This Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a delightful dish that brings together juicy pork and sweet pineapple. It’s a simple, one-pot meal perfect for busy nights!
You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The pineapple adds a tasty twist that makes your taste buds dance! Who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? 🍍
I love serving this over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s like a tropical vacation on your plate—even if you’re just in your kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: This is the star of the dish! A 2 to 3-pound pork loin is ideal for tenderness and flavor. If you can’t find pork loin, a pork shoulder also works well, offering more marbling and a richer taste.
Pineapple Chunks: The canned pineapple adds great sweetness and moisture. If fresh pineapple is available, feel free to use it instead! Just chop it into chunks for the recipe.
Soy Sauce: This provides a savory umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy sauce, a tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives.
Brown Sugar: For sweetness, brown sugar is my go-to. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a bright flavor, but if you’re short on time, use ground ginger instead. I like keeping fresh ginger on hand because it’s so flavorful!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender, Juicy Pork?
To achieve perfectly tender pork loin, simply follow these steps:
- Always pat the pork dry before cooking. This helps with browning and flavor.
- The marinade is key! Mix the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices well to coat the pork evenly.
- Low and slow is the mantra here. Cooking on LOW for 6-8 hours allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become ultra-tender. If you’re tight on time, HIGH for 3-4 hours works too, but I recommend LOW for the best results!
Remember to let the pork rest after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute for a more succulent bite!
Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Loin:
- 2 to 3 pounds pork loin roast
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh chopped green onions or cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation. Then, you’ll let the slow cooker work its magic for 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. That’s it! It’s an easy meal that’s perfect for busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Loin:
Start by patting the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better and absorb all those great flavors. Place it in the slow cooker, making sure it fits nicely.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Stir it all together until the brown sugar is dissolved.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the pork loin in the slow cooker. Then, add the pineapple chunks right on top of the pork. This will keep the meat moist and flavorful!
4. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. You’re looking for the pork to become tender and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Finish the Dish:
When the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Cover it loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
6. (Optional) Thicken the Sauce:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce over medium heat until thickened.
7. Serve:
Slice the pork loin and serve it on plates, spooning the delicious pineapple sauce over the top. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if you like!
8. Enjoy:
Serve your succulent pineapple pork loin over cooked rice or with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!
Now, sit back and enjoy your delicious homemade Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Can I Use Frozen Pork Loin for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork loin, but it’s best to thaw it first. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag under cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry before adding it to the slow cooker for optimal flavor absorption.
Can I Substitute the Pineapple Chunks?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pineapple, use it instead of canned. Just chop fresh pineapple into chunks and add it to the slow cooker. This will give a vibrant taste and freshness to the dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened, you might want to add a splash of water or broth to thin it slightly when reheating.
What Sides Pair Well with Pineapple Pork Loin?
This dish is delicious served over rice, which absorbs the savory sauce beautifully. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a lighter option. Enjoy your tropical feast!
