This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a real winner! The juicy pork blends perfectly with sweet pineapple for a tasty and easy meal. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic!
Cooking with pineapple makes it feel like a tropical getaway, even if you’re just in your kitchen! I love serving it with rice to soak up all that delicious sauce—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: A lean cut, pork loin is perfect for slow cooking. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use pork tenderloin, which is also tender but can cook faster. Just adjust your cooking time.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple is convenient, but fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor. If you don’t have access to pineapple, peach slices or even mango can offer a sweet twist!
Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce gives depth to the dish. If you’re watching sodium, consider low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos is another good alternative for those avoiding soy.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. If you want to cut sugar, you can use maple syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia, although it might slightly change the flavor.
How Can I Get a Great Sear on the Pork Loin?
Searing the pork loin is essential to enhance its flavor and create a beautiful crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by heating the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork loin in the skillet, letting it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes or until it’s golden brown.
- Turn to sear all sides evenly. Don’t rush this step; a good sear locks in juices and adds flavor!
Let the meat rest after cooking in the slow cooker. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the pork loin is tender and flavorful when sliced.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 to 3 pounds pork loin
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 6 to 8 hours for cooking on low (or 4 to 5 hours on high) in a slow cooker. Make sure to set aside 10 minutes for the pork to rest before slicing. It’s a hands-off meal, perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. Stir well so all the ingredients are combined. This delicious mixture will be both your marinade and sauce!
2. Sear the Pork:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork loin and sear it on all sides until it’s golden brown, which will take about 2-3 minutes for each side. This adds great flavor!
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Once seared, carefully place the pork loin into the slow cooker. Pour your sauce mixture evenly over the pork to let all those flavors soak in. Then, add the pineapple chunks around the pork inside the slow cooker.
4. Drizzle with Pineapple Juice:
Now take the reserved pineapple juice and drizzle it over the pork and pineapple. This will keep everything juicy and flavorful during cooking.
5. Cook the Pork:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). It should be tender and juicy when done!
6. Slice and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork loin from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is important as it helps keep the meat juicy. After resting, slice the pork into pieces and serve it with the cooked pineapple and sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice touch!
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork loin is ideal for this recipe, you can also use pork shoulder or even boneless chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; pork shoulder might need a bit longer, while chicken thighs can cook faster.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Chunks?
No problem! If you don’t have canned pineapple chunks, you can use fresh pineapple cut into chunks. Alternatively, you can substitute with another fruit like peaches or apples, but keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the pork and sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you’d like a spicier kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or use spicy mustard in the marinade. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, and taste the sauce before pouring it over the meat to ensure it’s just right for you!
