This tender Braised Hawaiian Pork Shoulder comes together in about 8-10 hours in a slow cooker for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Just toss the ingredients in and forget about it, it’s pretty much a set it and forget it kind of meal. Switch up the toppings or pairs it with whatever sides you have on hand; this dish is so flexible! Plus, it’s perfect for cleaning out the fridge or using up those odds and ends!

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s talk ingredients. I find that what makes this Tender Braised Hawaiian Pork Shoulder truly shine are the simple, yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pork Shoulder
Soy Sauce
Brown Sugar
Rice Vinegar
Garlic and Ginger
Black Pepper
Onion
Pineapple Juice
Green Onions

Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, now that we’ve gathered everything, let’s dive into how to make this Tender Braised Hawaiian Pork Shoulder! Trust me, this part is just as easy as everything else.

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of soy sauce, 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until the brown sugar is dissolved, you want to get that blend of flavors all happy together!

Step 2: Prepare the Pork

Now, place your 4-5 pound pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour that tantalizing marinade all over the meat. Then, add 1 sliced onion and 2 cups of pineapple juice into the mix. This is where the magic begins to happen!

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours. Seriously, the aroma in your kitchen will be to die for as it cooks! You’ll know it’s done when the meat is so tender it falls apart with just a fork. It’s like a glorious transformation, so mouthwatering!

Step 4: Shred and Combine

Once cooked, carefully take out the pork shoulder and shred it using two forks. It should come apart like butter! Mix it back in with all those delicious juices in the slow cooker, this is where the comfort food vibes come into play!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve this flavorful dish over rice or on fresh buns. The best part is the garnish, sprinkle some green onions on top for bright flavor and presentation. Everyone will want to dig in. I promise!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m in serious need of comfort food! It’s so easy, and seriously, you can’t beat the combination of sweet, savory, and sticky flavors! Plus, I love that you can use whatever ingredients you may have on hand. And the best part is, leftovers are just as incredible the next day. I’ve even had my picky 8-year-old ask for seconds!

If you loved this Tender Braised Hawaiian Pork Shoulder, be sure to check out my Rich Ukrainian Pork Stew, my Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin, or my Juicy Marry Me Pork Tenderloin!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This dish comes together all in one pot; I mean, who doesn’t love minimal cleanup? Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s super hands-off, giving you time to relax or tackle other tasks.

Crowd-Pleaser

Seriously, the whole family will love it! The combination of flavors in this recipe is just the right amount of sweet and savory, and when presented over rice or on a bun, it makes a fantastic meal that everyone keeps coming back for.

Comfort Food

Loaded with tons of flavor! Each bite feels like a warm hug. Between the juicy pork and the vibrant flavors of pineapple and onions, you really can’t go wrong here. It’s just what comfort food is all about!

Customizable

The joy of this dish is in its versatility! You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have and your preferences. Add some bell peppers or carrots into the slow cooker, or even throw in some crushed red pepper if you’re feeling spicy.

Make-Ahead Friendly

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can whip up a batch and have delicious leftovers for several days. Just store the shredded pork in the fridge, and it reheats beautifully!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this delicious Tender Braised Hawaiian Pork Shoulder in a variety of ways! I love it over a bed of fluffy rice, but you can also serve it in tacos, on a sandwich with coleslaw, or even alongside a fresh salad for an added crunch!

Storage

This meal keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Store the shredded pork in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer!

Reheating Instructions

For the best results, reheat your leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave, but add a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep things moist!

Freezer Friendly?

Yes! This dish is freezer-friendly. Just place the shredded pork in a freezer-safe container and it will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it out overnight in the fridge and reheat it the next day!

So there you have it! This Tender Braised Hawaiian Pork Shoulder is not just another recipe, it’s the kind of meal that warms the heart and brings everyone together at the dinner table. You’re going to love every delicious bite! Bon appétit! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!