Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Pulled Pork is an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. A pork shoulder is coated in a flavorful wet spice rub, seared briefly, then slow-cooked in a savory, sweet and slightly spicy Hawaiian-inspired sauce until tender and shreddable. This slow cooker pulled pork is sweet, juicy, and effortless to prepare.
If you love sweet, slow-cooked pulled pork, this Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Pulled Pork quickly became one of my go-to recipes. The pork soaks up the wet rub, caramelizes on the outside when seared, and finishes in a rich Hawaiian-style sauce that’s balanced with heat, acidity and sweetness.
Slow cookers are perfect for busy days. Do a few minutes of prep in the morning and come home to a house that smells amazing and a dinner that’s ready to serve.
My family gravitates toward comfort food, and this Hawaiian pulled pork joins favorites like slow cooker ribs, baked pasta casseroles and creamy mac and cheese as a reliable, satisfying option. It’s versatile enough for tacos, bowls, sliders or a simple plate with rice and veggies.
sweet crock pot pulled pork
This recipe is ideal for anyone who wants a “set it and forget it” dinner that feeds a crowd. Pulled pork reheats well and works equally well in wraps, tacos, sliders, or over rice with a fresh salsa or slaw. A few minutes of prep and your slow cooker handles the rest.
why this Hawaiian pulled pork is the best
- Slow cooker pulled pork braised in a savory, sweet and spicy Hawaiian-inspired sauce for depth of flavor.
- Minimal morning prep and the slow cooker does the work for you.
- Extremely versatile—serve it in tacos, bowls, wraps, sandwiches or with rice and sides.
- Great for feeding a crowd—perfect for parties, tailgates and family gatherings.
- The sauce thickens and clings to the pork rather than becoming watery, giving a glossy, flavorful finish.
To make Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Pulled Pork you will need:
- Pork shoulder / pork butt (4–5 pounds)
- Olive oil
- Sesame seed oil
- Ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder
- Smoked paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper
- Unsweetened coconut milk
- Soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, dry sherry
- Asian sweet chili sauce, fish sauce, sriracha
- Cornstarch
- Brown sugar
how to make Hawaiian slow cooker pulled pork
1. Spray the inside of a large slow cooker with non-stick spray.
2. Whisk the wet spice rub ingredients together. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, pat it dry, then rub the wet spice mixture all over the meat.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until lightly browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to the slow cooker.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the slow cooker sauce ingredients. Pour the sauce over the pork in the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 8–10 hours or High for 5–6 hours.
5. When the pork is fork-tender and falls apart, remove it to a cutting board and shred. Carefully pour the cooking liquid into a large container, then return the shredded pork to the empty slow cooker.
6. In a skillet, combine 3/4 cup packed brown sugar with two cups of the reserved cooking liquid. Whisk and simmer over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
7. Pour the reduced finishing sauce over the shredded pork and toss to coat. Serve immediately over rice, in tacos, or on sliders.
pro tips for perfect slow cooker pulled pork
- Searing the meat adds extra flavor and a caramelized crust—skip it only if you’re short on time.
- If sesame seed oil is unavailable, use olive oil for the rub.
- Both bone-in and boneless pork shoulder work; remove the bone before shredding if you use bone-in.
- Don’t rush the cooking or lift the lid while it cooks; low-and-slow produces the most tender results.
secret to perfect pulled pork
Three elements make this pulled pork stand out:
- Wet rub full of sesame oil and ginger for deep flavor.
- Searing the pork to lock in juices and add a caramelized exterior.
- Slow cooking without peeking so the meat becomes fall-apart tender.
what is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?
The best cut for pulled pork is pork shoulder (also called pork butt). It has good marbling and connective tissue that break down during long cooking, producing juicy, flavorful shredded pork.
can you freeze pulled pork?
Yes. Pulled pork freezes well for up to three months. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
serving a crowd
This slow cooker pulled pork is ideal for tailgates, parties and family gatherings. Serve directly from the crock pot set to Low to keep warm. Offer rolls or tortillas and simple accompaniments like pineapple salsa, coleslaw or potato salad so guests can build their own tacos or sandwiches.
Enjoy ♥ Heather
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
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Finishing Sauce
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Spray a large slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Whisk the wet spice rub, trim and pat the pork dry, then coat the pork with the rub.
- Sear the pork in hot olive oil until browned on all sides, 2–3 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Combine the slow cooker sauce ingredients, pour over the pork, and cook on Low 8–10 hours or High 5–6 hours.
- When the pork shreds easily, remove and shred it. Carefully strain or pour off the cooking liquid and reserve.
- Simmer 3/4 cup brown sugar with two cups of the reserved cooking liquid in a skillet for about 5 minutes, then toss with the shredded pork and serve.
Notes
- Searing is optional but adds flavor and color.
- Sesame seed oil is best for the rub; substituting olive oil is fine if needed.
- Bone-in or boneless shoulder both work; remove the bone before shredding if used.
- Don’t lift the slow cooker lid while cooking; long, undisturbed cooking yields the best tenderness.
Recipe adapted and inspired by Carlsbad Cravings ASIAN CARAMEL SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK ♥