Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a marvel of effortless flavor, bringing together the succulent tenderness of pork with a vibrant, sweet-and-savory tropical glaze. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days, allowing you to come home to a house filled with an intoxicating aroma and a dinner that practically cooks itself. The pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce create a beautifully balanced sauce that caramelizes around the pork, making every bite juicy, tender, and incredibly delicious. This dish is versatile, comforting, and guaranteed to become a slow cooker staple in your home.

Detailed Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 2-3 pounds pork loin (not tenderloin), trimmed of excess fat
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

For the Pineapple Sauce:

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained (with its juice)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Loin: Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Rub all sides of the pork loin generously with salt and pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor.
2. Place in Slow Cooker: Carefully place the seasoned pork loin into the basin of your slow cooker (a 6-quart oval slow cooker works best for a pork loin of this size).
3. Make the Pineapple Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the undrained crushed pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and ground ginger. Whisk vigorously until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth, fragrant sauce.
4. Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the entire pineapple mixture evenly over the pork loin in the slow cooker. Ensure the pork is thoroughly coated with the sauce. You can gently spoon some of the sauce over the top of the pork if needed.
5. Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The pork is done when it is incredibly tender and shreds easily with a fork, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest and Slice (or Shred): Once cooked, carefully remove the pork loin from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and moist result. After resting, slice the pork loin into ½-inch thick medallions, or for a pulled pork style, shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker sauce.
7. Serve: Transfer the sliced (or shredded) pork to a serving platter. Spoon the delicious pineapple sauce from the slow cooker generously over the pork. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired, for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Sear for Extra Flavor: For an even richer depth of flavor, sear the pork loin in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of oil for 2-3 minutes per side until browned, before placing it in the slow cooker. This caramelizes the exterior and locks in juices.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the hot sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the pineapple sauce for a touch of heat that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, onions, or even some baby carrots to the slow cooker along with the pork for an all-in-one meal. Add them at the beginning of cooking.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pork is excellent for meal prep and can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra sauce or broth to prevent drying.

Pairings

• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is the classic accompaniment, perfectly soaking up the sweet and savory pineapple sauce.
• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing balance to the rich pork.
• Wine: A crisp Riesling or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would pair nicely with the sweetness of the pineapple and the savory pork.
• Other Sides: Quinoa or even mashed sweet potatoes would also be delicious and nutritious side options.

Quick Info

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 3-4 hours (HIGH) / 6-8 hours (LOW)
• Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Cuisine: American, Fusion
• Course: Main Course