This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a tasty dish that combines juicy pork with sweet pineapple for a fun and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want to set it and forget it!
Imagine coming home to that delicious aroma filling the house! I love serving it with rice to soak up the tasty sauce. Easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: Choose a lean cut like pork loin for this recipe, as it cooks well in the slow cooker. If you prefer a different meat, try chicken or turkey breasts; they’ll soak up the flavors too!
Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple gives a sweet and tangy taste. If you have fresh pineapple, feel free to use that instead! Just make sure to cut it into chunks and adjust cooking time since fresh may need a bit longer.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish balanced without overwhelming saltiness. You could use coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative, or tamari if you want a gluten-free soy sauce option.
Brown Sugar & Honey: Both add sweetness and depth to the dish. You could swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Ground Ginger: Fresh ginger is amazing if you have it on hand! Just use about a tablespoon of minced fresh ginger in place of ground ginger for a fresher flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Loin is Tender and Juicy?
The secret to a tender pork loin is low and slow cooking. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully, and the meat becomes incredibly tender. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Always use a meat thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
- If cooking on high, don’t rush it! Stick to the 4-5 hours to prevent dryness.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing to keep it juicy.
Feel free to check for tenderness with a fork while cooking – it should pull apart easily when done! Enjoy your slow-cooked goodness!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Loin:
- 2 to 3 pounds pork loin
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and then you’ll need 6 to 8 hours to cook it on low (or 4 to 5 hours on high). It’s a great dish to set and forget in your slow cooker!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. This will be your delicious marinade for the pork.
2. Preparing the Pork Loin:
Place the pork loin in the slow cooker. Pour half of the marinade over the pork, making sure it’s well coated. This will help infuse the flavors into the meat as it cooks.
3. Adding Pineapple:
Now, add the drained pineapple chunks around the pork loin in the slow cooker. Then pour the remaining marinade over the top of the pork and pineapple. This will ensure that everything is swimming in flavor as it cooks!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. The pork is done when it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add this mixture to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before you plan to serve. Stir it in and let it cook for a bit to thicken the sauce.
6. Serving:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork loin from the slow cooker and slice it into pieces. Serve it warm along with the delicious cooked pineapple and sauce from the slow cooker. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork loin is great for this recipe, you can also use pork shoulder or pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may need to be adjusted. Pork shoulder generally requires a longer cooking time to become tender, while pork tenderloin cooks more quickly, so check for doneness earlier.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Chunks?
No worries! If you don’t have pineapple chunks on hand, you can use crushed pineapple instead. Just drain it as you would the chunks and spread it over the pork in the slow cooker. Alternatively, fresh pineapple cut into chunks works well for a more vibrant flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; just make sure to separate the pork and sauce into different containers to maintain the best texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Definitely! If you want to add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or chopped fresh jalapeños into the marinade. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste for the perfect balance of sweet and spicy!
