If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dinner that practically cooks itself, this Instant Pot Pineapple Pork is about to become your new go-to recipe. Tender, juicy pork infused with a sweet and savory pineapple sauce delivers bold flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family.

This recipe combines rich pork butt roast, tangy pineapple juice, umami-packed soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar for balance. The result is a fall-apart shredded pork that’s incredibly versatile—serve it over rice, in tacos, on sandwiches, or even in lettuce wraps.

Instant Pot Pineapple Pork

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Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pineapple Pork Recipe

  • Hands-off cooking: The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting
  • Incredibly tender pork: Pressure cooking guarantees juicy, shreddable meat
  • Sweet + savory flavor combo: Pineapple and soy sauce create irresistible balance
  • Great for meal prep: Makes a large batch that reheats beautifully
  • Versatile serving options: Bowls, tacos, sandwiches, and more

If you love easy dinners like this, you’ll also want to try this comforting slow cooker classic:
👉 https://everydaydishes.com/simple-food-recipes/slow-cooker-corned-beef/

Ingredients You’ll Need for Instant Pot Pulled Pork

  • 3 pounds pork butt roast
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
Instant Pot Pineapple Pork

How to Make Instant Pot Pineapple Pork

Step 1: Season the Pork

Generously season all sides of the pork butt roast with salt and pepper. This step is key for building flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor

Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the avocado oil. Once hot, sear the pork on all sides for 3–4 minutes until a golden crust forms. This step locks in juices and adds depth.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the pork is browning, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar until combine.

Step 4: Add Everything to the Pot

Once the pork is browned, pour in the water and sauce mixture. Add the pineapple chunks and sliced onion.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 2 hours. Allow a natural release for 20 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.

Step 6: Shred the Pork

Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot and mix it with the juices and pineapple for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm over rice or with your favorite sides.

What Cut of Pork Is Best?

For this recipe, pork butt (also called pork shoulder) is ideal. It has the perfect amount of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down during pressure cooking to create ultra-tender shredded pork.

Avoid lean cuts like pork loin—they won’t shred as easily and can dry out.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Want to take your shredded pork to the next level? Follow these tips:

Don’t Skip the Sear

Searing adds a rich, caramelized flavor that you can’t achieve otherwise.

Use Fresh Pineapple

Fresh pineapple adds bright, natural sweetness and texture. If using canned, choose pineapple packed in juice—not syrup.

Adjust Sweetness

Prefer less sweetness? Reduce the brown sugar slightly. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more to taste.

Let It Soak

After shredding, let the pork sit in the juices for 10–15 minutes. This helps it absorb even more flavor.

Instant Pot Pineapple Pork

Serving Ideas for Instant Pot Pineapple Pork

This shredded pork is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

1. Pineapple Pork Rice Bowls

Serve over jasmine or coconut rice with steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

2. Hawaiian Pork Tacos

Add to tortillas with slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pile onto toasted buns with coleslaw for a sweet and savory sandwich.

4. Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter option, serve in crisp lettuce cups.

5. Meal Prep Bowls

Pair with roasted vegetables for easy lunches throughout the week.

Looking for a perfect veggie side? Try this flavorful option:
👉 https://everydaydishes.com/simple-food-recipes/side-dish-recipes/ranch-roasted-asparagus/

What to Serve with Pineapple Pork

Round out your meal with these sides:

  • Steamed or fried rice
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Coleslaw
  • Macaroni salad
  • Grilled corn

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe bags for easy reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.

Variations to Try

Switch things up with these easy variations:

Spicy Pineapple Pork

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Teriyaki Style

Swap brown sugar for honey and add a splash of rice vinegar.

Low-Sodium Version

Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.

Tropical Twist

Add mango chunks along with the pineapple for extra sweetness.

instant pot pineapple pork

Instant Pot Pineapple Pork

A perfect balance of sweet and savory, this tender pineapple pork is easy to prepare in the Instant Pot and pairs well with any of your favorite sides!

Ingredients
 

Yield: 6
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Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Generously season all sides of the pork butt with salt and pepper.  
  • Turn the Instant Pot on saute mode and add the oil. Once hot, brown each side of the roast for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. 
  • While the roast is browning, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until combined. 
  • When the pork is done browning add the water to the pot along with the soy sauce mixture, pineapple chunks, and sliced onion.  
  • Place the lid onto the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 2 hours. Allow natural release for 20 minutes, then quick release. 
  • Remove the pork from the pot and shred with 2 forks. Add back to the pot and mix with the juices and pineapple. Serve over rice or with desired side dishes and enjoy!  
Calories: 428kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 54g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 143mg, Sodium: 1197mg, Potassium: 1053mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 49IU, Vitamin C: 43mg, Calcium: 42mg, Iron: 2mg
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