've always loved pineapple and pork together, and of course, anything in the slow cooker is a winner. 🙂 Happy Friday...have a great weekend!