This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a winner! It combines juicy pork with sweet pineapple, making every bite a delightful treat. Plus, it practically cooks itself!
Who knew that letting a slow cooker do all the work could taste this good? I love the aroma that fills my kitchen while it cooks—it’s like a tropical vacation without leaving home! 🌴
For the easiest dinner ever, I usually serve it with rice. The yummy sauce is perfect for drizzling over everything. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin: This is the star of the dish and should be lean for best results. You can substitute it with pork shoulder, which is more fatty and can result in a juicier dish.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple can be a wonderful alternative to canned. It adds a lovely fresh taste. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you could skip it altogether or use other fruits like peaches.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade version. For a different flavor, try teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce instead. Adjust the sweetness with brown sugar based on the sauce you choose.
Soy Sauce: If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce. Coconut aminos are another great substitute that offers a similar flavor.
Fresh Ginger: If you don’t have fresh ginger, use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger. Fresh ginger, though, gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor that is hard to beat.
How Can I Make Sure My Pork Loin is Tender and Flavorful?
Slow cooking is key here! The low settings allow the pork to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors from the sauce and pineapple.
- Mix the sauce ingredients well so the flavors meld together.
- Coat the pork loin fully with the sauce before cooking. This ensures it absorbs maximum flavor.
- Let the pork rest after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping each slice moist.
Don’t rush the cooking time; if you’re using the low setting, let it stay for the full time to get that tender pull-apart texture.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Loin:
- 2 to 3 pounds pork loin
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve the juice)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. Perfect for a day when you want to set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger (if you’re using it), and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. This will be the tasty sauce that brings all the flavors together!
2. Add the Pork Loin:
Take your pork loin and place it in the bottom of the slow cooker. This will serve as the base for your meal, soaking up all the wonderful flavors that are about to come!
3. Coat the Pork and Add Pineapple:
Pour the sauce mixture over the pork loin, making sure it’s covered nicely. Then, arrange the drained pineapple chunks around the pork in the slow cooker. These sweet chunks will add a lovely flavor to the dish!
4. Pour in the Pineapple Juice:
Take the reserved pineapple juice and pour it over both the pork and the pineapple chunks. This helps to combine all the flavors and keep everything moist and tender.
5. Slow Cook the Pork Loin:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The pork is done when it’s tender and has cooked through! Just let it work its magic while you go about your day.
6. Slice and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork loin from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it up into portions. Serve the sliced pork with the delightful pineapple chunks and the sauce from the slow cooker. Don’t forget to garnish with the chopped parsley for that fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! While pork loin works best for this recipe, you can also use pork shoulder or pork tenderloin. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly: pork shoulder may need a bit longer due to its fat content, while pork tenderloin cooks faster. Always ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving!
Can I Substitute the Barbecue Sauce?
Absolutely! If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, you can use teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, mixing ketchup with a little vinegar and brown sugar can create a simple homemade barbecue sauce. Just keep tasting and adjust sweetness and tang to your preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well! For longer storage, place the pork and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, you can! Carrots, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes are great additions. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker with the pineapple. They’ll soak up all the delicious flavors during cooking!
