This easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is the perfect answer to those busy weeknights when you want to serve a mouthwatering meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender pork, infused with the sweetness of pineapple and a savory garlic-soy sauce, creates a delicious combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Using a handful of pantry staples and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and effortless—ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests.
I absolutely love using my slow cooker for dishes like this! There’s something so satisfying about throwing a few simple ingredients into the pot, setting it, and forgetting it until dinnertime. This recipe has become a staple in my household—my family devours it every time! I often find myself switching up proteins, but pork loin is a top choice when I want something hearty yet lean. The way the pineapple and brown sugar meld together into a sticky, caramelized sauce is simply irresistible, making this a recipe I turn to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
- Super Simple: Just a few ingredients and a couple of steps to get everything into the slow cooker.
- Amazing Flavor: The pork absorbs all the flavors of the soy sauce, garlic, and pineapple, resulting in a rich, sweet-savory taste that’s hard to beat.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Minimal prep and the slow cooker does all the work for you—perfect for when you’re busy with other things.
- Versatile Serving Options: This dish pairs well with everything from rice and veggies to salads or even tacos.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day!
Key Ingredients
- Pork Loin: While pork loin is great for this recipe due to its lean yet tender texture, you can substitute with pork shoulder or pork tenderloin if preferred. Just keep in mind that pork shoulder may require a slightly longer cooking time due to its higher fat content.
- Soy Sauce: For a lower-sodium option, use reduced-sodium soy sauce. If gluten-free, opt for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Brown Sugar: Feel free to use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, or swap in honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple works too, but make sure to add ¼ cup of water or chicken broth to make up for the canned juice.
Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Let’s walk through each step to ensure perfect results every time:
- Prepare the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. This simple blend will enhance the natural flavor of the pork and give it a beautiful color as it cooks. - Season the Pork Loin
Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork loin roast, covering every nook and cranny. Taking the time to do this ensures the pork is well-seasoned and flavorful in every bite. - Sear the Pork Loin
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork loin in the skillet and sear on all sides until it’s golden-brown (about 1-2 minutes per side). This step locks in the juices and adds a nice crust that will deepen the flavor as it cooks in the slow cooker. - Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Place the seared pork loin into the slow cooker. Top it with the minced garlic. - Add the Sauce and Pineapple
Pour the soy sauce over the pork, then add the pineapple chunks along with their juice. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top. The sauce may seem thin at first, but it will thicken as it cooks and melds with the natural juices from the pork and pineapple. - Slow Cook
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. The pork is done when it’s tender and easily shredded with a fork. - Serve
Carefully remove the pork loin from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice or shred the pork, depending on your preference. Serve over a bed of steamed rice or with a side of roasted vegetables, spooning the sweet and tangy pineapple sauce over the top.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete meal:
- Serve Over Rice: White or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the sweet, savory sauce. Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added color and flavor.
- With Vegetables: Steamed or roasted veggies, such as green beans, broccoli, or bell peppers, complement the pork’s rich flavors.
- In Tacos or Sandwiches: Shred the pork and use it as a filling for tacos or pulled pork sandwiches. Add a simple slaw or pickled onions for a crunchy contrast.
- Over a Salad: Serve the shredded pork on top of a salad with crisp greens, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette for a lighter option.
