Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

This mouthwatering slow cooker pineapple pork loin combines sweet tropical flavors with savory pork for a delicious meal that practically cooks itself. The pineapple not only adds sweetness but naturally tenderizes the meat as it cooks, creating a dish that's both impressive and effortless.

I first made this pineapple pork loin when hosting a casual Sunday dinner for my in-laws. Everyone was skeptical about the fruit and meat combination until they took their first bite. Now it's requested at nearly every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Pork loin: about 2 to 3 pounds, choose a piece with a thin fat cap for extra flavor and juiciness
• Vegetable oil: helps create that crucial initial sear that locks in moisture
• Salt and pepper: be generous here as this seasons the entire roast
• Garlic cloves (minced): fresh is best for robust flavor throughout the cooking process
• Soy sauce: adds umami depth and balances the sweetness perfectly
• Brown sugar: creates caramelization and rich flavor, dark brown sugar works best
• Canned pineapple chunks with juice: the acidity tenderizes while sweetening, never drain

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pork:

Season your pork loin generously with salt and pepper all over. Make sure to pat the meat dry with paper towels first for the best sear possible. The seasoning at this stage creates your flavor foundation, so be thorough and cover all surfaces evenly.

Create the Sear:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet until it shimmers. Place the seasoned pork loin carefully in the hot pan and brown each side for 2 to 4 minutes until you achieve a gorgeous golden crust. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor through caramelization. Take your time here and use tongs to turn the meat carefully.

Arrange in Slow Cooker:

Transfer the beautifully seared pork to your slow cooker. Sprinkle all the minced garlic evenly over the top and around the sides. The garlic will infuse throughout the cooking process without burning. Pour the soy sauce over the meat, making sure it runs down all sides.

Add Sweetness Elements:

Pour the entire can of pineapple chunks and all the juice over and around the pork. Distribute the pineapple pieces fairly evenly around the meat. Sprinkle the brown sugar over everything, focusing mostly on the top of the pork. The sugar will gradually dissolve and caramelize as it cooks.

Slow Cook to Perfection:

Cover and cook on low setting. For sliceable texture, cook 4 to 6 hours. For fork-tender shredded texture, cook 8 to 10 hours. About halfway through cooking, spoon some of the cooking liquid over the pork to keep it moist and flavorful. The pork is done when it reaches 145°F for sliced or 205°F for shredded.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the pineapple juice creates natural caramelization around the edges of the pork. My grandmother always paired pork with fruit, and this recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners at her house where sweet and savory combinations were always the highlight of the meal.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile pork dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Serve over white rice which soaks up the delicious sauce wonderfully. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. The sweet and savory flavors also complement roasted sweet potatoes or a crisp Asian slaw. For an impressive presentation, place the sliced pork on a platter surrounded by the pineapple chunks and drizzle with the cooking liquid.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pineapple pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. To reheat, place in a covered dish with a splash of water and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. For freezing, portion cooled pork with sauce in freezer containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Recipe Variations

This adaptable recipe welcomes creative modifications. Try adding sliced bell peppers and onions during the last hour of cooking for additional vegetables and flavor. Replace the pineapple with mango chunks and juice for a different tropical twist. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the cooking liquid. You can also substitute pork shoulder if you prefer a fattier, more tender result perfect for pulled pork sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but you'll need to add liquid like pineapple juice or water to replace the canned juice for flavor and moisture.

→ What cut of pork works best for this dish?

Pork loin is ideal for this dish due to its leanness and structure. However, a pork shoulder or tenderloin could also work, keeping in mind adjustments to cooking time and texture.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook the pork in advance, shred if desired, and store in the fridge with the cooking juices. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

To add heat, you can include chili flakes, sriracha, or diced fresh chili peppers into the sauce before slow cooking.

→ What side dishes pair well with this pork loin?

Serve the pork with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes also pair well to soak up the flavorful sauce.