Luau Pork Lettuce Wraps

Luau Pork Lettuce Wraps bring the tropical flavors of a Hawaiian luau to your dinner table in a fun and healthy way. Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder is infused with a sweet and savory blend of pineapple, soy sauce, and aromatic spices, then shredded and wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. These wraps are light yet satisfying, with a burst of freshness from the lettuce and a deliciously sticky glaze on the pork. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these wraps offer a taste of the islands that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• For the Pork:
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Wraps:
  • 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated and washed
  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork:
   • Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
2. Slow Cook the Pork:
   • Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker. In a bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, and chili flakes (if using). Pour the mixture over the pork.
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
3. Shred the Pork:
   • Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it in the juices.
4. Assemble the Wraps:
   • Place a generous amount of shredded pork in the center of each lettuce leaf. Top with diced pineapple, sliced green onions, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the lettuce wraps with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Enjoy your Luau Pork Lettuce Wraps, a flavorful and refreshing dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your meal!