This delicious Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork comes together in about 10 minutes of prep time and cooks slowly while you carry on with your day, making it the ultimate quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. And trust me, the flavors of succulent pork mingling with sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredient Breakdown
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this slow cooker pineapple pork. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 pounds pork shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes so tender and flavorful. You can also use pork loin if that’s what you have on hand.
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned): I usually go with canned pineapple for convenience, but fresh adds a bright, juicy flavor.
1/2 cup soy sauce: This is the backbone of the dish, providing a fantastic savory taste that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
1/4 cup brown sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way, enhancing those tropical flavors.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better! The aroma as it cooks is just heavenly.
1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick, but ground ginger will work too if that’s what you have.
1 onion, sliced: A nice addition for depth and sweetness; let those onions become tender and translucent, it’s a game-changer!
Salt and pepper, to taste: Just a couple pinches will do; we want to enhance flavors, not overpower them.
Cooked rice for serving: This is a must! It soaks up all the juices and makes for a hearty meal.
Let’s Get Cooking!
So, here’s how to turn these ingredients into a comforting, soul-satisfying dish that practically cooks itself!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. The first step is super straightforward; just pop that beautiful cut of meat right into your slow cooker. If you can, cut it into large chunks because this will help it absorb all those flavors beautifully as it cooks!
In a bowl, mix the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, onion, salt, and pepper. Seriously, divine smells already! Make sure you get everything mixed up nicely; the brown sugar loves to stick together, so give it a good stir until it dissolves and everything’s combined.
Pour the mixture over the pork. This is where the magic happens! The pineapple and sauce create a sweet and savory blanket that will keep the pork moist and flavorful as it cooks to perfection.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender. This is the “set it and forget it” part! You can go about your day, and the slow cooker does all the work. I love to stir in a couple of hours just to ensure that everything is immersed in those luscious juices.
Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce. You’ll know this is ready when the pork just falls apart as you shred it so satisfying! Get in there and mix it all around so that every bit is coated in that amazing sauce.
Serve over rice or with your favorite sides. I like to pile mine high on fluffy, white rice. You could also try it with some steamed veggies or a fresh salad on the side!
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this slow cooker pineapple pork is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting yet easy. It’s just so darn simple! I love how it takes minimal hands-on time but delivers a really delicious dish that feels special, perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen for hours. My kids love it too; you know that feeling when they ask for seconds? Yep, happens every time with this recipe! And the best part is that it’s adaptable; if you’ve got some leftover veggies, toss them in, or use whatever protein you have on hand. It’s just the kind of comfort food that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce, my Crockpot Beef Bourguignon, or my Easy Crockpot Carnitas!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
What I really love about this slow cooker pineapple pork is that it truly comes together in under 10 minutes of prep time. Most of the cooking is hands-off time, so it fits perfectly into the busiest of schedules. Oh, and if you throw it in before heading out for errands? Just excellent.
One Pot Wonder
This dish is a one-pot meal! All the ingredients go directly into the slow cooker, meaning minimal cleanup yay! Just the slow cooker and maybe a bowl for mixing; it doesn’t get any easier than that!
Comfort Food Delight
(Loaded with tons of flavor) seriously! The combination of sweet pineapple, rich soy sauce, and ginger creates a delightful symphony of tastes that’s nothing short of a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul, particularly on chilly evenings or after a long day.
Customizable
Now, let’s talk about versatility. This recipe is so customizable! If you want to ditch the pineapple for some other fruits or swap out the pork for chicken or beef, go for it! Add in bell peppers, carrots, or any veggies you have. This dish changes with the seasons and what’s in your fridge, making it perfect for any day of the week.
Meal Prep Friendly
This slow cooker pineapple pork is great for meal prep. You can easily make a big batch and store the leftovers for weekday lunches, which is a huge time-saver. Just reheat it, and you’ll have an instant meal without the fuss!
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Recipe
I recommend serving this slow cooker pineapple pork over a bed of warm, fluffy rice white or brown, whatever you prefer! It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a splash of color and extra nutrition. If you’re feeling fancy, throw a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions on top!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
This dish keeps well! You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even more delectable the next day!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave until warm, or you can reheat it on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or broth to get it nice and saucy again trust me, you want that!
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! This slow cooker pineapple pork is freezer friendly! After it has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again, then follow the reheating instructions for the best results.
And there you have it! A beloved, easy, and comforting recipe that saves time and delivers flavor. I really can’t wait for you to try this slow cooker pineapple pork! So, gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and get ready for a meal that will delight your whole family, because everyone deserves a dinner that’s this good!
Remember, cooking should be fun and joyful, so don’t hesitate to make this dish your own!
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Print
Quick and Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork
- Total Time: 370 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe with succulent pork, sweet pineapple, and savory soy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender.
- Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce.
- Serve over rice or with your favorite sides.
Notes
This dish is customizable; feel free to add any leftover veggies or switch proteins as desired. It keeps well for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
