This Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a true treat! It’s juicy, tender, and bursting with sweet pineapple flavor. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
It’s like a mini-vacation in your mouth! 🏖️ I love how simple it is—perfect for busy days. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a yummy meal with zero fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin Roast: This is the star of the dish, and it becomes very tender in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use pork tenderloin, but adjust the cook time as it cooks faster than a roast.
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple is convenient and full of flavor for this dish. If you prefer fresh, feel free to use diced fresh pineapple; just be aware that you may need to adjust the quantity of juice for a similar flavor.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re cutting down on sugar, coconut sugar is a great alternative. You can also use honey or maple syrup, but start with a bit less since they are sweeter.
Soy Sauce: It enhances the dish’s umami flavor, but if you need a gluten-free option, look for tamari or coconut aminos. Just tweak the amount slightly since they can vary in saltiness.
Ground Ginger: Fresh ginger works well, too! If you use fresh, about 1 tablespoon will do the trick. It adds a nice zing!
How Do I Ensure My Pork Loin is Tender and Juicy?
To achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, follow these tips for cooking pork loin in a slow cooker:
- Choosing the right cut is vital. A pork loin roast is perfect, but ensure it has some marbling for moisture.
- Cooking on low for the full 6 to 8 hours is important. Avoid rushing the process on high heat; this will dry the meat out.
- Let the pork rest after cooking. This helps retain juices—cover it with foil while resting to keep it warm.
- If you’re adding cornstarch for a thicker sauce, remember that it takes time to heat and thicken, so be patient!
Enjoy your tender pork with the sweet, tangy sauce for a delicious meal!
Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3 pounds pork loin roast
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 6 to 8 hours to cook in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for setting in the morning and coming home to a warm, tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Place the pork loin roast in the slow cooker. Make sure it fits nicely, so it cooks evenly.
2. Add Aromatics:
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on and around the pork. This will infuse great flavor into the meat!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix the pineapple chunks with their juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the pineapple mixture over the pork loin in the slow cooker. Make sure it’s well-covered for maximum flavor!
5. Cook Low & Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The pork should become tender and shred easily when done.
6. Rest the Pork:
When the pork is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
7. (Optional) Thicken the Sauce:
If you’d like a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Heat and stir until it thickens to your liking!
8. Serve:
Slice the pork loin and serve it on a plate topped with the delicious pineapple sauce. Don’t forget to enjoy that tangy flavor!
9. Garnish:
For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top before serving, if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Pork Loin for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork loin, but it’s essential to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Never cook frozen meat directly in the slow cooker, as it may not reach safe temperatures.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Sugar?
To reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of brown sugar. You can also reduce the amount of pineapple juice to minimize sweetness without sacrificing flavor.
Can I Slow Cook This Recipe on High Heat?
While the recipe is designed for low heat, you can cook it on high for about 4 to 5 hours. However, the meat may not be as tender, so it’s best to stick with the low setting if you can!
How Should 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 stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze leftover pork in the sauce for up to 3 months!
