This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a tropical treat! Sweet pineapple and tender pork come together to create a juicy dish that’s bursting with flavor. Yum!
Your house will smell amazing while it cooks. I like to serve it with rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend dinner with family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: This cut is lean and tender, perfect for slow cooking. If pork loin isn’t available, you can substitute it with pork shoulder, which offers a richer flavor and is also great in the slow cooker.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple is convenient here, but feel free to use fresh pineapple if you have it on hand. Fresh adds a brighter flavor, just make sure to slice it into chunks. If pineapple isn’t your thing, consider using peaches or apricots for a different fruity twist!
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. If you need a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos. For a lower sodium option, look for reduced-sodium soy sauce to keep the flavor without excess salt.
Brown Sugar: It helps balance the acidity of the pineapple. If you’re out, white sugar works in a pinch, or you can use maple syrup for a different flavor. Honey is already in the recipe, so using less brown sugar and adding more honey could work too!
How Do You Make the Pork Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender?
The key to tender pork in a slow cooker is patience! Here’s how to achieve these results:
- Choose the right cut: Pork loin is great, but pork shoulder is even better for moisture.
- Season well: Be sure to season the pork generously with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance its taste.
- Low and slow is best: Cooking on low for 6-8 hours allows the meat to break down and become tender. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours, just know low is ideal!
- Rest before slicing: Let the cooked pork sit for about 10 minutes to keep the juices from running out when you cut it.
Following these steps will help you serve up a delicious and tender pineapple pork loin. Enjoy your savory meal!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2-3 lbs pork loin
For the Pineapple Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) pineapple chunks in juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus some cooking time. You can choose to cook the pork on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule. Just set it and let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the pineapple chunks (along with their juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together well and set the bowl aside—this sauce will give your pork a delicious flavor!
2. Season the Pork Loin:
Take the pork loin and season it evenly with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat and ensure it’s tasty!
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned pork loin in the slow cooker. Then, pour the prepared pineapple mixture over the pork, making sure it’s well coated. This will help keep the pork moist and infuse it with tropical flavor.
4. Cook the Pork:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. Choose either the low setting for 6-8 hours or the high setting for 4-5 hours. When done, the pork should be tender and cooked through.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing so the juices can redistribute. Serve the sliced pork with the warm pineapple sauce on top, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a delightful garnish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork loin works best for this recipe, you can also use pork shoulder or tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time: pork shoulder may take a bit longer, while tenderloin will cook faster, so check for doneness accordingly.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free version. Both will provide a similar flavor profile to your dish!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pork and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or onions to the slow cooker with the pork for a complete meal. Just ensure the vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
