This Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a tasty treat that will make your kitchen smell amazing! With tender pork and sweet pineapple, it’s a perfect meal for busy days.
Plus, who doesn’t love something that cooks itself while you go about your day? I often serve it over rice and just smile at how simple and delicious it is. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: A pork loin is the star here! It’s lean and becomes super tender in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use pork tenderloin, but adjust the cooking time as it cooks faster.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple chunks add sweetness and a nice texture. If fresh pineapple is available, you can use that instead! Just cut it into chunks and toss them in during cooking.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives depth and flavor to the dish. For a gluten-free version, try tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. If you’re cutting back on sodium, look for low-sodium soy sauce.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient balances the soy sauce’s saltiness. You could swap it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile, but keep an eye on the sweetness level.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender Pork Loin?
Cooking pork loin in the slow cooker is a breeze, but it’s key to avoid overcooking it. Here are some tips:
- Use a meat thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for juicy pork.
- Layering the onions under the pork helps to infuse flavor and prevents the meat from drying out.
- Let the pork rest before slicing to keep it juicy; it’ll reabsorb some of the juices.
If you’re using the optional cornstarch, remember to whisk it with water to avoid lumps. Happy cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 pounds pork loin
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the can)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for sauce thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for sauce thickening)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus cook time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Take your time to let the flavors mix together and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by placing the sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. This helps add flavor to the dish and prevents the pork from sticking.
2. Add the Pork:
Place the pork loin directly on top of the sliced onions, making sure it’s secure and sitting nicely. This forms the base of your dish!
3. Make the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice from the can, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Mix it well until the brown sugar dissolves and everything is nicely blended.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork loin in the slow cooker. This will ensure that the pork absorbs all that yummy flavor!
5. Add Pineapple Chunks:
Now, add your pineapple chunks right on top of the pork. It’s going to make everything taste delicious as it cooks.
6. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the pork is super tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
7. Serve:
Once it’s done cooking, carefully remove the pork loin and pineapple chunks from the slow cooker and place them on a serving plate. Cover them to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Heat over medium until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Finish and Garnish:
Slice or shred the pork loin and spoon over some of the pineapple sauce. It’s time for the best part—serving!
10. Add Some Color:
For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions. This dish goes beautifully over rice or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy!
Dig into your flavorful and tender slow cooker pineapple pork loin! It’s sure to be a hit at your table!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Yes! While pork loin works best for this recipe due to its tenderness, you can also use pork shoulder or pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that the cooking times might vary: pork tenderloin cooks faster, so check for doneness around the 2-3 hour mark on high heat.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For a lighter flavor, consider using reduced-sodium soy sauce. You could also use Worcestershire sauce as a substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the cooking step in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before cooking. If you want to save even more time, you can freeze the marinade along with the pork beforehand and then thaw and cook it when you’re ready.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. If you find the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
