Crockpot Pineapple Pork Loin

Pork loin is one of those cuts that’s both tender and versatile, and when you combine it with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, you end up with a dish that feels special but is actually incredibly easy to make. Using a crockpot takes the pressure off, allowing the pork to slowly soak in all those rich, tangy flavors while staying juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, making it impossible to wait until dinner time.

What makes this recipe so appealing is its simplicity without sacrificing flavor. The pineapple not only adds a natural sweetness but also helps tenderize the pork, giving each bite a succulent texture. You can layer it with a few simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger to add depth, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Even if you’re new to slow cooking, this recipe guides you effortlessly to a delicious dinner that feels gourmet.

Crockpot meals are perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, comforting meal without standing over the stove. You can set it in the morning and come home to a beautifully cooked pork loin that practically falls apart when sliced. It’s also versatile for serving—whether you pair it with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad, it adapts beautifully to your weeknight dinner plans.

Another bonus? Leftovers taste just as good the next day, making it an ideal recipe for meal prep or casual entertaining. The combination of pineapple’s tropical notes and the rich pork flavor keeps it exciting even after reheating. Once you try this crockpot pineapple pork loin, it’s likely to become a repeat on your meal rotation, impressing friends and family with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love It

• Effortless Cooking – Once you prep the ingredients and set your crockpot, there’s no need to watch over the pork loin. It slowly cooks to perfection while you go about your day.
• Tender and Juicy Pork – The low-and-slow cooking method ensures the pork stays incredibly tender and moist, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor – The combination of pineapple, garlic, and soy sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Meal – Serve it over rice, with roasted vegetables, or even in sandwiches and wraps; it works well in a variety of ways.
• Great for Leftovers – Any extra pork loin tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.

Ingredient List

For the Pork Loin:

• 2–3 lb pork loin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For Serving (Optional):

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Steamed or roasted vegetables

Ingredient Notes

• I always use fresh pineapple juice when possible—it adds a brighter, more natural sweetness.
• Don’t skip the garlic and ginger! They give the sauce depth and warmth.
• Brown sugar is essential—it balances the tartness of the pineapple perfectly.
• If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water before adding at the end.
• Using a pork loin around 2–3 lbs ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker – The star of the recipe; slowly cooks the pork to tender perfection. I love my 6-quart programmable one for set-and-forget convenience.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For trimming and slicing the pork loin. A sturdy wooden board makes prep easier.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – Essential for accurate sauce and seasoning measurements.
• Mixing Bowl – To combine the sauce ingredients before pouring over the pork.
• Tongs – For easily placing and turning the pork loin without tearing it.
• Small Whisk or Spoon – For mixing cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker sauce.
• Serving Platter or Bowl – To present your pineapple pork loin beautifully.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Loin

• Trim the pork: Remove any excess fat or silver skin from the pork loin to prevent chewy bits.
• Season the meat: Rub the pork evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure every side is coated for maximum flavor.
  Pro Tip: Let the seasoned pork sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the sauce; it helps the flavors penetrate.

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2. Make the Pineapple Sauce

• Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add pineapple juice, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
• Mix thoroughly: Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well blended.
  Pro Tip: If using cornstarch for a thicker sauce, dissolve it in a small amount of water first to prevent clumps.

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3. Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot

• Place the pork loin: Put the seasoned pork at the bottom of the crockpot.
• Pour the sauce: Gently pour the pineapple sauce over the pork, making sure the pork is mostly covered.
• Add pineapple chunks: Scatter the pineapple chunks around and on top of the pork for extra flavor and sweetness.

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4. Slow Cook the Pork

• Set the crockpot: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
• Check for doneness: The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and be tender enough to pull apart easily.
  Pro Tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often; slow cooking needs consistent heat for the best results.

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5. Finish and Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

• Remove the pork: Transfer the pork to a serving platter and tent with foil to keep warm.
• Thicken the sauce: If you want a thicker glaze, turn the crockpot to HIGH, whisk in the cornstarch slurry, and let it cook for 5–10 minutes.
  Pro Tip: Whisk continuously while adding the slurry to prevent lumps.

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6. Slice and Serve

• Slice the pork: Cut the pork loin into ½–1-inch slices for easy serving.
• Plate and enjoy: Spoon the pineapple sauce and chunks over the sliced pork, and serve with rice or your favorite side dishes.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t skip seasoning: Properly seasoning the pork before cooking ensures every bite is flavorful.
• Use fresh pineapple if possible: It brightens the sauce and gives a natural sweetness that canned juice can’t fully replicate.
• Cook low and slow: For the most tender pork, use the LOW setting on your crockpot—it allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Let it rest: Tent the pork with foil after cooking to lock in juices before slicing.
• Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is perfectly cooked (145°F / 63°C).
• Avoid lifting the lid: Each time you open the crockpot, heat escapes, which can extend cooking time.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Pineapple juice: You can use orange juice for a slightly different citrus twist.
• Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos work as a gluten-free alternative.
• Brown sugar: Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
• Garlic and ginger: Ground garlic and powdered ginger can be used in a pinch.
• Pork loin: Pork tenderloin can be used, but reduce cooking time as it’s smaller and cooks faster.
• Add veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, or onions can be added to the crockpot for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving this pineapple pork loin over steamed jasmine rice with a side of sautéed green beans—it soaks up all the sweet-savory sauce perfectly.
• Pair it with roasted sweet potatoes and a light cabbage slaw for a colorful, flavorful dinner.
• Serve slices of the pork in warm tortillas with extra pineapple chunks and a drizzle of sauce for an easy, fun taco night.
• Top a bed of quinoa or couscous with the sliced pork and sauce for a healthy, protein-packed meal.
• For a comforting family dinner, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots—the flavors blend beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pork and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat on stove: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in microwave: Place pork slices and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Avoid overcooking: Reheat gently to keep the pork tender and juicy; high heat can dry it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork loin?

Yes! Pork tenderloin works well, but it’s smaller and leaner, so reduce the cooking time to avoid drying it out.

Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Absolutely! You can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60–75 minutes, covered with foil, until the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the pork and sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and combine in the crockpot when ready to cook.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and cook on HIGH for 5–10 minutes.

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Definitely! Carrots, bell peppers, and onions work well. Add them at the start for soft veggies or halfway through for firmer ones.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet pineapple flavor balances the savory pork, making it appealing to kids and adults alike.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

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