Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this irresistible Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork recipe! Imagine tender, juicy pork that falls apart at the mere touch of a fork, infused with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy pineapple and savory seasonings. This foolproof dish is about to become your new go-to meal that will have family and friends begging for seconds – and the best part? Your slow cooker does all the hard work while you sit back and relax!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into large 2-3 inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk together until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Place the pork chunks into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the pork, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Add pineapple chunks around and on top of the pork, distributing them evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 6 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- After cooking, use two forks to gently shred the pork, allowing it to absorb the remaining cooking liquid and pineapple sauce.
- Let the shredded pork rest in the sauce for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor absorption.
- Serve hot over rice, in tacos, or as a standalone main dish. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Pork shoulder (or pork butt) is ideal for this recipe due to its rich marbling and ability to become incredibly tender during slow cooking.
- Prep for Perfection: Trimming excess fat and cutting the pork into uniform chunks ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Layer Strategically: Arrange pork in a single layer if possible and distribute pineapple chunks evenly to maximize flavor distribution.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Stick to the low heat setting for the full 6 hours to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Rest and Absorb: Letting the shredded pork sit in its sauce for 10-15 minutes after cooking allows it to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile dish is perfect over rice, in tacos, sandwiches, or as a standalone main course. Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can add a bright, fresh finish.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a double batch for future easy meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
