Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Pulled Pork is the perfect way to feed a crowd. Coated in a homemade spice rub, then simmered in an finger-licking savory, sweet and spicy Hawaiian inspired sauce until tender. This slow cooker pulled pork is sweet, tender, delicious and incredibly easy to make.
When it comes to sweet slow cooker pulled pork recipes, this Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Pulled Pork is my current obsession.
Sweet, savory crock pot pulled pork coated in a homemade wet spice rub, seared and then simmered to perfection in a sweet, savory and spicy Hawaiian inspired sauce.
Lawt!!
When it comes to busy days, slow cookers are our best friends. I love to make this easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe on days when I know I am going to be busy.
Then, I come home and dinner is waiting for me and my house smells A-MA-ZING!!!
My family of two is all about the comfort food. We love our Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs, Baked Taco Pasta Casserole and Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
This easy Hawaiian crock pot shredded pork just became our new favorite go-to slow cooker meal!
sweet crock pot pulled pork
Slow cooker pulled pork is my favorite prep-it-and forget it meal. It’s an easy way to feed a crowd, it reheats beautifully and can be served up with rice and veggies, wraps, tacos, or as sliders, etc.!
Pulled pork in the crock pot is such an easy and versatile dinner option – it can be used in so many different ways, and it’s always a hit with both adults and kids alike.
Plus, how satisfying is it to come home and your dinner is already waiting for you?
A few minutes of prep work in the morning and you are done! Dinner is served and your slow cooker did all the work for you.
why this Hawaiian pulled pork is the best
- Slow cooker pulled pork in a savory, sweet and spicy Hawaiian inspired sauce. Perfection!
- A few minutes of prep work and your slow cooker is going to make dinner for you.
- Crock pot pulled pork is super versatile. You can use this sweet pulled pork in tacos, bowl, wraps or just serve with rice and salsa.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd, this sweet pulled pork recipe is an easy way to serve up delicious sliders and sandwiches to the masses.
- The sauce!!! This sweet and savory sauce isn’t watery like so many slow cooker pork recipes. Instead, this is a thick sauce and coats the pulled pork perfectly!
To make this Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Pulled Pork, you will need:
- Pork shoulder/butt
- Olive oil
- Sesame seed oil
- Ginger powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika and cayenne
- Salt and pepper
- Unsweetened coconut milk
- Soy sauce
- Rice wine vinegar
- Dry sherry
- Sweet Asian chili sauce
- Fish sauce
- Sriracha
- Cornstarch
- Brown sugar
how to make Hawaiian slow cooker pulled pork
Start by spraying the inside of a large slow cooker vessel with non-stick spray.
Whisk together the ingredients for the spice rub. Remove your pork butt from its packaging, trim away any excess fat, rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
Using your hands, coat entire pork butt with the wet spice rub.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over High heat. Using tongs, sear pork on all sides until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes each side. Move pork to the slow cooker.
In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the Hawaiian sauce. Pour over the pork in the slow cooker.
Set your slow cooker to Low for 8-10 hours or High for 5-6 hours.
Once cooked, your slow cooker pulled pork should be fall apart tender and easily shred with a fork.
Remove the pork from the slow cooker to a cutting board and shred.
Carefully (it’s HOT!!) pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a large vessel and then once the slow cooker is empty, return your pulled pork to it.
Add brown sugar and two cups of the reserved slow cooker sauce to a large skillet and whisk / simmer over medium high heat for 5 minutes.
Pour sauce over shredded pork and toss until evenly coated.
Serve immediately.
pro tips for perfect slow cooker pulled pork
- Searing the meat is optional, but it brings a lot of extra flavor to the pulled pork so if you are able, go for it!
- Sesame seed oil is often found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. If you are unable to grab it, use olive oil instead.
- You can use bone in or boneless pork shoulder. Personally, I prefer bone in pork shoulder. If you do, simply remove the meat from the bone before you shred it.
- Don’t rush the cooking time and don’t lift the lid to your slow cooker. Cooking the pork for the extended time will give you the best results.
secret to perfect pulled pork
Three things make this easy sweet pulled pork recipe special and that is this:
- Wet rub – The wet rub is made with so much flavor!! Sesame seed oil and tons of ginger. This shredded pulled pork has no choice but to be packed with flavor.
- Searing the pork – So, let me tell you .. browned pork = juicy pork full of flavor. However, searing the meat is not mandatory but highly recommended. Searing locks in the juices and creates a caramelized, flavorful crust on the outside of the meat. This is a good thing!
- Slow cooker – Let your crock pot do the work for you. Don’t peek, don’t check on it .. let it do it’s job. Leaving your slow cooker alone will ensure the tender, juicy pulled pork every time.
what is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?
For perfect pulled pork you want a cut of pork with some fat marbling through it for flavor and to keep the pork from drying out.
The best cut of meat for pulled pork is pork shoulder also known as a pork butt. A pork shoulder/butt will deliver outstanding flavor and the best taste and texture.
can you freeze pulled pork?
Yes!! That’s what makes this the perfect easy meal if you are one person or fifty! Now you always have it on hand for those nights you simply don’t have time to cook.
Pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply freeze your pork in either a large resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.
Move your pork to the refrigerator to thaw the night before you plan to serve it then reheat your pork in a pan on the stove over low heat.
serving a crowd
This slow cooker pulled pork is perfect for tailgating, football parties and family get togethers.
Serve your cooked Hawaiian pulled pork straight out of your crock pot. Turn your slow cooker on low to keep it warm.
Set out rolls or tortillas along with your favorite toppings and side dishes like Fresh Pineapple Salsa, Best Homemade Coleslaw Recipe and Loaded Potato Salad.
Now your guests can create their own tacos and sandwiches!
more slow cooker recipes
- Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
- Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Enjoy ♥ Heather
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Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 4-5 pound pork shoulder / pork butt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Wet Spice Rub
- 3 tablespoons sesame seed oil
- 3 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Slow Cooker Sauce
- 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1/3 cup Asian sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Finishing Sauce
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Start by spraying the inside of a large slow cooker vessel with non-stick spray.
- Whisk together the ingredients for the spice rub. Remove your pork butt from its packaging, trim away any excess fat, rinse and pat dry with paper towels. Using your hands, coat entire pork butt with the wet spice rub.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over High heat. Using tongs, sear pork on all sides until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes each side. Move pork to the slow cooker.
- In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the Hawaiian sauce. Pour over the pork in the slow cooker. Set your slow cooker to Low for 8-10 hours or High for 5-6 hours.
- Once cooked, your slow cooker pulled pork should be fall apart tender and easily shred with a fork. Remove the pork from the slow cooker to a cutting board and shred. Carefully (it's HOT!!) pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a large vessel and then once the slow cooker is empty, return your pulled pork to it.
- Add brown sugar and two cups of the reserved slow cooker sauce to a large skillet and whisk/simmer over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Pour sauce over shredded pork and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately over rice with Pineapple Salsa, in tacos or as sliders.
Notes
- Searing the meat is optional, but it brings a lot of extra flavor to the pulled pork so if you are able, go for it!
- Sesame seed oil is often found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. If you are unable to grab it, use olive oil instead.
- You can use bone in or boneless pork shoulder. Personally, I prefer bone in pork shoulder. If you do, simply remove the meat from the bone before you shred it.
- Don’t rush the cooking time and don't lift the lid to your slow cooker. Cooking the pork for the extended time will give you the best results.
Recipe adapted and inspired by Carlsbad Cravings ASIAN CARAMEL SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK ♥
Sounds delicious. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for all the detail on how to get it perfect.