Description
Looking for a flavorful, low-carb dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep? Hawaiian Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps are the ultimate recipe! This slow-cooker meal features tender, shredded pork infused with sweet pineapple and zesty ginger, served in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, tropical twist.
Ingredients
- For the Pork:
- 1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (3 to 4 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided (1/2 teaspoon for rub, 1/2 teaspoon for finishing)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot
- For Assembly:
- 18 Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves
- Thinly sliced green onions, optional
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Pork Shoulder: A fatty, flavorful cut that becomes tender when slow-cooked.
- Sage: Adds earthy, savory depth.
- Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance flavors.
- Pineapple: Brings sweet, tropical juiciness and tenderizes the pork.
- Gingerroot: Adds zesty, warm spice.
- Lettuce Leaves: Crisp, low-carb wraps for a fresh bite.
- Green Onions: Optional garnish for a mild, oniony crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pork: Swap with pork loin (leaner, cook 5-6 hours) or 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs (cook 4-5 hours).
- Sage: Replace with 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary.
- Pineapple: Use fresh pineapple (2 cups, crushed, with 1/4 cup juice) or canned pineapple tidbits (drained).
- Gingerroot: Swap with 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon ginger paste.
- Lettuce: Use romaine, iceberg, or collard greens for wraps.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure pineapple is gluten-free.
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño with the pineapple.
- Sweet Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey with the reserved juices.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Trim excess fat from 1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (3 to 4 pounds).
- Measure 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, 1 teaspoon salt (divide into two 1/2 teaspoons), 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Mince 2 tablespoons fresh gingerroot.
- Open 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple (do not drain).
- Wash and dry 18 Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves.
- Thinly slice green onions if using.
- Grease a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Tip: Trim fat for a leaner dish; mince ginger finely for even flavor distribution.
Step 2: Season and Prep the Pork
- Season Pork: Rub the pork roast with 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, covering all sides.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork in the greased 4- or 5-quart slow cooker.
Tip: Rub seasonings evenly for full flavor; place pork fat-side up for self-basting.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Ginger
- Top with Pineapple: Pour the entire can (20 ounces) of unsweetened crushed pineapple, including juice, over the pork.
- Add Ginger: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot evenly over the pineapple.
Tip: Spread pineapple and ginger evenly; don’t stir to keep the pork’s seasoning intact.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork (internal temperature should reach at least 195°F/90°C for shredding).
Tip: Check at 6 hours; larger roasts may need closer to 8 hours. Avoid lifting the lid often to maintain heat.
Step 5: Shred the Pork
- Remove Pork: Transfer the pork to a large bowl or cutting board using tongs.
- Shred: When cool enough to handle (about 5-10 minutes), shred the pork with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Strain Juices: Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Reserve the pineapple solids and 1 cup of the juices; discard the remaining juices.
- Skim Fat: Skim any visible fat from the reserved juices using a spoon or fat separator.
Tip: Shred pork finely for easy wrapping; save extra juices for reheating leftovers if needed.
Step 6: Finish the Filling
- Return to Slow Cooker: Return the shredded pork and reserved pineapple solids to the slow cooker.
- Add Juices and Salt: Pour in the reserved 1 cup of juices and stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Heat Through: Cover and cook on Low for 15-30 minutes, until the mixture is heated through.
Tip: Stir gently to combine; taste and adjust salt or add a splash of lime juice for extra zest.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Lettuce: Place 18 Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves on a platter or plates.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1/4 cup pork mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
- Top with Pineapple: Add a small spoonful of reserved pineapple from the slow cooker on top of the pork.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately, folding or rolling the lettuce leaves to eat like wraps.
Tip: Use sturdy lettuce leaves to hold the filling; serve with a fork for any spillover.