Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Steaks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the pork steaks in a hot skillet for one minute per side before placing them in the slow cooker.

While the video shows a direct dump-and-go method, this extra step helps build a caramelized crust that adds complexity to the final sauce. However, this is optional and not strictly necessary for a tender, delicious result.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the pork and vegetables, then set the slow cooker to high and reduce the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes.

This will concentrate the pineapple flavors and thicken the consistency. Alternatively, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce to help it thicken more quickly.

Variations

• Spicy Hawaiian Pork: Add a tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha sauce to the pineapple sauce before pouring it over the pork. This introduces a pleasant heat that balances the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
• Savory Onion Addition: Slice a large yellow onion into thick wedges and layer them at the bottom of the slow cooker along with the pork. The onions will melt into the sauce, adding a savory depth and natural sweetness that complements the pineapple.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until piping hot.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the pork submerged in the sauce to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.

Properly stored, the dish will remain safe to eat for up to 3 days. Always ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent the absorption of other odors from your refrigerator.

This dish is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes it a perfect option for meal prepping at the start of the week for quick, effortless dinners.

Serving ideas

Serve the pork steaks hot, directly from the slow cooker or plated individually. Spoon a generous amount of the pineapple and green pepper sauce over the meat. The sweetness of the pineapple and the savory notes of the pork pair exceptionally well with a side of steamed white rice or jasmine rice, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce.

Consider serving the steaks alongside steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the vegetables contrasts beautifully with the tender, saucy pork. Ensure that each serving includes a portion of the pineapple and peppers from the slow cooker to provide a variety of textures and flavors on the plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Steaks

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in pork shoulder steaks
• 2 cups pineapple chunks
• 1 cup green bell pepper pieces
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup pineapple sauce

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in pork shoulder steaks into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Arrange them so they overlap slightly if necessary to fit. Add the pineapple chunks and green bell pepper pieces over the top of the pork, distributing them evenly to ensure flavor permeates the meat during the long cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the ground ginger and garlic powder evenly over the pork, pineapple, and peppers. Pour the pineapple sauce over the entire mixture, ensuring the meat is well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to low. Cook for 6 hours until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
3. Verify the pork is fully cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove the steaks from the slow cooker and let them rest on a plate for at least 3 minutes before serving with the sauce and vegetables from the pot.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.