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
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Main Protein:Fruits and Liquid:Seasoning Blend:Cooking and Thickening Agents: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: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
Variations of Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Pairing Ideas for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
Storage Advice for Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin
FAQs
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.
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.
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
- 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
- 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
- Prepare the slow cooker by spreading pineapple chunks and juice across the bottom, creating a flavorful base for the pork loin.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.