Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe – Sweet, Savory, and Effortless!
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is the perfect dish! 🍍🐖 With a delicious combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and aromatic spices, this slow-cooked pork loin turns out tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. Plus, it requires minimal prep—just set it and forget it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making this a perfect weeknight meal.✅ Flavor-Packed: A balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that complement pork beautifully.✅ Versatile: Easily customizable with spicy, smoky, or citrusy variations.✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well, making for delicious meals throughout the week.
Ingredients 🛒
2-3 pounds pork loin 🐖
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice 🍍
1/2 cup brown sugar 🍬
1/4 cup soy sauce 🍶
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 🌿
1 teaspoon ground ginger 🌿
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
Optional: Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish 🌿
Instructions 📖
1. Season the Pork Loin
Generously rub the pork loin with salt and pepper on all sides. This helps to enhance the flavor and form a slight crust as it cooks. Place the pork in the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Pineapple Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the crushed pineapple (with juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
3. Pour Over the Pork
Pour the pineapple sauce over the pork loin in the slow cooker, ensuring that it’s well coated with the mixture.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection
Low Setting: Cook for 6-8 hours for the most tender results.
High Setting: Cook for 4-5 hours if you need a quicker meal.
5. Rest and Slice
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork loin from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices for extra tenderness.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon some of the flavorful pineapple sauce over the sliced pork. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal! 🍽️😋
Delicious Variations to Try 🎨
🔥 Spicy Pineapple Pork Loin 🌶️
Love a bit of heat? Try these spicy upgrades:
Add 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
Garnish with sliced red chilies for an extra fiery touch.
🌿 Smoky Pineapple Pork Loin 🔥
For a deeper, smoky flavor:
Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to the sauce.
Swap brown sugar with honey for a slightly caramelized finish.
Use 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke for that true BBQ taste.
🍊 Citrusy Pineapple Pork Loin 🍋
Want a tropical twist?
Add the zest and juice of 1 orange for a tangy contrast.
Replace soy sauce with lime juice for a fresh, citrusy kick.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Pair your Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin with these delicious sides:
Steamed Jasmine Rice – A simple and fluffy base to soak up the delicious pineapple sauce. 🍚
Garlic Roasted Green Beans – A crunchy and flavorful veggie side. 🥗
Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Adds a creamy, slightly sweet contrast. 🍠
Hawaiian Rolls – Perfect for making mini pork sandwiches! 🥖
Tips for the Best Pineapple Pork Loin 🏆
✅ Sear for Extra Flavor: If you have time, sear the pork in a pan for 3-4 minutes per side before placing it in the slow cooker. This locks in juices and adds a richer taste.✅ Use Fresh Pineapple: If you prefer fresh ingredients, replace the canned pineapple with 2 cups of fresh diced pineapple and ½ cup pineapple juice.✅ Make it Thicker: If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage & Meal Prep 📦
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze the cooked pork loin in its sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Leftover Ideas:
Shred the pork and use it for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches. 🌮🥪
Toss with noodles or fried rice for a quick stir-fry dish. 🍜
Use as a protein topping for a Hawaiian-style pizza! 🍕
Final Thoughts ✨
This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with a spicy, smoky, or citrusy twist, it’s an effortless dish that’s packed with flavor. Try it for your next family dinner, meal prep, or special gathering! 🍍🐖🍽️
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! 😋⬇️