PARTNER POST: May 26 is National Pinot Grigio Day. We’re celebrating with Cavit Wines by sharing refreshing spring and summer recipes that pair perfectly with Pinot Grigio.
Hawaiian Pineapple and Pork Sandwiches are perfect to make ahead before a summer party for a mouth-watering bite.
Fire up the grill and pack up the cooler. Summer has officially arrived! We are busy planning the menu for our annual Memorial Day cookout and we couldn’t be more excited. Not only are we celebrating the official kick off of summer, but also the very first National Pinot Grigio Day!
Thanks to our friends at Cavit Wines, we’ll be enjoying an Italian Pinot Grigio this holiday weekend and all summer long. Its light and subtle fruit overtones make it the perfect beverage choice for summer entertaining, and Keith has created some incredible Hawaiian Pineapple Pulled Pork Sandwiches that pair perfectly with its crisp and light flavor. 
These Hawaiian Pineapple Pulled Sandwiches are the perfect “make ahead” recipe for the holiday weekend. The pork can be prepared a day or two before the party and quickly assembled as the burgers and dogs are cooking on the grill. Keith was inspired by the flavors of Hawaiian barbecue, oven-roasting the pork with minimal spices (and beer!), then combining it with a complex flavored, sweet pineapple salsa. The result is a subtly sweet, melt-in-your mouth bite that will give new life to a summer cookout. Your guests are sure to be coming back for more.
Mark your calendar for the Friday before Memorial Day, and raise your glasses to National Pinot Grigio Day! Summer has officially begun, and we can’t think of a better way to enjoy the season than with Cavit Pinot Grigio and a backyard barbecue.
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National Pinot Grigio Day: Hawaiian Pineapple and Pork Sandwiches
- Total Time: 125 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Sweet and savory pork, slow-cooked to perfection and piled high on a brioche bun with a vibrant pineapple salsa. Perfect for a summer party!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (907 g) fresh pork roast
- 12 oz (340 g) light lager beer
- 4 limes
- 2 cups (473 ml) fresh pineapple (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 yellow pepper (roasted)
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) diced red onion
- 1 cups (237 ml) white vinegar
- 1 tbsp crushed red pepper
- 0.25 cups (60 ml) white sugar
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over high heat. Salt and pepper all sides of the pork roast while the skillet heats.
- When the pan is very hot, place the pork roast in the pan and sear on all sides until golden brown.
- Transfer the pork roast to an oven-safe vessel that can be tightly covered. Pour beer over the pork along with the juice of 2 limes. Cover and cook in a 350°F (177°C) pre-heated oven for 90 minutes, or until tender.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare the pineapple salsa: Mix diced pineapple with diced pepper, diced onion, and the juice from the remaining 2 limes. Set aside.
- Remove the pork from the oven and, using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. While still hot, add vinegar, sugar, garlic cloves (crushed), and crushed red pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Add ½ of the pineapple mixture to the pork and return it to the oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
- Mix the pork mixture and add ½ of the cilantro to the pork; add the other half to the remaining pineapple mixture.
- Place the pork mixture onto a fresh brioche bun and top with the fresh pineapple mixture. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, marinate the pork in the beer and lime juice for at least 2 hours before cooking.
- If you don’t have brioche buns, substitute with Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider buns.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 105 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 100
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beer is best to use for the pulled pork?
A light lager or a fruity beer works well for the pulled pork, as it complements the flavors without overpowering them.
How do I make the pineapple salsa for the sandwiches?
To make the pineapple salsa, combine diced fresh pineapple with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a sweet and tangy topping.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pork with chicken or turkey, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
