Get ready to fall head over heels for Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin—a dish that delivers melt-in-your-mouth pork, a tangy-sweet sauce, and tropical pineapple bliss, all with barely any hands-on time! This recipe is the ultimate proof that the slow cooker can transform simple ingredients into a dinner you crave all week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: Your Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin does all the heavy lifting—just prep in the morning and come home to a heavenly aroma and a perfectly cooked meal.
- Unbeatable Flavor Combo: Savory soy, sweet pineapple, and warm ginger unite for a sauce that’s complex, balanced, and utterly addictive.
- Tender and Juicy Every Time: Slow-cooking guarantees pork loin that shreds effortlessly and soaks up every drop of that glorious sauce.
- Crowd & Family-Friendly: This recipe makes enough for a hungry crew (or plenty of leftovers) and works for weeknights, parties, or lazy weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes it’s the simplest ingredients that create the most memorable meals! Each element of this Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin brings either big flavor, irresistible texture, or tantalizing color, making every bite feel special and satisfying.
- Pork loin (3 1/2 lb): The star of the show—choose a well-trimmed pork loin for tender, juicy meat that holds its shape yet shreds easily.
- Oil: Just a tablespoon is ideal for getting a gorgeous golden sear on your pork before slow-cooking.
- Salt, paprika, onion powder, ground ginger: This quick seasoning blend punches up the flavor and gives a warm, savory backbone.
- Pineapple chunks in 100% juice (20 oz): Don’t drain that juice! You’ll use it for both juicy sweetness and a tangy, tropical sauce with real pineapple flavor.
- Soy sauce: Adds deep, umami richness and brings all the flavors together.
- Sweet onion (about 2/3 cup): Dice it up for a gentle sweetness and savory base that melts into the sauce.
- Cornstarch and cold water: This classic combo creates a silky, glossy sauce right at the end.
Variations
One of the best things about Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin is just how easy it is to tweak! Swap in flavors you love, cater to allergies, or add a spicy twist—this recipe invites experimentation.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the sauce for a sweet-and-heat combo that will wake up your taste buds.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep things lighter on salt without losing any flavor punch.
- Pineapple Swap: Try fresh pineapple for an extra-bright, slightly tangy flavor; just add a splash of pineapple juice separately.
- Add Veggies: Toss bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots on top in the last hour for extra color and crunch.
How to Make Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin
Step 1: Prep & Season the Pork Loin
Start by patting your pork loin completely dry—this helps the spice blend stick and makes the sear extra flavorful. Combine your salt, paprika, onion powder, and ginger in a small bowl, then rub the mix all over the pork for even coverage and maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat a large skillet with a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork loin, starting with the fat side down, for 3–4 minutes per side. This golden crust adds irresistible flavor and keeps those tasty juices sealed in for slow cooking.
Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Dice your onion and drain the pineapple, saving every drop of that liquid gold (the juice!). Pour the soy sauce into the reserved pineapple juice—you should end up with about three-quarters of a cup combined. Place half the pineapple chunks on the bottom of your Crock Pot, then nestle the pork loin on top, fat side up. Top with the rest of the pineapple and diced onion, and pour the soy sauce/pineapple juice mixture over everything.
Step 4: Slow Cook & Shred
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let your Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin cook for 5 hours, until it’s unbelievably tender and easily shreds with a fork. That’s when you know it’s ready for its grand finale!
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Strain the cooking liquid through a sieve into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Whisk the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then slowly add it to the bubbling sauce, stirring until it thickens into a beautiful, glossy glaze that’s ready to pour over your pork.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker (or a serving platter), pour that luscious pineapple-soy sauce all over, and garnish with a few reserved pineapple chunks. Dinner is served with a tropical twist!
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin
- Double the Sauce for Extra Drizzle: Love lots of sauce for your rice, noodles, or veggies? Double the soy sauce, pineapple juice, and cornstarch mixture for a saucier finish.
- Fat Side Up for Flavor: Always position your pork loin with the fat cap facing up—this helps keep the meat juicy and self-bastes as it cooks.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the pork before slow cooking boosts both flavor and color, making every slice Instagram-worthy.
- Reserve Pineapple for Serving: Set aside some pineapple chunks before thickening the sauce so you’ll have gorgeous pieces for garnish and plenty of fruity bites alongside the pork.
How to Serve Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a handful of fresh cilantro. Those glistening pineapple chunks reserved from the slow cooker not only look beautiful on top, but provide extra bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Steamed broccoli, stir-fried snap peas, or garlicky bok choy are all stellar veggie companions. For something heartier, try with coconut rice or even tucked inside bao buns or Hawaiian rolls for playful sliders!
Creative Ways to Present
This dish shines beyond the dinner plate! Try shredding the pork and serving in lettuce cups for a lighter bite. Pile leftovers over grain bowls with pickled veggies for a vibrant lunch. Or elegant dinner party? Serve thick slices of pork on a platter, topped with pineapple and finished with a drizzle of sauce table-side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, let your Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers (with sauce) into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the flavors only deepen each day!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions of pork and sauce together for easy future dinners. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible, and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently simmer on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. For the juiciest results, cover tightly so the pork steams—this keeps it as tender as when first made!
FAQs
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Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin?
Pork tenderloin is leaner and smaller, so it cooks faster and can dry out more easily in a slow cooker. If using tenderloin, check for doneness around the 3-hour mark and reduce cooking time to keep the meat juicy.
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What if I only have pineapple slices or crushed pineapple?
No worries! You can use fresh pineapple or other canned pineapple options—just be sure they’re packed in 100% juice, not syrup. If using slices, chop them into bite-sized pieces; for crushed pineapple, the sauce will be more textured but just as delicious.
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How can I make Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for regular soy sauce, and always check your spice labels to ensure they’re gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
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Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the pork with its seasoning, chop the onions, and measure out the liquids the night before. In the morning, simply layer everything in the slow cooker and hit start—easy as can be.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s both comfort food and a little bit special, Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin is the one. I hope it finds a spot at your table soon—whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive potluck. Give it a try and let every bite of that tender pork and bright sauce transport you some place sunny!
Print
Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin recipe is a delightful combination of juicy pork loin infused with sweet pineapple flavor, creating a tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pork Loin:
- 3 1/2 lb pork loin
- 1 tbs oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ginger, ground
Pineapple Sauce:
- 20 ounces pineapple chunks in 100% juice*
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2/3 cup sweet onion, diced about 1/2 an onion
- 1 tbs cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tbs cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Heat oil in a skillet. Rub the pork loin with a spice mixture.
- Sear the Pork: Brown the pork on all sides in the skillet.
- Prepare Pineapple Sauce: Dice onion and combine with soy sauce and pineapple juice.
- Slow Cooker Assembly: Layer pineapple chunks, then place the seared pork loin on top. Add remaining pineapple, onion, and soy sauce mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours until pork is tender.
- Prepare Sauce: Thicken the cooking liquid with a cornstarch slurry.
- Serve: Serve the pork with the sauce and reserved pineapple chunks.
Notes
- *Do NOT discard the pineapple juice, it’s essential to the recipe!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
