Craving a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with tropical flavors? Look no further than the Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin! This slow-cooked pork dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the sweetness of pineapple with the savory richness of the pork loin. By letting the flavors meld together in your trusty slow cooker, you’ll end up with a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful pork loin that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
The beauty of this Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients and minimal prep work, you can transform an ordinary pork loin into a culinary masterpiece. The slow-cooking process allows the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the pineapple, soy sauce, and aromatics create a delectable sauce that perfectly complements the meat.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin
- 2–3 lb pork loin, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 1 can pineapple chunks with juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Preparing the Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin
To begin, season the pork loin with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning blend will enhance the natural flavors of the meat and create a delicious base for the dish.
Next, place the seasoned pork loin in your slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the pineapple juice, pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Give this mixture a good stir to ensure all the flavors are well incorporated.
Now, pour the pineapple mixture over the pork loin, making sure it’s well coated. Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen! Cook the pork on the LOW setting for 6–8 hours, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is tender and juicy.
If you’d like to thicken the sauce, simply mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. The sauce will thicken up nicely, creating a luscious coating for the pork loin.
Serving the Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin
Once the pork loin is cooked to perfection, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite with every slice.
Spoon the flavorful pineapple sauce over the sliced pork loin, making sure to coat it evenly. Serve this Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin with a side of steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enhancing the Flavor of Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin
To enhance the flavor of your Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin, consider marinating the pork loin in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger mixture for several hours or overnight before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Additionally, adding fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions during the last hour of cooking can brighten the dish. For a touch of heat, incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce can complement the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully.
Adding Vegetables to the Crockpot
Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to the Crockpot while cooking the pork loin. Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas work well and can absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce. Just be mindful of the cooking time; denser vegetables like carrots should be cut into smaller pieces and added at the beginning of the cooking process, while more delicate vegetables like bell peppers can be added in the last hour to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Adjusting the Sweetness of Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin
If you find your Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin too sweet, there are several adjustments you can make. Reducing the amount of brown sugar or pineapple juice in the recipe is a good starting point. Additionally, adding a splash of vinegar (like apple cider or rice vinegar) can help balance the sweetness with acidity. Incorporating more soy sauce will also add a savory depth that counteracts the sweetness. Tasting as you go will allow you to achieve the perfect balance for your palate.
Thickening the Sauce
If the sauce is too thin after cooking your Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin, you can thicken it easily. First, remove the pork loin from the Crockpot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix equal parts cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Turn the Crockpot to high, add the slurry to the sauce, and stir well. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, you can also use a blender to puree a portion of the sauce and mix it back in to thicken it naturally.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
FAQs
What is the best way to enhance the flavor of Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin during cooking?
To enhance the flavor of your Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin, consider marinating the pork loin in the pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger mixture for several hours or overnight before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Additionally, adding fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions during the last hour of cooking can brighten the dish. For a touch of heat, incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce can complement the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot while cooking the pork loin?
Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to the Crockpot while cooking the pork loin. Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas work well and can absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce. Just be mindful of the cooking time; denser vegetables like carrots should be cut into smaller pieces and added at the beginning of the cooking process, while more delicate vegetables like bell peppers can be added in the last hour to prevent them from becoming too soft.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish if I find it too sweet?
If you find your Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin too sweet, there are several adjustments you can make. Reducing the amount of brown sugar or pineapple juice in the recipe is a good starting point. Additionally, adding a splash of vinegar (like apple cider or rice vinegar) can help balance the sweetness with acidity. Incorporating more soy sauce will also add a savory depth that counteracts the sweetness. Tasting as you go will allow you to achieve the perfect balance for your palate.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin after cooking?
If the sauce is too thin after cooking your Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin, you can thicken it easily. First, remove the pork loin from the Crockpot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix equal parts cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Turn the Crockpot to high, add the slurry to the sauce, and stir well. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, you can also use a blender to puree a portion of the sauce and mix it back in to thicken it naturally.
Dive into the irresistible flavors of Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin and let your taste buds transport you to a tropical paradise, all within the comfort of your own home. Enjoy this easy-to-prepare, slow-cooked masterpiece and share it with your loved ones for a truly delightful dining experience.
For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.
Print
Create a Mouthwatering Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin at Home!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tropical
Description
Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin is a flavorful and tender slow-cooked dish combining the sweetness of pineapple with savory pork loin, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
- 2–3 pound pork loin, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 1 can pineapple chunks with juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Season the pork loin with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the seasoned pork loin in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine pineapple juice, pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Stir to combine.
- Pour the pineapple mixture over the pork loin, ensuring it is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is tender.
- If desired, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, stir this slurry into the sauce to thicken it.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the pork loin in the pineapple juice mixture for several hours or overnight before cooking. Adding fresh herbs during the last hour can brighten the dish. Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar or adding vinegar if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg