Slow Cooker Chipotle Pulled Pork & Pineapple
there is nothing like having a great slow cooker recipe in your arsenal during the hot summer months. even better, this one is versatile and backs tons of flavor- it will turn into your fave summer meal to feed a crowd! my slow cooker chipotle pulled pork & pineapple slow cooks all day then broils quickly on a sheet pan. You can serve as sandwiches on warm brioche buns or in warm corn tortillas, taco-style.
chipotle pulled pork & pineapple ingredients:
here is the ingredient line up…
- pork shoulder: You can either use one large roast or two smaller roasts, ideally equally 5 pounds total. either boneless or bone-in is fine.
- spices: I season the chuck roast with plenty of salt and pepper, ground cumin and Chile powder.
- aromatics: I use bay leaf and citrus to flavor this dish.
- fresh pineapple: you can use canned rings or fresh pineapple chunks.
- braising liquid: my braising liquid consists of traditional pork carnitas ingredients: fresh lime, orange and pineapple juice.
- creamy chipotle sauce: a delightful and simple sauce that is perfect to drizzle on sandwiches or tacos.
- garnishes: shaved radish, lime wedges and fresh cilantro add freshness and texture to the finished dish.
how to make:
the slow cooker is your best friend in this slow cooker chipotle pulled pork & pineapple recipe. start off by seasoning and searing your pork shoulder in a large saute pan, add your aromatics and deglaze with citrus juices and chipotles in adobo. After transferring everything to your slow cooker, you can walk away for the day and a flavorful dinner will be ready for you.
I like to shred the pork in the slow cooker and transfer to a sheet pan with the jus to broil right before serving. the browned charred bits are so delicious and the presentation is hard to beat after finishing with the creamy chipotle sauce and garnishes.
menu ideas:
this slow cooker chipotle pulled pork & pineapple is a delightful stand alone meal but can be versatile for different occasions:
- weeknight family dinner: serve pulled pork & pineapple alongside almond flour tortillas with sliced avocado.
- couple dinners party: serve pulled pork & pineapple alongside skinny margaritas, my orange peel guacamole and chips, fresh tortillas and salsas.
- sunday supper: serve pulled pork & pineapple in slider buns alongside your favorite potato salad, baked beans and my mini fruit pizza cookies.
Slow Cooker Chipotle Pulled Pork & Pineapple
Ingredients
- 4-5 lb pork butt shoulder
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 T canned chipotles in adobo, minced
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 bay leaf
- one 8 oz can of pineapple rings and their juice or sub 1 cup pineapple juice and 1 cup fresh pineapple rings or chunks
Spice Rub:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- teaspoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon granulated garlic
- 20 turns of fresh-cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Creamy Chipotle Sauce:
- 1/2 cup avocado oil mayonnaise I like Chosen Foods brand
- 2 teaspoons canned chipotles in adobo, minced
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro minced
- a large sprinkling of salt
Instructions
- Begin by mixing together the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl with a fork. Pat the pork shoulder very dry with paper towels and evenly distribute the spice rub all over the roast.
- In a medium bowl, combine orange juice and zest, lime juice, chipotles in adobo and pineapple juice.
- Preheat a large saute pan or cast iron skillet over medium high heat until just about to smoke- 4-5 minutes. Add olive oil and the roast to sear, leaving undisturbed on the first side at least 4 minutes. Sear on the second side until browned, another 4-5 minutes.
- Transfer pork roast to the slow cooker with tongs. Add the medium bowl of chipotles and citrus juice to the pan, scraping up all of the brown bits with a wooden spoon. Pour liquid atop roast and add pineapple rings atop roast.
- Place lid on slow cooker and slow cook on low 8 hours or high for 5 hours. Pork will shred easily when roast is ready. Set aside pineapple rings and shred pork to your liking- discarding fat or gristle.
- On a parchment line sheet pan, add pulled pork in a single layer and top with pineapple rings. Broil on low until medium brown and slightly crisp, 6-8 minutes.
- Serve drizzled with Creamy Chipotle Sauce and fresh cilantro, sliced radish and lime wedges.
- If desired, serve in warmed and buttered brioche rolls as sliders or in warmed almond flour tortillas for tacos. Enjoy!
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