Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dish. It’s sweet, smoky, tangy, and melts in your mouth with every bite. The slow cooker does all the hard work while you go about your day, and the result? Juicy, tender pork soaked in tropical barbecue goodness that’s just begging to be piled onto buns, rice bowls, or even tacos. This is the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into something unforgettable—with barely any hands-on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a house that smells like paradise. No searing, no fuss.
• Big Tropical Flavor: Sweet pineapple, tangy BBQ sauce, and tender pork come together to create a mouthwatering balance of flavors.
• Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or just a busy Tuesday, this dish is guaranteed to impress without stress.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Serve it on buns, over rice, in tacos, or even stuffed into baked sweet potatoes. It fits any meal and mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pork shoulder (also called pork butt): The ideal cut for slow cooking—marbled and juicy, perfect for shredding.
• BBQ sauce: Go for your favorite store-bought kind or homemade. A smoky, slightly tangy variety works best to balance the pineapple’s sweetness.
• Pineapple chunks: Use canned pineapple in juice (not syrup). The juice tenderizes the pork and adds tropical flair.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances depth and aroma—don’t skip it.
• Onion: Sliced onion adds a savory base and blends beautifully into the pulled pork once slow cooked.
• Soy sauce: A splash adds a savory umami layer that ties everything together.
• Smoked paprika: Optional but recommended—it boosts the smoky flavor without needing a grill.
• Salt and pepper: Always season to taste. The pork absorbs a lot of flavor, so don’t be shy.

Variations

• Spicy Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha for heat.
• Tropical Twist: Mix in mango chunks or serve with a mango salsa for an even fruitier vibe.
• Make it Asian-Inspired: Add a bit of grated ginger and hoisin sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the bun and serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork

Step 1: Prep the Pork

Trim any excess fat off the pork shoulder if needed. Pat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

Add sliced onions and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder on top.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Pineapple

Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork, followed by the pineapple chunks and a bit of the juice. Add soy sauce and a little more BBQ sauce if you like it extra saucy.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.

Step 5: Shred and Mix

Use two forks to shred the pork directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so it soaks up all the saucy, pineapple-rich juices.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the pork onto toasted buns, over fluffy rice, or however you like it!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Rush It: Low and slow is best for melt-in-your-mouth texture. The longer cook time allows all the flavors to mingle perfectly.
• Drain Pineapple Lightly: Don’t use all the juice—too much liquid can dilute the BBQ flavor.
• Skim the Fat: Before shredding, skim off any excess fat that rises to the top for a cleaner finish.
• Double the Batch: This freezes beautifully, so go ahead and make extra for future meals.

How to Serve

This pulled pork is endlessly versatile. Here are some fun ways to enjoy it:

###Classic Style: Serve on toasted brioche buns with a scoop of coleslaw for the perfect balance of crunch and tang.

###Rice Bowl: Layer the pork over steamed jasmine or coconut rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

###Taco Night: Stuff into soft tortillas with pineapple salsa, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lime crema.

###Hawaiian Plate Lunch: Pair with macaroni salad, steamed rice, and grilled pineapple slices for an island-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the pork cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight.

Freezing

Portion the pulled pork into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes! Pork loin can be used for a leaner version, though it won’t be quite as juicy. Just make sure not to overcook it to keep it tender.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Use the sauté function for a quick sear (optional), then pressure cook on high for about 60 minutes. Let pressure release naturally.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Very! The sweetness from the pineapple and BBQ sauce makes it super appealing to kids. You can even skip the smoky or spicy elements for picky eaters.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works great! Just make sure to include some juice or a bit of water to keep the pork moist.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork is the definition of laid-back, flavorful comfort food. It’s incredibly easy, wildly tasty, and flexible enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just feeding the family on a weeknight, this dish delivers big flavor with almost no effort. Try it once, and it might just become a regular in your dinner rotation!

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