This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is juicy and full of flavor! The sweet pineapple perfectly glazes the pork, making it a tasty dish that’s easy to throw together.
I love how my house smells like a tropical paradise while it cooks. It’s almost too pretty to eat—almost! Just serve it with some rice or veggies for a simple meal everyone will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: The star of this dish! A 3 to 4-pound pork loin is perfect for slow cooking. If pork isn’t your thing, you can swap it for chicken breast or thighs, though cooking times may vary for those meats.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple is convenient, but fresh pineapple chunks can add a nice touch. If you don’t have any, peaches or apricots could work as a fruity alternative.
Soy Sauce: I love the rich flavor it adds. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Low-sodium soy sauce is also a good substitute if you’re watching your salt intake.
Brown Sugar & Honey: Together, they balance the acidity of pineapple beautifully. You can use maple syrup instead of honey, or coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is always best, but if you only have powder, you can use 1/8 tsp of garlic powder and 1/4 tsp of ginger powder per clove. I enjoy using fresh garlic and ginger for a vibrant taste!
How Do I Ensure My Pork Loin is Perfectly Tender?
Making sure your pork loin is tender involves a couple of simple steps. Searing the pork adds color and depth of flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary. The key is cooking it low and slow. This means setting your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Always check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safe eating.
- If it’s not tender enough, let it cook a little longer. Low heat allows the meat to break down, making it juicy and easy to slice.
Lastly, letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking helps to retain the juices inside. Enjoy cooking and your delicious meal!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 3 to 4 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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder (or 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to cook it in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. It’s a great dish to prepare in the morning for an easy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the sauce! In a bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and set it aside for later.
2. Sear the Pork (Optional):
If you want a richer flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until it’s nicely browned—this will take about 3-4 minutes for each side. This step is optional, but it adds great flavor and gets the pork a little crispy on the outside.
3. Place in Slow Cooker:
Now it’s time to put everything into the slow cooker! Place the pork loin inside and pour the sauce you just made over the top. Scatter the drained pineapple chunks around the pork in the slow cooker.
4. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork should be tender and delicious, and the internal temperature should at least reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, here’s what to do! Carefully remove the pork loin and pineapple from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker, and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens up.
6. Serve:
Slice the pork loin and serve it warm with the pineapple chunks and delicious sauce on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped parsley for a lovely fresh touch!
Enjoy your flavorful and tender slow cooker pineapple pork loin!
## FAQ for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork loin is great for this recipe, you can also use pork shoulder or pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; pork shoulder may need a bit longer for tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari instead of soy sauce. For a lower-sodium alternative, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, which will also give a nice flavor without the saltiness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or warm on the stove over low heat. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months—just ensure they’re well-packed to avoid freezer burn!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for some extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the pork and pineapple. Adjust your cooking time if necessary, depending on the size and type of veggies used.
