Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Recipe – Sweet, Savory, and Easy!

If you’re looking for a delicious, tropical-inspired dish that’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make, then look no further than this Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork Recipe! 🍍🥩 This dish combines tender, juicy pork with sweet pineapple and savory spices, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner or at your next family gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

And the best part? The Instant Pot does all the hard work, cooking your pork to perfection in a fraction of the time. 🙌 Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Tropical Flavor – The perfect combination of sweet and savory.
• ✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just under an hour!
• ✅ Instant Pot Magic – Tender, juicy pork with minimal effort.
• ✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it all week.

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this tropical dish to life:

For the Pork:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in) 🐖
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🌿
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger 🌱
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌰
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark) 🍬
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) 🍶
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 🍎
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper 🌶️

For the Pineapple Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice 🍍
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained 🍍
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 🍲
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness) 🍬
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening) 🌾

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Substitutions & Variations

✔️ Pork Cuts: You can use pork tenderloin for a leaner option, but pork shoulder or butt gives a juicier result.

✔️ Sweeteners: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup if you prefer a different type of sweetness.

✔️ Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño if you like a bit of heat in your dish.

✔️ Fruit Twist: Add diced mango or papaya for an extra tropical punch. 🌴

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Pork

1️⃣ Season the pork: Start by seasoning the pork shoulder with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly into the meat to ensure it’s packed with flavor. 🧄🍬

2️⃣ Sear the pork: Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to the Sauté function. Add olive oil and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, place the pork shoulder in the pot and sear it on all sides until golden brown. This step locks in the flavor and helps create a nice crust. 🥩

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step—it adds a ton of depth to the flavor!

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Step 2: Make the Pineapple Sauce

1️⃣ Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to mix everything together. This will be the base of your sweet, savory sauce that makes the dish so delicious. 🍍🍲

2️⃣ Add the sauce to the pork: Once the pork is seared, pour the pineapple sauce mixture over the pork in the Instant Pot. This will infuse the meat with incredible flavors as it cooks. 🍍

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Step 3: Pressure Cook the Pork

1️⃣ Set the Instant Pot: Lock the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes.

2️⃣ Let it cook: The Instant Pot will come to pressure, and then it will cook your pork to perfection. It might take a few minutes for the pot to reach full pressure, but don’t worry—it’s all part of the magic. ⏲️

💡 Pro Tip: If you have more time, you can cook the pork for 90 minutes for an even more tender result!

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Step 4: Shred the Pork

1️⃣ Quick release: Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release to release the pressure. Open the lid once the pressure has fully released. 🕒

2️⃣ Shred the pork: Using two forks, shred the pork in the Instant Pot. The pork should be incredibly tender and easily fall apart. Mix the shredded meat with the sauce to coat every bite in that tropical goodness. 🐖🍍

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Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

1️⃣ Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, turn the Instant Pot back to the Sauté function. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. 🍲

💡 Pro Tip: For a sweeter and thicker sauce, add a bit more brown sugar or honey and adjust to taste. 🍬

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Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas to serve it up:

• 🍚 Over rice: Serve it over steamed white or brown rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
• 🥚 In tacos: Use the pork as a filling for soft tortillas, adding some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fun, flavorful twist.
• 🥗 As a salad: Top a fresh green salad with the shredded pork and pineapple sauce for a tropical salad.
• 🍞 In sliders: Serve the pork on soft buns with a tangy coleslaw for an easy slider option.
• 🌮 In lettuce wraps: Keep it low-carb by using lettuce leaves as a wrap for a fresh, healthy option.

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Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Storing Leftovers:

• 📦 Refrigerate: Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• 🧊 Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the shredded pork in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to keep the sauce moist.
• Instant Pot: For the best texture, reheat the pork in the Instant Pot on the Sauté function, stirring occasionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I use other cuts of pork?

Yes! While pork shoulder is the best for this recipe due to its marbling and tenderness, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin for a leaner cut. Keep in mind that lean cuts will cook faster and may not be as tender.

2️⃣ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pork up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

3️⃣ Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?

Yes, you can control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of brown sugar or honey in the sauce. For a less sweet version, simply reduce or omit the sugar.

4️⃣ Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot?

You can certainly add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the Instant Pot! Just be sure to cut them into large pieces so they don’t get overcooked.

5️⃣ Can I make this recipe without the pineapple juice?

If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. It won’t have the exact tropical flavor, but it will still be delicious!

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Conclusion – A Must-Try Recipe!

This Instant Pot Hawaiian Pork is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful meal with a tropical twist. 🍍🥩 With minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or sharing it at a family gathering, this dish will surely impress! 🌴

So fire up your Instant Pot and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of this Hawaiian-inspired pork recipe today! 😋🔥