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Tender Pineapple Pork in a Slow Cooker

A cozy, hassle-free dinner featuring pork loin cooked with a sweet-tangy pineapple sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 lb pork loin roast Choose center-cut for best results.
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed or chunked pineapple in juice, not syrup Crushed pineapple makes a smoother sauce.
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey Can swap brown sugar for maple syrup for deeper flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Essential for sauce flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Adds spice to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar Helps balance sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds seasoning.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water for thickening sauce, optional For a glossy finish.
  • 1 small onion, sliced, optional For additional savory notes.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels and sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides. Optionally, sear the pork in a skillet with oil for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
  • Place the pork in the slow cooker and scatter sliced onion around it if using.

Mix the Pineapple Sauce

  • In a bowl, stir together pineapple with its juice, soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and black pepper. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
  • Pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.

Cooking

  • Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, checking for tenderness early.
  • Once done, transfer the pork to a plate, tent with foil, and proceed to thicken the sauce.

Thickening the Sauce

  • Pour sauce into a saucepan and stir cornstarch with water until smooth. Whisk it into the sauce over medium heat until glossy and slightly thickened.
  • Slice or shred the pork and serve with sauce on top.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or potatoes. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently.
Keyword Comfort Food, easy dinner, Family Meal, Pineapple Pork, Slow Cooker Pork