Shredded pineapple pulled pork piled high on a white plate, showing tender golden-brown meat with caramelized edges

Hapunan

Pineapple Pulled Pork – So Easy To Make And Absolutely Delicious!

Name: Pineapple Pulled Pork – So Easy To Make And Absolutely Delicious!
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: - 3 lbs (1.4 kg) pork roast (butt or shoulder); - 1 1/2 tsp (9 g) coarse kosher salt; - 2 Tbsp (25 g) dark brown sugar; - 1 1/2 tsp (3 g) paprika; - 1 1/2 tsp (4 g) chili powder; - 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper; - 1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder; - 1/2 tsp (1 g) onion powder; - 1 tsp (2 g) ancho chili powder; - 1/2 tsp cayenne, optional; - 2 onions, halved and sliced; - 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) pineapple juice; - Toasted buns; - Barbecue sauce; - Sliced jalapeños; - Limes; - Cilantro; - Prepared coleslaw

Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain that softens muscle fibres. When this enzyme comes into contact with the protein in the meat, it breaks it down in a way that increases the meat's potential to absorb more moisture while softening the meat. This recipe takes just ten minutes of prep, with hands-on cooking time incredibly minimal!

5.0 (3)

Prep

15 min

braise

3oras 30min

Luto

—

Kabuuan

15 min

Sinerve

Estilo

💰 Pang-araw-araw

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Originally Published Disyembre 2022•Last Updated Setyembre 2024

Mga Sangkap

Mga Serving:

1.4 kg pork roast (butt or shoulder)
9 g coarse kosher salt
25 g dark brown sugar
3 g paprika
4 g chili powder
1 g ground black pepper
3 g garlic powder
1 g onion powder
2 g ancho chili powder
3 ml cayenne, optional
2 onions, halved and sliced
300 ml pineapple juice
Toasted buns
Barbecue sauce
Sliced jalapeños
Limes
Cilantro
Prepared coleslaw

Mga Tagubilin

1
Mix the salt, brown sugar, pepper, chili powder, ancho chili, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne, and rub the mixture over the pork roast. This can be used right away or refrigerated, covered in plastic, for hours or overnight. If you are using a roast double the size of the one in this recipe, double the amount of spices.
2
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
3
Place the onions in the bottom of a small roasting pan or a Dutch oven. Pour the pineapple juice over the onions. Place the seasoned pork roast on top. Cover with a lid (or aluminium foil) tightly.
4
Roast in the preheated oven for 3.5 to 4.5 hours until the pork is pull-apart tender. If you double the recipe or use a much larger roast, it may take as long as 5.5 to 6 hours. My pulled pork, as seen in the pictures, took precisely 3.5 hours for a 3-lb (1.4 kg) roast.
5
Remove the pork and allow it to cool slightly before shredding with a fork. Serve on top of toasted buns with the toppings of your choice. Enjoy.

FAQ

Can you make pineapple pulled pork ahead of time?+

Yes! You can rub the spice mixture on the pork and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before cooking, which actually helps the flavors penetrate deeper. The cooked pulled pork keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for pineapple juice in pulled pork?+

You can use apple juice, orange juice, or even cola for a similar sweet and tangy result—each will give you a slightly different flavor profile. If you want to keep the pineapple taste, crushed pineapple mixed with its juice works great too.

How do you know when pulled pork is done cooking?+

The pork is ready when it shreds easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 190-205°F (88-96°C)—this usually takes 4-5 hours at 300°F depending on your oven. You want it fall-apart tender, not just cooked through.

What's the best way to serve pineapple pulled pork?+

Serve it on soft burger buns or Hawaiian rolls with extra pineapple juice spooned on top, and add coleslaw or pickled vegetables for crunch and brightness. You can also serve it over rice, in tacos, or on nachos for different meal options.