Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe

The Juiciest Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe Ever

Succulent pork loin finds its perfect match in a tangy slow cooker pineapple sauce that melts hearts and teases taste buds.

The tropical fusion brings an unexpected twist to your dinner routine.

Tender meat bathes in sweet and savory juices, promising a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor with little effort.

Each bite delivers a delightful blend of caramelized pineapple and perfectly cooked pork.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

This crowd-pleasing dish transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration that everyone will remember.

Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin: Sweet Meets Savory

  • This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
  • The combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering sweet and savory profile that transforms an ordinary pork loin into a restaurant-worthy dish.
  • Slow cookers do all the hard work, allowing you to walk away and return to a tender, juicy meal that practically cooks itself with minimal supervision.
  • Whether you prefer sliced pork for a classic dinner or shredded meat for tacos, sandwiches, or salads, this recipe adapts to multiple serving styles and meal preferences.

Ingredients That Make Pineapple Pork Unforgettable

Main Protein:
  • Pork Loin: A tender cut of meat that will become the star of this slow-cooked dish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the pork.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the meat.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides a sweet caramelization and helps create a delicious glaze.
Liquid and Fruit Components:
  • Soy Sauce: Introduces a savory and umami depth to the pork.
  • Pineapple Chunks with Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the meat with its natural enzymes.
Cooking Necessities:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for browning the pork and creating a golden exterior before slow cooking.

Crockpot Tools For Tender, Juicy Pork Loin

  • Large pan: Essential for browning pork and creating delicious golden exterior.
  • Slow cooker: Key appliance for tenderizing and cooking pork with minimal effort.
  • Cutting board: Needed for trimming pork loin and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for trimming fat and slicing meat precisely.
  • Wooden spoon or tongs: Helpful for moving and handling pork during browning and cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
  • Ladle: Used for basting pork with cooking juices during slow cooking process.

Pineapple Pork Loin: Step-By-Step To Perfection

Step 1: Prep The Pork

Grab your pork loin and carefully trim away any excess fat.

Sprinkle salt and black pepper generously over the entire surface of the meat.

Let the seasoned pork rest while you prepare for the next step.

Step 2: Create Golden Crust

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Pour in vegetable oil and wait until it shimmers.

Gently place the pork loin into the hot pan.

Sear each side for 2-4 minutes, rotating carefully to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.

Step 3: Set Up Slow Cooker

Transfer the beautifully browned pork loin into your slow cooker.

Sprinkle fresh minced garlic across the surface, ensuring it clings to the meat for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

Pour soy sauce over the pork, creating a savory base.

Add pineapple chunks and their natural juice:
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Pineapple juice

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the top, creating a sweet and caramelized finish.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat.

Cooking times vary based on your desired texture:
  • For sliceable pork: 4-6 hours
  • For shreddable pork: 8-10 hours

Every couple of hours, baste the pork with its own cooking juices to keep it incredibly moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Final Touch (Optional)

Want super tender meat?

After cooking, use two forks to shred the pork.

Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and let it simmer for an additional hour.

Step 7: Plate And Enjoy

Serve the pork hot, drizzled with its own delicious cooking juices.

Pair with rice, vegetables, or your favorite side dish.

Tips For Sweet, Succulent Pork Every Time

  • Marinate the pork loin overnight in the pineapple juice and soy sauce mixture for an intense, rich taste that penetrates the meat.
  • Baste the pork every two hours with the cooking liquid to ensure maximum moisture and tenderness throughout the cooking process.
  • Pat the pork dry before browning to create a perfect golden crust that locks in the juices and adds a delicious caramelized exterior.
  • Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a subtle kick that complements the sweet pineapple flavor.
  • Freeze leftover shredded pork in individual portions for quick and easy future meals like tacos, sandwiches, or rice bowls.

Creative Twists On Classic Pineapple Pork Loin

  • Tropical Citrus Pork: Replace pineapple with orange slices and orange juice for a zesty, bright flavor profile that complements the pork's richness.
  • Spicy Honey Glazed Version: Swap pineapple juice with honey and add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a sweet and spicy kick that transforms the classic recipe.
  • Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Substitute soy sauce with balsamic vinegar, add rosemary and thyme, and use lemon juice instead of pineapple for a Mediterranean-inspired protein dish.
  • Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Remove brown sugar, use sugar-free pineapple chunks, and add extra garlic and herbs to maintain flavor while keeping carbohydrates low for ketogenic dieters.

Serving Ideas For Island-Inspired Pork Dinners

  • Tropical Taco Night: Slice the pork and serve in warm tortillas with fresh pineapple salsa and cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired meal.
  • Island-Style Rice Bowl: Layer shredded pork over coconut rice, top with extra pineapple chunks and green onions for a Hawaiian-inspired dinner.
  • Sweet and Tangy Sandwich: Create pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw, using the pineapple sauce as a delicious glaze on soft brioche buns.
  • Party Appetizer Bites: Serve small pork slices on toothpicks with extra pineapple sauce for a crowd-pleasing finger food at gatherings.

How To Store Pineapple Pork And Keep It Juicy

  • Store leftover pork in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container seals tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Wrap cooled pork tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Store for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Place pork in a baking dish, add a splash of broth or reserved cooking liquid. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

  • Why brown the pork before slow cooking?

Browning creates a flavorful crust and locks in the meat’s juices, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the pork loin.

  • Can I use fresh or canned pineapple?

Both work well. Canned pineapple chunks with juice are convenient and provide consistent flavor and moisture for the recipe.

  • How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?

The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and can be easily sliced or shredded. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

  • Is it necessary to use brown sugar?

Brown sugar helps caramelize the pork, adding a subtle sweetness and creating a rich glaze that complements the pineapple and soy sauce flavors.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe

Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent slow cooker pineapple pork loin brings tropical Hawaiian flavors to your dinner table. Juicy meat marinates in sweet and tangy sauce, creating a simple yet memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 23 pounds (0.91.4 kilograms) pork loin (trimmed of excess fat)

Seasonings and Sweeteners:

  • 8 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 (23.5 ounces/680 grams) can pineapple chunks with juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pork loin by carefully trimming excess fat and generously seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Create a rich golden exterior by searing the pork in a hot pan with vegetable oil over medium-high heat, browning each side for 2-4 minutes until a deep caramel color develops.
  3. Transfer the browned pork to the slow cooker and thoroughly distribute minced garlic across the surface of the meat.
  4. Gently pour pineapple chunks and their natural juice over the pork, then sprinkle brown sugar evenly to create a sweet caramelized coating.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours for sliceable pork, or extend to 8-10 hours for a more tender, shreddable texture. Periodically baste the meat with accumulated cooking juices to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
  6. For pulled pork variation, shred the meat using two forks and return to the slow cooker, allowing it to simmer for an additional hour to absorb more liquid and intensify flavors.
  7. Plate the pork and serve hot, allowing guests to enjoy the succulent, tropical-infused meat with its rich, caramelized exterior.

Notes

  • Browning the pork before slow cooking creates a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in flavor and provides a deeper taste profile.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked, juicy pork that’s safe to eat.
  • For a low-carb version, replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Save the leftover cooking liquid as a delicious sauce or glaze – it’s packed with concentrated pineapple and pork flavors that can enhance other dishes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star