Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is an incredibly easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hands-off dinner. The pork loin becomes tender and juicy while absorbing the sweet and savory flavors of the pineapple, soy sauce, and garlic. The slow cooker does all the work for you, and the result is a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal!Here’s a simple recipe for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin:
Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lb pork loin (boneless or bone-in)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken sauce)
- 1 tbsp water (optional, to dissolve cornstarch)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork Loin:
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. If it has excess fat, you can trim some off, but leave a small layer for flavor.
- Season the pork loin with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Make the Pineapple Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the reserved pineapple juice from the can and mix everything together.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
- Place the seasoned pork loin in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the pineapple mixture over the pork loin, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Add the pineapple chunks around the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The pork should be tender and easily shred with a fork when done.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you’d like to thicken the sauce, remove the pork loin from the slow cooker and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the slow cooker sauce and stir. Cover and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Slice or shred the pork loin and serve it with the pineapple sauce and chunks over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables. The sauce is delicious served with the pork!
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness.
Tips:
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a little extra brown sugar or even honey to taste.
- Use pork tenderloin: If you prefer, you can use a pork tenderloin instead of a pork loin. It will cook more quickly, so reduce the cooking time slightly (about 4-5 hours on low).
- Extra flavor: For more depth of flavor, consider adding 1-2 tbsp of Dijon mustard or a splash of orange juice to the sauce mixture.
- Side dish ideas: Serve with a simple side of steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or even a salad for a complete meal.
This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a great option for a busy day. It’s tender, flavorful, and full of tropical sweetness from the pineapple and savory umami from the soy sauce. Enjoy!
