Honey Ginger Pork with Acorn Squash is a cozy, elegant fall meal: slow-cooked honey-ginger pulled pork piled on buttery roasted acorn squash. The pork is cooked in a crockpot with a sweet-savory ginger-garlic glaze while the squash roasts, making this a mostly hands-off dinner that’s hearty and healthy.
Turn a simple winter-squash side into the main event by topping roasted acorn squash slices with shredded honey-ginger pork. The pork becomes tender and flavorful in the slow cooker, coated in a balanced sauce of soy, honey, garlic, and fresh ginger. Roast the squash until it’s fork-tender and slightly caramelized, then arrange it on a platter and spoon the pork over the top for an attractive, satisfying presentation.
This pork is the same base I use for other recipes; it’s versatile enough to appear in tacos, sandwiches, or plated entrees. Because the pork cooks low and slow, the prep is short and the payoff is big—just shred the meat when it’s fall-apart tender and serve.
Recipe features
- Minimal ingredients and naturally free of gluten and grains with simple substitutions available.
- Mostly hands-off: the pork cooks in the slow cooker while the squash roasts in the oven.
- A unique, elegant way to serve shredded pork for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or holiday meals.
Ingredients and substitutions
For the complete ingredient amounts, see the recipe card below. Notes and suggested swaps:
Pork – Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal because of the marbling; it yields tender, juicy pulled pork after slow cooking. Loin cuts like chops won’t produce the same texture.
Soy sauce – Swap tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos work too but are sweeter, so reduce the honey accordingly.
Honey – Provides sweetness and depth. Agave can be used but will alter the flavor slightly.
Garlic and ginger – Use fresh garlic and fresh ginger for the best flavor; these are essential.
Acorn squash – A naturally sweet, nutty winter squash that roasts to a butter-like texture. If unavailable, use delicata, butternut, buttercup, or hubbard squash instead.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Slow cook the pork. Place the pork with soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until very easy to shred. Let the pork rest briefly before shredding.
Step 2: Prepare the acorn squash. When the pork has about an hour left, halve the acorn squash and remove the seeds. Slice into half-moons and toss with melted butter, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Roast the squash. Spread the squash in a single layer on a large baking sheet and roast at 425°F until fork-tender and caramelized, about 20 minutes, then flip and roast another 10–15 minutes depending on thickness.
Step 4: Plate and serve. Transfer the roasted squash to a platter, top with shredded honey-ginger pork, and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Tips and FAQs
- Acorn squash does not need to be peeled before roasting.
- Lay squash in a single layer on the baking sheet to avoid steaming. Use a second sheet if necessary.
- Roasting time varies with slice thickness. Watch closely during the last 10–15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- For a fancier finish, sprinkle grated gruyère or Parmesan on top or add crispy sage leaves.
How do you know when slow-cooker pork is done?
The pork is ready when it shreds very easily with a fork. For guidance, the ideal internal temperature for pulled pork is about 205°F when fully cooked and tender. Remove it from the cooker at 190–200°F, tent with foil, and rest for 20 minutes—carryover heat will raise the temperature and keep the meat juicy. Avoid exceeding 210°F, which can dry the meat.
What to serve with roasted acorn squash and pork
This dish pairs well with other warming fall recipes: squash or pumpkin soups, simple salads with nuts and tangy vinaigrette, maple-roasted root vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty accompaniment.
Other meats that go well with acorn squash
Acorn squash complements roast chicken, beef tenderloin, short ribs, lamb chops, or a classic meatloaf. It also pairs nicely with pulled pork prepared with different sauces, such as a tangy BBQ glaze.
What else can I make with the shredded pork?
Leftover honey-ginger pork is delicious in sandwiches with coleslaw, tacos, quesadillas, grilled cheese, nachos, or piled onto loaded fries for a fun twist.
Storage
- Fridge: Cool completely, then store squash and pork separately in sealed containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: The pork freezes well for up to 6 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Roasted squash tends to lose texture when frozen, so it’s best eaten fresh.
More squash recipes
- Butternut Squash Curry
- Caramelized Onion Spaghetti Squash
- Butternut Squash Enchiladas
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating—thanks!
Honey Ginger Pork with Acorn Squash
By Erin Alvarez
Slow-cooked honey-ginger pulled pork served over roasted acorn squash—an elegant, comforting fall main.
Ingredients
For the pork:
- 1 lb. pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- Salt, to taste
For the squash:
- 2 acorn squash, sliced and seeds removed
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the pork, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the meat shreds easily.
- When the pork has about an hour remaining, preheat the oven to 425°F. Slice the squash and remove seeds.
- Toss the squash slices with melted butter, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20 minutes, flip, then roast another 10–15 minutes or until fork-tender and caramelized.
- Shred the pork with two forks once it’s very tender.
- Arrange roasted squash on a platter, top with shredded pork, garnish if desired, and serve.
Notes
*Calories are an estimate per serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 369 kcal | Carbohydrates: 38 g | Protein: 26 g | Fat: 14 g
UPDATE NOTE: Originally published October 2016. Updated with new text and photos in December 2022.