Description
This Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Pulled Pork recipe transforms a shoulder or neck pork roast into tender, flavorful pulled pork with a sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce. With minimal prep and slow-cooked to perfection over 8 hours, it’s an effortless dish ideal for gatherings or hearty family meals. The combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and traditional BBQ sauce creates a balanced, rich sauce that complements the smoky spices and juicy pork.
Ingredients
Meat and Fats
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 ½ pounds boneless pork roast (shoulder or neck preferred)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion (roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
Liquids and Sauces
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Dry Ingredients and Spices
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Brown the Pork: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add the pork roast and sear it on all sides until browned to lock in flavor and juices.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the chopped onion, pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, crushed garlic, salt, ground paprika, and black pepper into a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Stir lightly to combine.
- Cook Pork: Place the browned pork roast on top of the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. Spoon some of the liquid from the bottom over the pork to coat it. Cover with the lid.
- Slow Cook: Cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the pork, allowing it to absorb the sweet and savory flavors.
- Shred Pork: Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker, reserving the cooking liquid. Use two forks to shred the meat on a large chopping board.
- Combine and Finish: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with the juices. Stir to combine and let the meat soak up the flavorful liquid. If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered for a short time until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Notes
- You can use pork shoulder or pork neck roast for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar or BBQ sauce to your taste preference for sweetness or tanginess.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder along with the paprika.
- This pulled pork works well in sandwiches, tacos, or served over rice.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Make sure to brown the pork first to develop depth of flavor before slow cooking.
