This Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a winner! Juicy pork loin gets perfectly tender and is bathed in a sweet pineapple sauce that makes dinner feel like a treat.
I love how hands-off this recipe is—just pop everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something yummy waiting for you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes very tender. If you need a substitute, try pork tenderloin, but be cautious of the cooking time as it cooks faster.
Pineapple Chunks: Using canned pineapple is quick and easy. Fresh pineapple also works great if you have it on hand! If you’re avoiding pineapple, mango or peach chunks can be a sweet swap.
Brown Sugar: This gives depth to the sauce. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, coconut sugar or honey can be used as alternatives, just adjust the amount to taste.
Soy Sauce: Offers a savory depth; low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari can be a good gluten-free option!
How Do I Ensure the Pork Loin Turns Out Tender?
The secret to tender pork loin is slow cooking it low and slow. Here are some tips:
- Season generously—this enhances the flavor throughout.
- Always place onions at the bottom. They will help create moisture.
- Check the temperature! Aim for 145°F for perfectly cooked pork. Use a meat thermometer.
- Let the pork rest before slicing—this helps keep it juicy.
With these tips, your pork loin will be fall-apart tender and packed with flavor!
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)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6 to 8 hours of cooking time in the slow cooker. Just set it and forget it! You’ll have a delicious meal ready for dinner without the fuss. Perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Loin:
Start by seasoning your pork loin generously with salt and pepper all over. This adds flavor throughout the meat and enhances the overall dish!
2. Preparing the Slow Cooker:
Slice the onion and layer it at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for the pork to cook on and helps keep it juicy.
3. Adding the Pork:
Place the seasoned pork loin right on top of the sliced onions. It’s the star of the dish, so make sure it’s nicely centered!
4. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger (if you choose to add it). Stir well until the sugar dissolves totally.
5. Pouring the Sauce:
Carefully pour this delicious sauce mixture over the pork loin. Make sure it’s evenly coated for maximum flavor!
6. Adding Pineapple Chunks:
Now, add the pineapple chunks on top of the pork. They’ll infuse sweetness and create a lovely sauce as they cook.
7. Slow Cooking:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can go about your day while it cooks—how easy is that?
8. Resting the Pork:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork loin from the slow cooker. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy and tender!
9. Serving Up:
Optional, but delicious: Spoon some of that tasty pineapple sauce from the slow cooker over the sliced pork for extra flavor.
10. Garnishing:
Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color before serving warm. Enjoy your meal!
This sweet and savory slow cooker pineapple pork loin is sure to be a hit with family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While pork loin is perfect for this recipe, you can also use pork shoulder or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary: shoulder may take longer, while tenderloin cooks faster, so check for doneness earlier.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Pineapple Chunks?
No worries! You can substitute with fresh pineapple cut into chunks or use other fruits like canned peaches or mangoes. Just make sure they’re sweet to maintain that delicious flavor in the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
