Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork

This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork is a tropical-inspired dish that’s packed with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Pork loin slowly braises in a delicious marinade of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and fresh pineapple, creating a rich and tender meat that practically falls apart. It’s the perfect recipe for a busy day, allowing you to set it and forget it while enjoying a delicious meal that’s great for dinner or even entertaining.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 2-3 lb pork loin roast

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • Extra virgin olive oil for browning

  • ½ cup dark brown sugar

  • ¾ cup apple cider vinegar

  • ½ cup honey

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 2 tsp salt

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced

  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

  • 2 tbsp cold water for slurry

Directions

  1. Sear the Pork:
    Drizzle olive oil into a skillet and heat over medium. Brown the pork loin roast on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to the slow cooker.

  2. Prepare the Marinade:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, salt, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes.

  3. Slow Cook:
    Slice the onion and scatter it around the pork in the slow cooker. Add the diced pineapple and pour the marinade over the pork and onions. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and fully cooked.

  4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
    For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to thicken.

  5. Serve:
    Slice or shred the pork, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

  • Calories: 350

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Protein: 34g

  • Fat: 12g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 26g

Why Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Works So Well

The slow cooking process is ideal for pork loin because it allows the meat to absorb the flavors of the marinade while becoming incredibly tender. The sugar and honey in the marinade create a beautiful caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tanginess from the apple cider vinegar and the umami from the soy sauce. Fresh pineapple adds a juicy, fruity burst that enhances the entire flavor profile, making the dish both sweet and savory. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe incredibly easy while still delivering maximum flavor.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Pineapple Pork

  • Pork Loin Roast: This cut of meat is lean yet tender, and when slow-cooked, it becomes juicy and flavorful. Pork loin is perfect for braising, as it absorbs the marinade well and remains moist throughout the cooking process.

  • Brown Sugar: The dark brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the marinade, balancing out the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the soy sauce.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar provides acidity that cuts through the richness of the pork, while adding a subtle fruity flavor that complements the pineapple.

  • Honey: The honey adds natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the brown sugar to create a sticky, glossy sauce that enhances the pork’s flavor.

  • Soy Sauce: Soy sauce introduces a savory, umami depth to the dish, making it a balanced combination of sweet and salty.

  • Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory flavor that ties all the ingredients together.

  • Fresh Pineapple: Pineapple not only adds sweetness but also provides a juicy burst of freshness, perfectly balancing the rich pork and the other ingredients in the marinade.

  • Onion: The onion adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks down with the pork, infusing the dish with even more savory goodness.

The Slow Cooking Process

One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Here’s how it all comes together:

  1. Sear the Pork: Begin by browning the pork loin roast in a skillet with a bit of olive oil. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds a delicious sear to the meat. Brown the pork on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer it to the slow cooker.

  2. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, salt, garlic, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. The red pepper flakes can be added if you want a bit of heat in the dish, but they are completely optional.

  3. Slow Cook: Slice the onion and scatter it around the pork in the slow cooker. Add the diced fresh pineapple and pour the marinade over the pork and onions. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and fully cooked. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

  4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.

  5. Serve: Once the pork is done, slice or shred the meat and drizzle with the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh finish. Serve the dish with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork

This dish is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

  • Rice: Serve the pineapple pork with steamed white or brown rice, which will soak up the delicious sauce and create a well-balanced meal.

  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting base for the rich and savory pork, balancing the sweetness of the pineapple sauce.

  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts would pair well with the tropical flavors of the pork, providing a healthy and flavorful side.

  • Simple Green Salad: A fresh, light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork is a tropical-inspired dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The tender, juicy pork is infused with a delicious, sweet-savory sauce that’s made even more flavorful by the pineapple and spices. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a dish that’s impressive enough for entertaining, this slow cooker recipe delivers bold, tropical flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Leave a Comment