This Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is juicy and sweet! The tangy pineapple adds a tasty twist to the tender pork, making it perfect for dinner with friends or a cozy family meal.
I’ve got to say, there’s something magical about just tossing everything in the slow cooker and letting it do its thing. It’s like dinner cooks itself while you relax! 🍍😁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: A 2 to 3-pound pork loin is ideal. You can also use pork shoulder if that’s what you have. It’s a bit fattier and will be super tender, too!
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple chunks in juice are convenient, but you can use fresh pineapple. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces for a fresher taste.
Soy Sauce: For a low-sodium option, you can choose low-sodium soy sauce. If you’re looking for gluten-free, tamari is a great alternative.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon). Honey or maple syrup can also add a nice flavor, but adjust the amount to your taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor, but garlic powder can be a quick alternative. Use about 1 teaspoon if you go that route!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender Pork?
To get that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, it’s important to cook the pork low and slow. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by drying the pork with paper towels helps the seasoning stick better.
- Season with black pepper and salt just before cooking for the best flavor.
- Add sliced onions in the slow cooker first. They create a flavorful base for the pork.
- Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours – this is key for tenderness. If you’re short on time, HIGH for 3 to 4 hours works, too, but low and slow is the trick!
These pointers will help you create perfectly tender pork every time! Enjoy your slow cooker adventure!
Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3 pounds pork loin
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (reserve juice)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for sauce thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for sauce thickening)
- Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time. You can let it cook in the slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH. This makes it perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Loin:
Start by patting the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Season it with black pepper and a little salt if you’d like.
2. Layer the Onions:
Take your sliced onions and place them at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will add flavor as the pork cooks!
3. Add the Pork Loin:
Now, put the seasoned pork loin on top of the onions, letting it rest comfortably.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir until everything is mixed well.
5. Pour the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the pork loin in the slow cooker. Make sure it covers the pork for maximum flavor!
6. Add the Pineapple:
Add the pineapple chunks on top or spread them around the pork. They’ll cook together and create a wonderful sauce.
7. Start Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know the pork is ready when it’s tender and cooked through.
8. Transfer the Pork:
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate to rest for a few minutes.
9. Optional Sauce Thickening:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir it into the remaining liquid in the slow cooker, set to HIGH, and cook for about 10-15 minutes until thickened.
10. Serve:
Slice the pork loin and drizzle the thickened pineapple sauce over it. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if you like!
11. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious pineapple pork loin warm with rice or your favorite side dish. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Can I Use Frozen Pork Loin for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork loin! However, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method: seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Cooking from frozen is not recommended in a slow cooker as it may not reach a safe temperature in time.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free version, such as tamari. Ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free as well.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker along with the onions. They will cook beautifully in the sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm gently on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up during reheating.
