Easy, Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Hawaiian Pulled Pork

Table of Contents

Can My Baby Eat Pulled Pork For Today’s Recipe?

Absolutely! Pulled pork can be a great option for baby-led weaning (BLW).

When preparing pulled pork for your baby, ensure that the meat is cooked to a tender, easily chewable texture, shredded meat, free of any bones or large pieces that could pose a choking hazard.

Additionally, consider the seasoning and sauce used in the pulled pork, as some may contain added sugars or high levels of salt.

It's always a good idea to introduce new foods one at a time to watch for any potential allergic reactions.

As with any new food, it's best to consult with your health visitor before introducing juicy pork to your baby's diet to ensure it aligns with their dietary needs and development.

Enjoy introducing your little one to the delicious world of food!

What Is The Best Way To Cook Pork For Baby?

When it comes to cooking a boneless pork shoulder roast, the slow cooker is a tried and true method for achieving tender, flavourful results.

Slow cooking allows the large chunks of the tender meat to gently simmer in its own juices, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is especially appealing for those with young children.

This method is ideal for tenderising tougher cuts of meat, as the low, slow heat helps break down the connective tissues, resulting in succulent and easy-to-chew pork.

Whether it's pulled pork for sandwiches, tacos, or a pork burger, the slow cooker is an excellent choice for busy schedules and delicious, family-friendly meals or family gatherings.

Can Pork Be A Choking Hazard?

A pork roast can indeed be a potential choking hazard for babies during baby-led weaning, as it tends to be tougher and drier compared to other meats.

It's important to handle this situation by ensuring that the pork is cooked until very tender and then shredded or cut into very small, manageable pieces that are easy for your baby to chew and swallow.

Shredded pork is the best way to serve to your baby from 6 months old.

Additionally, always closely supervise your baby during meals and encourage them to sit upright while eating.

It's also a good idea to offer water with meals to help wash down the food.

As with any food during baby-led weaning, it’s crucial to be attentive and responsive to your baby’s cues and abilities, adjusting the texture and size of the food as needed.

Are Baby’s Allergic To Pork?

Babies can develop allergies to various types of food, including pork. If you suspect that your baby may be allergic to pork, it is essential to consult a GP or allergist for proper diagnosis and guidance.

Symptoms of a pork allergy in babies may include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing.

If your baby experiences a reaction after consuming pork, seek immediate medical attention.

It's important to avoid feeding your baby pork until you have received guidance from a healthcare professional.

Always read food labels carefully and be cautious of hidden sources of pork in processed foods when introducing new foods to your baby's diet.

Nutrient Information For Pork

Pork is a good source of protein, as well as various essential nutrients for babies.

It provides important vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are crucial for healthy growth and development.

When introducing pork to babies for baby-led weaning (BLW) for the first time, it's important to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly and cut into age-appropriate sizes to prevent choking hazards.

Pork can be a nutritious addition to a baby's diet.

Ingredient information

Pork shoulder - Slow cooking pork is one of the easiest meals to cook. It is great if you wanted to cook a larger roast for all of the family to enjoy.

It is one of those great recipes you will be coming back to over and over.

Slow cooking pork means there lots of different ways you can serve the pork too. See serving suggestions for the different options.

Pineapple - You could use a pineapple chunk instead of a slice of pineapple for this recipe. Simple ingredients are always best.

Thyme - The best herb to use with these two ingredients, You can use dried thyme if you did not have fresh herbs. The key ingredients to a perfect pork dish.

Serving suggestion

The pulled pork can be served with white rice or cauliflower rice.

Traditional sides such as mashed potato, peas and broccoli, are great options too.

Alternatively pork sandwiches can be made using the leftovers with some grated cheese or you could use the next best thing, hamburger buns, to make cold pork sliders.

You could add the pork to a macaroni salad.

Other great recipes you can try: Pork patties, Chicken meatballs or Spaghetti bolognaise.

Storage instructions

The pulled pork can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container.

If you wanted to freeze the pulled pork, you will need to make sure that the pork has cooled down before transferring to either a freezer bag (carefully) or airtight container.

Ensure that the bag and airtight container is labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container.

To defrost the pulled pork, leave in the fridge overnight and make sure that it is fully defrosted, before re heating.

To reheat, place the defrosted pulled pork, place in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes on 180C or 350F. The amount of time can vary, keep a close eye.

Once the pork has been defrosted you will not be able to reheat or re freeze.

Equipment used to help with this recipe

Slow cooker - A slow cooker is well worth the investment. I use one that has a non-stick removable pan for ease of cleaning, and an in-built timer.

Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.

Nutri bullet - I have found a blender to be an invaluable tool in the preparation of many of my baby led weaning recipes.

Recipe | Easy, Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Hawaiian Pulled Pork

Ingredients

Makes 8 portions

• 1.4kg pork shoulder

• 1 425g can pineapple slices, in juice

• 5-6 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

• Start by blitzing 3 of the pineapple rings in a food processor or Nutri Bullet to make a pineapple puree, set aside.

• Place 3 pineapple rings on the bottom of the slow cooker, and place 3 sprigs on thyme on top of the pineapple.

• Place the pork shoulder, fat side up on the pineapple and the thyme. (You could use a cutting board to trim the fat if you like).

• Spread the pineapple puree all over the pork.

• Top with the rest of they thyme sprigs, pop the lid on. The cooking time is 8 hours on low heat or 4 hours on high heat. Feel free to cook the pork for longer for up to 10-12 hours.

• Once cooked, use two forks to pull the tender pork and serve.

Hope you and your family enjoy!

Recipe notes

The best thing about this recipe is that this will be able to do up to 3 meals in the week. See serving suggestions for different options.

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