Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a sweet and savory dish that’s tender, juicy, and packed with tropical flavor. Perfect for busy days, this recipe combines pork loin with pineapple and a flavorful sauce for a no-fuss meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 3 lb (1.4 kg) pork loin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, with juice
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Loin:
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels and season it on all sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Pork (Optional):
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side). This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the pork loin in the slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together crushed pineapple (with juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour the mixture over the pork.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily slices.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Once the pork is done, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Turn the slow cooker to high and stir the slurry into the sauce. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve:
- Slice the pork loin and drizzle the thickened pineapple sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Tips:
- Pineapple Substitute: Use fresh pineapple if preferred, but add ¼ cup water or pineapple juice to make up for the canned juice.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge for easy assembly in the morning.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the pork from drying out.
This dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and makes a fantastic centerpiece for any dinner table!