Description
This Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin recipe offers an easy, hands-off meal full of flavor. Slow-cooked pork loin infused with sweet pineapple, savory spices, and a hint of tang comes out tender, juicy, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it ideal for busy days or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds pork loin
- 1 can (about 20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Loin: Begin by patting the pork loin dry with paper towels. This ensures the seasonings stick well and prevent steaming inside the crock pot. Season the pork loin generously with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the canned pineapple chunks with their juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well blended.
- Assemble in Crock Pot: Place the seasoned pork loin into the crock pot. Pour the pineapple sauce mixture evenly over the pork, making sure the loin is mostly covered to absorb the flavors.
- Slow Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and feels tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain a steady temperature.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pork loin from the crock pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Stir the remaining juices in the crock pot and drizzle them over the pork slices when serving.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, sear the pork loin in a hot skillet before placing it in the crock pot (optional).
- Adjust brown sugar or pineapple juice quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
- Keep the crock pot lid closed during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
- Use fresh garlic cloves for more vibrant flavor, but onion powder helps enhance aroma without chopping onions.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg