Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork is a flavorful, tender, and juicy dish that combines the savory taste of pulled pork with the sweetness of pineapple and a tangy barbecue sauce. This easy, hands-off recipe uses a slow cooker to transform a pork shoulder into a melt-in-your-mouth meal with minimal effort. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice, this dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prepping for the week.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pork shoulder (or pork butt)barbecue sauce (your favorite)pineapple chunks (with juice)soy saucebrown sugargarlic (minced)ground gingeronion powderblack pepperred pepper flakes (optional for heat)

directions

Prepare the pork:

Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and place it in the slow cooker.

Make the sauce:

In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks (with juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well combined.

Cook the pork:

Pour the sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Shred the pork:

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat. Discard any bones if using a bone-in pork shoulder.

Assemble:

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce to soak up all the flavorful juices. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to absorb the flavors.

To serve:

Serve the Hawaiian BBQ pulled pork on buns for sandwiches, over rice, or in tacos. Top with coleslaw or fresh cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 7-8 hoursTotal time: 7-8 hours 10 minutes

Variations

For a tropical twist, add some diced mango or bell peppers to the sauce.

Use a mix of pineapple juice and orange juice for an added citrusy punch.

For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.

Substitute the pork with chicken thighs or beef for a different take on the dish.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or juice if it’s too dry.

FAQs

Can I use a pork loin instead of pork shoulder?

Pork loin is leaner and won’t shred as easily as pork shoulder, but it can still work. For the best results, use pork shoulder or pork butt.

Can I cook this recipe on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but the low-and-slow method results in more tender meat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pork a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works well too. Just make sure to include the juice for the sauce.

What can I serve with Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, and it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep and a long, slow cook time, you’ll get melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it on buns, over rice, or in tacos, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion!