This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a juicy and tasty dish. The sweet pineapple and savory pork blend together beautifully for an easy dinner.
I love how it fills my kitchen with a wonderful aroma! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy days! 🍍🐷
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: This cut is great for slow cooking because it stays juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using pork tenderloin. It cooks faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple works well for convenience, but fresh pineapple can enhance the flavor. If you’re avoiding pineapple, try using sliced peaches or apricots instead for a different sweetness.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a fantastic substitute. For a lower sodium choice, look for reduced-sodium soy sauce.
Brown Sugar: It gives a rich sweetness that balances the savory elements. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup if you prefer a different kind of sweetener, but adjust the amount to taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on the Pork Loin?
Searing the pork loin helps lock in flavors and create a delicious crust, making it an important step. Make sure your skillet is truly hot before adding the meat.
- Pat the pork dry to help it brown better.
- Heat olive oil in your skillet until it’s shimmering.
- Place the pork loin in the skillet without overcrowding. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Don’t rush this; let it sit until it releases easily. This creates a nice crust!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds pork loin
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, with juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for either 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the slow cooker. So, get the ingredients ready and let your slow cooker do the magic while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together well to create a tasty marinade that will bring out the flavor of the pork.
2. Season the Pork Loin:
Take the pork loin and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear! Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the pork to season it evenly.
3. Sear the Pork:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork loin in the skillet. Sear the pork on all sides for about 4-5 minutes until it’s golden brown. This step adds extra flavor!
4. Load the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the seared pork loin to your slow cooker. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure it gets covered nicely. Then, add the pineapple chunks along with their juice around the pork in the slow cooker. Yum!
5. Slow Cook the Pork:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’re looking for the pork to be tender, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It’s going to smell amazing!
6. Slice and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork loin from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the delicious sliced pork with the pineapple chunks and drizzle some of the tasty cooking liquid over the top.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Now, sit down and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin! You deserve it!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork loin is great for this recipe, you can also use pork shoulder or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary: shoulder might take a bit longer due to its higher fat content, while tenderloin will cook faster, so check for doneness earlier.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor If It’s Too Sweet?
If you find the dish a bit too sweet for your taste, try adding a splash more soy sauce or a bit of vinegar (like apple cider or rice vinegar). This can help balance the sweetness. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar in the marinade if you’re looking to cut sweetness from the start.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pork and pineapple in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the marinade. Alternatively, you can serve the dish with a side of hot sauce for those who like an extra kick!
