Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin for an Easy Weeknight Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To elevate the flavor profile even further, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the savory sauce if you enjoy a subtle, sweet-and-spicy kick. The contrast between the sugary pineapple and the spicy pepper flakes creates an exciting depth of flavor.

Additionally, if you prefer an even thicker glaze for serving, you can transfer the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan after the pork is done. Simmer it over medium heat for a few minutes until it reduces into a syrupy consistency.

When carving the pork loin, always ensure you are slicing against the grain. Slicing against the grain cuts through the long muscle fibers, making each bite significantly tenderer and easier to chew.

Use a very sharp carving knife to get clean, beautiful slices without shredding the delicate meat. If you have leftover pineapple chunks, they make an excellent topping for bowls of rice or can be served alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations

• Spicy Pineapple Pork: Add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the savory sauce for a delightful sweet-and-spicy flavor profile.
• Ginger Garlic Pork: Add fresh minced ginger and garlic to the savory sauce before pouring it over the pork for a bolder, aromatic taste.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, keeping the pork covered in the glaze.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked pork and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) with extra glaze to prevent drying.

Allow any leftover pork loin and pineapple to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before storing. Place the sliced pork and the pineapple chunks together with the remaining glaze in an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, ensuring the meat remains submerged in the glaze to keep it moist.

You can easily prepare this recipe ahead of time by searing the pork loin and preparing your savory sauce the night before. Store the seared pork and the sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, simply place the pork in the slow cooker, add the pineapple chunks, pour the sauce over top, and set the timer. This saves valuable prep time on busy mornings.

Serving ideas

Serve this delicious pineapple pork loin over a warm bed of fluffy white jasmine rice or brown rice. The rice acts as a perfect sponge, absorbing the rich, sweet, and savory glaze that pools at the bottom of the plate. You can also pair it with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp green salad to add a fresh, vibrant element that cuts through the richness of the pork.

For a more comforting presentation, serve the sliced pork alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes complement the pineapple beautifully, while the savory glaze serves as an incredible alternative to traditional gravy.

Garnish the platter with the warm, caramelized pineapple chunks arranged elegantly around the sliced pork to create a beautiful presentation for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lb boneless pork loin roast
• 2 tbsp pork seasoning (store-bought or made ahead)
• 20 oz sweet pineapple chunks
• 1 cup thick savory sauce (store-bought or made ahead)

Instructions

1. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Rub the pork seasoning blend evenly over all sides of the pork loin to ensure a flavorful crust.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned pork loin in the hot skillet and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms on all sides.
3. Transfer the seared seasoned pork loin to the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the sweet pineapple chunks all around the sides of the meat.
4. Pour the thick savory sauce directly over the pork loin and pineapple chunks in the slow cooker.
5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours (or on high for 2 to 3 hours). Ensure the pork loin reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when measured with a food thermometer in the thickest part. Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing.
6. Slice the rested pork loin into thick slices using a sharp carving knife. Arrange the slices on a serving platter, surround them with the warm pineapple chunks, and spoon the rich, bubbling sauce generously over the top.

Contains: soy, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

45 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

850 mg

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