Slow-cooked to perfection, this Pulled Pork with Pineapple Coleslaw is a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. The pork is infused with a smoky, slightly tangy flavor while staying incredibly tender and juicy. The combination of slow cooking and pineapple juice ensures that every bite is packed with rich, mouthwatering goodness. The pineapple coleslaw adds the perfect contrast—fresh, crunchy, and slightly sweet. The tangy vinegar dressing brings balance, cutting through the richness of the pork and making each bite refreshing. Whether you serve it in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pineapple Coleslaw:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the Pork: In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Rub the spice mix all over the pork shoulder.
- Sear the Pork (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Slow Cook: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the pork on top.
- Add the Liquid: In a bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Pour over the pork.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Let it sit in the juices for 10 minutes before serving.
- Make the Coleslaw: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and pineapple. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the coleslaw and toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve the pulled pork on buns, in lettuce wraps, or over rice, topped with the pineapple coleslaw.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Introduction: A Flavorful Fusion of Sweet and Savory
When it comes to comfort food, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple Coleslaw is a winning combination. It brings together the smoky, tender goodness of slow-cooked pork with the fresh, tropical sweetness of pineapple coleslaw. This dish is packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect meal for family dinners, meal prep, or even a summer BBQ. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it requires minimal effort but delivers restaurant-quality results. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring that the pork remains juicy and tender, while the coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the meat. Whether you serve it in tacos, sandwiches, over rice, or in a low-carb bowl, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
The History of Pulled Pork: A Southern Classic with a Tropical Twist
Pulled pork has a rich history, particularly in the Southern United States, where barbecue culture runs deep. Traditionally, pork is slow-cooked for hours, either smoked or braised, until it becomes tender enough to shred effortlessly. It is then mixed with a flavorful sauce, often vinegar-based in Carolina-style barbecue or tomato-based in Memphis-style BBQ. By adding pineapple coleslaw to the mix, we introduce a tropical, Hawaiian-inspired element that brightens up the dish. The pineapple provides a natural sweetness that complements the smokiness of the pork, while the tangy vinegar dressing enhances the overall flavor. This fusion of Southern BBQ and tropical flavors makes this dish unique and incredibly delicious.
Why This Recipe is the Best
There are many pulled pork recipes out there, but this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple Coleslaw stands out for several reasons:
1. Effortless Cooking in the Slow Cooker
One of the best things about this recipe is how hands-off it is. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to develop while keeping the pork incredibly tender. Just set it in the morning, and by dinnertime, you have a fully cooked, flavor-packed meal.
2. The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
The smoky spices on the pork pair beautifully with the sweet, fresh pineapple in the coleslaw. This contrast enhances every bite, making the dish both rich and refreshing.
3. Juicy and Tender Meat Every Time
Using pork shoulder or pork butt ensures that the meat stays moist and juicy. Slow cooking allows the fat to break down gradually, infusing the pork with flavor while keeping it fork-tender.
4. A Healthier Comfort Food Option
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and can be adjusted for low-carb diets by serving it without buns or rice. The pineapple coleslaw provides fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition.
5. Meal Prep and Leftover Friendly
This dish is perfect for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator and can be used in multiple ways throughout the week—sandwiches, wraps, rice bowls, or tacos.
The Role of Acidity in Cooking Pork
Apple cider vinegar and pineapple juice both play a key role in this dish—not just for flavor but also for tenderizing the meat. The acidity helps break down the protein fibers in the pork, making it even more tender as it slow-cooks.
The Magic of Pineapple in Coleslaw
Pineapple is not just for sweetness—it contains bromelain, an enzyme that naturally helps break down proteins and enhances digestion. This makes pineapple coleslaw the perfect refreshing counterpart to rich, smoky pulled pork.
Serving Suggestions
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Serve on toasted buns for a classic BBQ experience.
- Tacos – Fill corn tortillas with pulled pork and top with coleslaw.
- Lettuce Wraps – A great low-carb alternative.
- Rice Bowls – Serve over white or brown rice for a satisfying meal.
- Sliders – Perfect for parties and gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork shoulder?
Pork tenderloin is much leaner, so it won’t be as juicy. If you use it, reduce the cooking time to avoid drying it out.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with a natural pressure release for the best results.
4. What are the best toppings for pulled pork?
Besides pineapple coleslaw, try adding pickled red onions, avocado slices, or jalapeños for an extra flavor boost.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! The coleslaw dressing can be made dairy-free by using vegan mayo or a light olive oil-based dressing.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Pineapple Coleslaw is a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, packed with layers of flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing for a family dinner, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. With its perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, this pulled pork dish is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. So grab your slow cooker, get your ingredients ready, and enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering, fall-apart tender pulled pork!