Flavorful Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork Loin (Print version)
Tender slow cooker pork loin with pineapple, garlic, ginger, and a glossy sweet-savory sauce.
# Ingredients:
For the pork
01 -
3 lb (1.4 kg) boneless pork loin, trimmed
02 -
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
03 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
05 -
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
For the pineapple sauce
06 -
1 can (20 oz or 565 g) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
07 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
08 -
1/3 cup (70 g) packed brown sugar
09 -
2 tablespoons honey
10 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
12 -
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
13 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
To finish
14 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch
15 -
2 tablespoons cold water
16 -
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
17 -
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
18 -
Cooked rice, for serving, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat the pork loin dry. Trim excess fat and silver skin, then season all over with salt and black pepper.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until browned, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
03 -
Scatter sliced onion around the pork. In a bowl, stir together pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the pork.
04 -
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, until the thickest part of the pork reaches 145°F for slicing. For softer shredded pork, cook 6-7 hours on low.
05 -
Transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing across the grain.
06 -
Whisk cornstarch with cold water. Stir the slurry into the hot slow cooker juices, cover, and cook on high for 5-10 minutes until glossy. Spoon over sliced pork and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
# Good to know:
01 -
Cook to 145°F for juicy sliced pork loin.
02 -
For shredded pork, cook longer and stir the meat back into the sauce.
03 -
Best served with rice, quinoa, potatoes, or steamed vegetables.