If you’re craving something tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this Pulled Pork with Pineapple Slaw is the ultimate dish. The slow-cooked pulled pork is seasoned to perfection, while the pineapple slaw brings a fresh, sweet, and tangy contrast to the richness of the pork. Whether you’re serving it on a sandwich, taco, or just enjoying it by the forkful, this combo is sure to be a hit.
Ready to dig into some deliciousness? Let’s get started!
Pulled Pork with Pineapple Slaw
Indulge in this Pulled Pork with Pineapple Slaw! Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork served with a sweet and tangy pineapple slaw, perfect for sandwiches or tacos.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce optional for extra flavor
- Salt to taste
For the Pineapple Slaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage green or purple
- 1 cup fresh pineapple diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Jalapeño slices for spice in the slaw
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch
Substitutions
- Vegan: Use jackfruit or a plant-based meat alternative instead of pork for the pulled “pork.”
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the barbecue sauce is gluten-free or make a homemade version.
- Low-Carb: Replace the honey or maple syrup with a low-carb sweetener.
Instructions
Prepare the Pulled Pork
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt.
- Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, then coat it generously with the spice mixture on all sides.
Cook the Pulled Pork (Slow Cooker Method)
- Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker.
- Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a few tablespoons of water or broth to keep the pork moist.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
Cook the Pulled Pork (Oven Method)
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the pork in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender.
- Check occasionally and add liquid (apple cider vinegar, broth, or water) as needed.
Shred the Pork
- Once the pork is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and shred it using two forks.
- Toss the shredded pork with barbecue sauce, if desired, or drizzle with the cooking juices for extra flavor.
Make the Pineapple Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat evenly.
- Let the slaw sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Dish
- Serve the pulled pork with a generous portion of pineapple slaw on top.
- You can enjoy this as a sandwich, taco filling, or simply as a hearty plate with the pork and slaw on the side.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 sandwich with pulled pork and pineapple slaw):
- Calories: 450-500
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 15g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- If you like a sweeter pulled pork, increase the amount of brown sugar or add a few spoonfuls of pineapple juice to the cooking liquid.
- Adjust the tanginess of the slaw by adding more or less lime juice based on your taste preference.
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding liquid smoke to the pork before cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Pulled Pork: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the pork rub for a spicier kick.
- Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders: Serve the pulled pork on mini slider buns and top with pineapple slaw for a fun party option.
- Pineapple-Jalapeño Slaw: Add thin slices of fresh jalapeño to the slaw for a spicy-sweet flavor combination.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: Pulled Pork with Pineapple Slaw is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even bowls. You can serve the pork over rice or with roasted vegetables for a low-carb option. Try it with a side of corn on the cob or baked beans for a full BBQ experience.
- Make It Ahead: The pulled pork can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve. The slaw can also be prepared ahead, but wait to toss the dressing until just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover pork and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the pork in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Wrapping It Up:
And there you have it—Pulled Pork with Pineapple Slaw that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! The combination of slow-cooked, flavorful pulled pork and sweet, tangy pineapple slaw creates a delicious balance that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it on sandwiches, in tacos, or simply plated with sides, this dish is perfect for any occasion. So fire up the slow cooker, mix up that slaw, and enjoy this mouthwatering meal!
