Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe

Juicy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe for Family Dinner

Mouthwatering slow cooker pineapple pork loin promises a tropical twist that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Sweet and tangy flavors meld together in this effortless dish.

Tender meat absorbs the rich pineapple marinade, creating a succulent main course.

Minimal prep work means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious meals.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver an impressive dinner that looks like you’ve spent hours cooking.

Juicy slices of pork will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let this recipe become your new go-to comfort meal that transports you to a culinary paradise.

Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
  • Unlock Tender Transformation: Slow cooking breaks down tough meat fibers, delivering incredibly soft and juicy pork that practically melts in your mouth with minimal effort.
  • Burst with Tropical Flavors: Pineapple's natural enzymes tenderize the meat while infusing a sweet and tangy dimension that elevates the entire dish's taste profile, creating a delightful culinary experience.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

Main Protein:
  • Pork Loin: A tender cut of meat that absorbs flavors beautifully and becomes incredibly succulent when slow-cooked.
Fruits and Liquid:
  • Pineapple Chunks, Pineapple Juice: A sweet and tangy ingredient that helps tenderize the meat and adds a tropical flavor profile to the dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: A classic spice combination that provides depth, warmth, and balanced seasoning to the pork.
Cooking and Thickening Agents:
  • Oil: Used for searing the pork to create a golden crust and enhance flavor.
  • Arrowroot Flour, Water: A natural thickening agent that helps create a smooth and glossy sauce without altering the taste.

Preparation Guide for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

Preparation Guide for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

Step 1: Prepare Pineapple Base

Open the canned pineapple and pour both the chunks and juice directly into the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful foundation for the pork to cook on, ensuring a moist and tasty result.

Step 2: Season and Sear Pork

Mix chili powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork loin, making sure every surface gets coated.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust develops.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Meat

Gently place the seared pork on top of the pineapple chunks in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat:
  • 4-6 hours for sliceable pork
  • 8 hours for easily shreddable meat

Step 4: Create Sauce Thickness

Optional step for those who love a rich sauce.

Once the pork is tender, remove it from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk arrowroot flour with water until smooth.

Pour the mixture into the cooking liquid and stir thoroughly to create a glossy, thickened sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Slice or shred the pork according to your preference.

You can either mix the meat back into the sauce and pineapple or plate the pork and drizzle with the delicious cooking liquid. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
  • Sear the pork loin before slow cooking to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a beautiful golden crust that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Choose a fatty cut of pork loin for maximum tenderness, ensuring the meat remains juicy and succulent throughout the slow cooking process.
  • Adjust cooking time based on desired meat texture: 4-6 hours for sliced pork or 8 hours for easily shreddable meat, depending on your meal preference.
  • Use arrowroot flour instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free sauce thickening option that provides a smooth, glossy finish without altering the sauce's flavor.
  • Try additional spices like smoked paprika or cumin to customize the pork's seasoning and create a unique flavor variation that suits your taste buds.

Variations of Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

Variations of Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
  • Tropical Mango Pork Fusion: Replace pineapple with fresh mango chunks for a sweeter, softer flavor profile that complements the pork's richness.
  • Caribbean Jerk Transformation: Swap chili powder with Caribbean jerk seasoning and add coconut milk to create a spicy, island-inspired version of the original recipe.
  • Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Replace chili powder with dried oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Add green olives and use white wine instead of pineapple juice for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Option: Substitute pineapple with zucchini chunks and use cauliflower as a side. Increase fat content by adding butter or coconut oil during cooking to maintain keto macronutrient requirements.

Pairing Ideas for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

  • Mix a refreshing pineapple-infused rum cocktail that echoes the dish's sweet and tangy flavor profile, using fresh pineapple juice and a splash of coconut rum.
  • Create a crisp, bright coleslaw with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of honey to complement the pork's rich and sweet undertones, providing a cool contrast to the warm meat.
  • Prepare fragrant coconut rice using coconut milk, which will absorb the pineapple sauce and offer a creamy, tropical backdrop that enhances the pork's Hawaiian-inspired flavors.

Storage Advice for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin

Storage Advice for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
  • Store leftover pork in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the meat stays moist by covering it with remaining sauce and pineapple chunks.
  • Transfer cooled pork to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
  • Place pork in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth or reserved sauce to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

  • What spices enhance the flavor of the pork loin?

The combination of chili powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper creates a robust and balanced seasoning that complements the natural sweetness of the pineapple, adding depth and warmth to the dish.

  • Why is searing the pork important before slow cooking?

Searing develops a golden crust that locks in moisture and creates a rich, caramelized exterior, which intensifies the meat’s flavor and helps prevent it from becoming bland during the long, slow cooking process.

  • Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

While canned pineapple works best due to its consistent moisture and juice content, fresh pineapple can be used. Just ensure you add some additional liquid to maintain the necessary moisture for slow cooking.

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Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe

Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent slow cooker pineapple pork loin brings tropical flavors to your dinner table. Hawaiian-inspired ingredients blend perfectly with tender meat, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs (1.36 kg) boneless pork loin
  • 20 oz (567 g) pineapple chunks (preserved in 100% pineapple juice)
  • 2 tbsps minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup coconut aminos
  • 2 tbsps olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tsps chili powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 tbsps arrowroot flour (optional)
  • 2 tbsps water (optional, for thickening sauce)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker by spreading pineapple chunks and juice across the bottom, creating a flavorful base for the pork loin.
  2. Mix chili powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Massage the spice blend thoroughly into the entire surface of the pork loin, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Sear the seasoned pork loin for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops, enhancing the meat’s flavor profile.
  4. Gently place the seared pork loin atop the pineapple chunks in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours for sliceable meat, or up to 8 hours for easily shreddable texture.
  5. Once cooking is complete, remove the pork from the slow cooker. Create a smooth slurry by whisking arrowroot flour with water, then stir into the cooking liquid to develop a rich, thickened sauce.
  6. Slice or shred the pork according to preference. Reintroduce the meat to the slow cooker, coating it with the thickened pineapple sauce, or plate and drizzle sauce over the top. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

  • Maximize flavor by searing the pork loin before slow cooking, creating a delightful golden crust that locks in rich, deep tastes.
  • Choose a fatty cut like pork shoulder for extra tenderness and juiciness if traditional loin feels too lean.
  • Adjust cooking time based on meat thickness; thinner cuts require shorter cooking periods to prevent drying out.
  • Replace arrowroot with cornstarch or tapioca starch for sauce thickening without compromising texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 347 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 477 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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