Hawaiian Pork Steaks for the Crock Pot!

The first time I tasted anything resembling these Hawaiian pork steaks, I was at a backyard luau in Oahu. The smell of roasting pig hung heavy and sweet in the air, mingling with the salty ocean breeze. While the whole pig was the star, a side dish of smaller, equally flavorful pork steaks, swimming in a tangy-sweet pineapple sauce, completely stole my heart. They were tender, juicy, and bursting with tropical flavor – a taste of paradise I’ve been chasing ever since. This slow cooker version captures that same delicious essence, making it easy to bring a little aloha to your own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time (Low): 7-8 hours
• Cook Time (High): 3 1/2-4 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Not specified, but contains meat.

Ingredients

• 4 pork shoulder steaks, cut 1/2-inch thick
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 cups cooked rice, hot (for serving)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Slow cooker (Crock-Pot)
• Mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Begin by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder steaks. This will help prevent the sauce from becoming overly greasy.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, brown the steaks on both sides. This step adds a depth of flavor to the pork and helps to create a nice crust.

3. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet after browning the steaks. This is important for the final taste and texture of the dish.

4. Transfer the browned steaks to your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer, if possible.

5. In a mixing bowl, combine the undrained crushed pineapple, chopped green pepper, packed brown sugar, quick-cooking tapioca, ketchup, soy sauce, and dry mustard. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. The pineapple juice is crucial for moisture during the long cooking process, so don’t drain it!

6. Pour the pineapple mixture over the steaks in the slow cooker, ensuring that the steaks are well coated.

7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3 1/2-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so it’s best to check for doneness toward the end of the cooking time. If cooking on high, check after 3 hours.

8. Once the steaks are cooked through, serve the meat and sauce over hot cooked rice. The rice will soak up the delicious Hawaiian-inspired sauce. Enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a deeper, richer flavor, try searing the pork steaks in a cast-iron skillet.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• To prevent the pork from drying out, avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker too often during cooking.
• If you want to add a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the pineapple mixture.
• For a more pronounced pineapple flavor, you can add a few chunks of fresh pineapple to the slow cooker along with the crushed pineapple.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Hawaiian pork steaks hot, ladled generously over fluffy white rice. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions adds a nice visual appeal. This dish also pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat. You can also freeze the leftover pork and sauce for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating in a slow cooker is not recommended as this can overcook the pork.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	337.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	34 g	10%
Total Fat	3.8 g	5%
Saturated Fat	0.5 g	2%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	386.7 mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate	74 g	24%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	4%
Sugars	43 g	N/A
Protein	3.3 g	6%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Hawaiian Pork: Add a minced jalapeno or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the pineapple mixture for a kick.
• Smoked Paprika: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika into the sauce for a smoky undertone.
• Swap the Rice: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Vegetable Boost: Add other veggies like sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, orange) or even some chunks of zucchini or summer squash for a heartier dish. Add these in the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.
• Use Different Pork: If you can’t find pork shoulder steaks, you can use pork tenderloin or even country-style ribs. Adjust cooking time as needed. Pork tenderloin will cook much faster.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh pineapple! Use about 1 cup of chopped fresh pineapple and add about 1/2 cup of pineapple juice or water to ensure there’s enough liquid.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time and refrigerate it before cooking?
A: Absolutely! You can combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker and turn it on.

Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: As mentioned in the “Expert Tips & Tricks”, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like erythritol. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: Can I cook this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Sear the pork using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Pork Steaks recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a taste of the tropics with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a flavor explosion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and make it your own! Serve it at your next barbecue, potluck, or family dinner, and prepare for rave reviews. We hope you enjoy this little taste of aloha! Let us know what you think!