This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a real winner! With tender pork and sweet pineapple, it’s a tasty take on comfort food. The slow cooking makes the meat super juicy and flavorful.
I love how easy it is to throw it all in the cooker and walk away. You’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready when you are. Perfect for busy days—just don’t forget the rice to soak up that yummy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: This cut is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes tender. If you need a substitute, you could use pork shoulder, which has more fat, making it juicy. However, it may take longer to cook.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple is convenient, but fresh pineapple works great if you have it. Just make sure to cut it into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Plus, you can use pineapple juice instead of the canned version.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami to the dish. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. You can also swap it with coconut aminos for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Brown Sugar: This gives a nice sweetness and caramelization. If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, consider using honey or coconut sugar instead, but adjust to taste as these are sweeter.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It brightens the dish. If you’re out, lemon juice or rice vinegar can also work, giving a nice acidity to balance the sweetness.
How Do You Ensure the Pork is Tender and Flavorful?
The slow cooking process is key for making the pork loin tender. For the best results, season the pork well. Patting it dry helps the seasoning stick. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After seasoning with black pepper, make sure to coat it with the sauce thoroughly.
- Cook it on low for the full time if possible; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at 145°F for safety and perfect doneness.
Let it rest after cooking! This step locks in the juices, ensuring your sliced pork is moist and flavorful. After resting, slice and serve it warm with the pineapple sauce on top for a delicious meal!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 3-4 pounds pork loin
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, with juice
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, while it’s an all-day dish, most of the time is just letting it cook while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pork Loin:
Start by patting the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Next, sprinkle black pepper all over the pork to season it nicely. It doesn’t need much else since the sauce will add great flavor!
2. Making the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir the sauce well until the brown sugar is dissolved and everything is nicely combined. This sweet and tangy sauce is what will bring out the amazing flavor of the pork!
3. Combining in the Slow Cooker:
Now, place the seasoned pork loin into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the pork, making sure the pork is well coated. Then, add the pineapple chunks and their juice around the pork. The juice will keep the meat moist and enhance the flavor while cooking.
4. Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is super tender. Trust the slow cooker; it’ll do all the work for you!
5. Resting and Slicing:
Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker (it will be juicy and tender!). Let it rest on a cutting board for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Then, slice it into lovely pieces!
6. Serving:
Arrange the sliced pork on a serving platter. Spoon the pineapple and sauce mixture over the top for that delicious flavor. Finally, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top as a garnish for a pop of color! Serve your Pineapple Pork Loin alongside rice or a fresh green salad. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pork loin with pork shoulder for a richer flavor, or even chicken thighs for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken will generally cook faster, around 4-6 hours on low.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No problem! You can use white vinegar or rice vinegar as substitutes. If you want to add a bit of sweetness, mix in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup with the vinegar to replicate the flavor profile of apple cider vinegar.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion out the pork and sauce in freezer bags and keep them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! You can enhance the dish by adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the slow cooker. Just make sure to cut them into larger pieces so they don’t get too mushy during the long cooking time. Add them in at the beginning with the pork for best results!
