Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin
This Crock Pot Pineapple Pork Loin recipe offers an effortless, slow-cooked meal combining juicy, tender pork loin with sweet pineapple and savory seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it delivers a tropical flavor explosion with minimal effort and is family-friendly and versatile.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American with tropical influences
- Diet: Gluten Free
Pork and Seasonings
- 1 fresh boneless pork loin (about 2–3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Marinade
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Crock Pot Base
- Prepare the Pork Loin: Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Season liberally with salt, pepper, and olive oil. For enhanced flavor, sear the pork in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown before placing it in the crock pot.
- Mix the Pineapple Marinade: In a bowl, combine pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well to blend the sweet, savory, and spicy elements.
- Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Arrange sliced onions on the bottom of the crock pot to form a flavorful base. Place the pork loin on top, then pour the pineapple marinade evenly over the meat, spreading the pineapple chunks around for even cooking.
- Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork will become tender and absorb the marinade’s flavors throughout this slow cooking process.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pork loin carefully and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Spoon pineapple sauce over the slices and garnish as desired with fresh herbs or sesame seeds.
Notes
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Browning the pork before slow cooking develops deeper savory notes.
- Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple provides a brighter, fresher taste compared to canned versions.
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Allow the pork to rest after cooking to retain juices and ease slicing.
- Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar based on the sweetness of your pineapple and preference.
- Save and Thicken the Sauce: Simmer the leftover cooking liquid with a cornstarch slurry to create a thick sauce for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: pork loin, pineapple pork, crock pot pork, slow cooker recipe, tropical pork, easy pork recipe, gluten-free pork