This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a sweet and tangy delight! The juicy pork is cooked tender with pineapple and a few tasty seasonings, perfect for a cozy meal.
It’s super easy to make—just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic! I love serving it with rice to soak up that yummy sauce. Who can resist pineapple sweetness? 🍍❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: This is the star of the dish. Look for a well-marbled pork loin for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use pork tenderloin instead, but it will require less cooking time.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple adds sweetness, but fresh pineapple works wonderfully too! Just peel, core, and chop it up. If you want a no-sugar option, try using unsweetened canned pineapple or fresh pineapple with no added sugars.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt level. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. I often use a mix of regular and low-sodium for balance.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be an easy swap. Just keep the measurement the same!
How Do You Ensure the Pork Loin is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pork loin can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get it right every time! Searing the pork first adds flavor and locks in moisture, which is crucial for that tender bite later.
- Heat the olive oil to medium-high before adding the pork to get a good sear.
- Make sure to turn the pork on all sides for even browning (about 3-4 minutes each side).
- Use a meat thermometer to check when the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This ensures it’s safe and juicy!
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in the meat.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pork:
- 2 to 3 lbs pork loin
For The Sauce:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to cook in your slow cooker, depending on your setting. It’s a simple and delicious meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Pork:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats up, season your pork loin with salt and black pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pork in the skillet. Sear the pork on all sides until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes for each side. This step adds a delicious flavor to the dish!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and the reserved pineapple juice. Whisk it all together until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. The sweet and tangy aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
3. Combine in Slow Cooker:
Now, it’s time to transfer the seared pork loin into your slow cooker. Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the pork. Next, scatter the drained pineapple chunks around the pork. This will ensure your pork absorbs all the wonderful flavors while cooking!
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you’re using the low setting, cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high and cook for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is tender and has an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. Slice and Serve:
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. This helps keep it juicy! Slice the pork into nice portions, and serve it on a plate with the sweet pineapple chunks and a drizzle of the cooking sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork loin is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with pork shoulder or pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, especially with shoulder, which may take a bit longer due to its size and fat content. Aim for the same internal temperature of 145°F for best results!
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Chunks?
No problem! If you don’t have pineapple chunks, you can use crushed pineapple instead. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid in the dish. Alternatively, fresh pineapple cut into chunks works great too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked pork in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes, you can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar by half or switch to a sugar substitute. Conversely, if you like it sweeter, feel free to add a little more brown sugar or even some honey!
