Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of Chinese cuisine! Our Crock Pot Pineapple Char Siu Pulled Pork is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport you straight to the heart of a bustling Asian market. Imagine tender, succulent pork shoulder infused with a luscious pineapple marinade, slowly cooked to perfection in your crock pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, yielding a generous 8 servings that are sure to impress. Whether you serve it over rice, in tacos, or piled high on sandwiches, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients and let's dive into the delicious world of pulled pork!
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork shoulder
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon five spice powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pork shoulder by trimming excess fat, then pat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and five spice powder to create a marinade.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the crock pot, then pour the marinade mixture evenly over the meat, ensuring it's well-coated.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting, allowing the pork to slow cook for 8 hours. The long, slow cooking process will help break down the meat's connective tissues, resulting in tender, pull-apart pork.
- After 8 hours, carefully remove the pork from the crock pot and transfer to a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Optional: For a more caramelized finish, transfer shredded meat to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Strain the remaining liquid from the crock pot and reserve. Skim off excess fat, then mix a small amount of the liquid back into the shredded pork to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Serve hot with rice, in tacos, sandwiches, or as desired. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if preferred.
Tips
- Quality Matters: Start with a good-quality pork shoulder for the best flavor and tenderness. Look for marbling, which will enhance the juiciness of the meat.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate the pork shoulder in the pineapple juice mixture for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. This will deepen the flavors even more.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: For the most tender results, resist the urge to turn the heat up. Cooking on low for the full 8 hours allows the connective tissues to break down beautifully.
- Broil for a Caramelized Finish: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, broil the shredded pork for a few minutes after cooking. This step adds a delightful caramelization that enhances the overall dish.
- Customize Your Serving: Get creative with your serving options! This pulled pork works wonderfully in tacos, on top of rice, or even as a filling for sliders. Don’t forget to garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color!
- Save the Juices: Don’t discard the leftover liquid from the crock pot! Strain and skim off excess fat, then mix a bit back into the shredded pork for added moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
