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.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
Refrigeration: Store the pork and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Place the shredded pork and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or place the pork in a skillet with a bit of sauce and heat over medium until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
Variations and Modifications
You can customize this recipe in so many ways to suit your taste:
Spicy Pineapple Pork Loin: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Tropical Twist: Add diced bell peppers or mango chunks along with the pineapple for a burst of tropical flavor.
Herbaceous Pork Loin: Toss in a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary with the garlic for a hint of herbiness.
Ginger-Pineapple Pork Loin: Grate in some fresh ginger for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin is a recipe that brings so much to the table with minimal effort. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s rich, tender, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this pork loin is sure to be a hit.
A tender and juicy pork loin slow-cooked with a sweet and savory pineapple sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. The balance of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser when served over rice or roasted vegetables.
Course Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Gluten-Free, Main Course, Slow Cooker
In a small bowl, combine onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork loin to coat evenly.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin on all sides until golden-brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Place the seared pork loin in the slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic over the top.
Add soy sauce and pineapple chunks along with their juice to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top.
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
Carefully remove the pork loin from the slow cooker. Slice or shred the pork, and serve over steamed rice or roasted vegetables, spooning the pineapple sauce over the top.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.