This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a tasty dish full of sweet and tangy flavors! The pork is tender and juicy, cooking slowly with the pineapple, soy sauce, and spices.
Cooking it in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it! I love coming home to that delicious smell. It’s perfect with rice or steamed veggies for a yummy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: This is the star of the dish! A boneless pork loin is great for even cooking. If you want to use a different cut, try pork shoulder or tenderloin. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple in juice is convenient, but fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor. If fresh isn’t available, go for canned, or even frozen, as long as you drain the excess juice.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish flavorful without being too salty. You can use coconut aminos for a gluten-free option or even tamari sauce for a similar flavor.
Brown Sugar: For a healthier twist, consider using honey or maple syrup. They have a similar sweetness, but adjust the amounts, as they can be sweeter than brown sugar.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can work as substitutes. Just keep the flavor balance in mind.
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Searing on the Pork Loin?
Searing the pork loin before slow cooking enhances its flavor and gives a lovely color. It’s all about the heat and timing!
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the pork loin in the skillet, allowing it to sear for 2-3 minutes without flipping. This develops a nice crust.
- Make sure to sear all sides for an even flavor throughout the meat.
- If short on time, you can skip this step, but it really adds to the overall taste!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Loin:
- 2-3 pounds pork loin
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20-25 minutes for preparation and searing, and then a cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Make sure to plan ahead for the long cooking time, but the hands-on work is minimal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger (if using), black pepper, and salt. Keep mixing until it’s well combined. This tasty mixture will be the marinade that infuses flavor into your pork loin.
2. Sear the Pork Loin:
Now it’s time to brown the pork! In a skillet over medium-high heat, place the pork loin and sear it on all sides until golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. This step boosts flavor, but feel free to skip it if you’re short on time.
3. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the seared pork loin into the slow cooker. Pour the marinade you prepared all over the pork, making sure it gets coated well. Then, scatter the pineapple chunks around the pork. If you have reserved pineapple juice, add a bit of it to the slow cooker to enhance the tropical flavor!
4. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and let it do the magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to have the pork tender and easy to shred with a fork. You can go about your day while the pork cooks!
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, this step is for you! Once the pork is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and turn the heat to high. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a splash of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and let it cook for an extra 10-15 minutes until it’s nice and thick.
6. Serve:
Finally, slice the juicy pork loin and serve it with the pineapple and luscious sauce drizzled over the top. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley for a lovely color and flavor contrast. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork loin is ideal for this recipe, you can also use pork shoulder or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary—pork shoulder may require a bit longer due to its higher fat content.
Can I Make This Recipe with Fresh Pineapple?
Yes, fresh pineapple works great! Simply cut a fresh pineapple into chunks, and you can add some of the juice from the pineapple when combining with the marinade for extra flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the pork and pineapple. They will cook down and absorb some of the delicious flavors!
