Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

By Muhammad Faizan

🍍 Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

A tender, juicy, sweet-savory pork dish that practically cooks itself!
Pineapple adds natural sweetness and acidity that keeps the pork moist, while soy sauce, garlic, and ginger add deep flavor. Perfect for busy days or feeding a crowd.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

  • 2–3 lb pork loin
  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice — do NOT drain
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp ground ginger

(Optional additions)

  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)

🍽️ Full Recipe Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Plus the juice from the pineapple can

2. Prepare Pork

Place the pork loin into your slow cooker.
Optional: Sear the pork in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side to deepen flavor.

3. Add Pineapple & Sauce

  • Pour the sauce over the pork
  • Add pineapple chunks on top
  • Add sliced onions if using

4. Cook

  • Low: 6–8 hours
  • High: 3–4 hours
    Cook until the pork is tender and easily slices.

5. Finish & Serve

  • Slice or shred the pork
  • Spoon extra pineapple sauce over top
  • Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies

🍍 Description of Flavor

A perfect balance of:

  • Sweet from pineapple + brown sugar
  • Savory from soy sauce
  • Tangy from Dijon
  • Warm spices from ginger & garlic

The pork becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it absorbs the juices.

📌 Notes

  • Use pork loin, not pork tenderloin (tenderloin cooks faster and dries out).
  • If the sauce tastes too sweet, add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
  • For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water and stir in during the last 20 minutes.

💡 Tips

  • Don’t drain the pineapple — the juice is essential for flavor & tenderness.
  • Add bell peppers in the last hour for color and freshness.
  • For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork in the sauce for 2–12 hours before cooking.
  • Great for meal prep — stays juicy even when reheated.
  • Shred the leftovers for tacos, sliders, or rice bowls.

🍽️ Servings

Serves 6–8
Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or batch-cooking.

📊 Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

Based on 8 servings

  • Calories: 330–380
  • Protein: 32–35g
  • Carbs: 18–22g
  • Fat: 10–12g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Sodium: ~780mg
  • Sugar: 14–18g (from pineapple & brown sugar)

🌟 Benefits

  • Hands-off cooking — set it and forget it
  • High-protein, satisfying meal
  • Kid-friendly sweet flavor
  • Budget-friendly ingredients
  • Great leftover versatility
  • Naturally dairy-free

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! But add 1/2 cup extra liquid (water or broth) since fresh pineapple has less juice.

Q2: Can I use pork shoulder?

Yes — it becomes even more tender. Increase cook time by 1 hour.

Q3: Can I make this spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sliced jalapeños.

Q4: What pairs well with this?

  • Steamed rice or coconut rice
  • Roasted veggies
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Hawaiian rolls

Q5: Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months with the sauce.

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