Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork

This slow cooker pineapple pork recipe creates an irresistible blend of savory and sweet that will have your family asking for seconds. The tender chunks of pork shoulder simmer with juicy pineapple for hours, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and exciting to your taste buds.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic month when I needed more hands-off dinner solutions. After the first bite, my family declared it an instant favorite, and it's now in our regular rotation for those days when I need dinner to practically make itself.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder or pork butt: 2 pounds The marbling in these cuts breaks down during slow cooking for incredibly tender results
• Canned pineapple chunks: 20 ounces Use juice packed varieties for more natural sweetness and reserve the juice for the sauce
• Soy sauce: 1/4 cup Provides the perfect umami base for the sauce and helps tenderize the meat
• Brown sugar: 1/4 cup Caramelizes during cooking to enhance the natural sweetness of the pineapple
• Garlic: 3 cloves Fresh minced garlic offers far better flavor than pre-minced versions in jars
• Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon Look for firm roots without wrinkles for the brightest flavor
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon Creates a silky textured sauce that clings perfectly to the meat
• Green onions: for garnish Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor to the finished dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the sauce:

Combine the reserved pineapple juice with soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger in a bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce forms the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Set up the slow cooker:

Place the pork chunks in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure to trim excess fat but leave some for flavor. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the meat, ensuring all pieces get coated.

Slow cook to perfection:

Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You'll know the pork is ready when it falls apart easily when pressed with a fork. The slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Add pineapple:

During the final hour of cooking, gently stir in the pineapple chunks. Adding them later prevents them from breaking down completely and maintains some texture contrast in the final dish.

Thicken the sauce:

Create a smooth slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Remove the meat and pineapple and transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and add the slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.

Combine and serve:

Return the pork and pineapple to the thickened sauce, folding gently to coat everything evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

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The reserved pineapple juice is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. The first time I made this dish, I almost discarded it and used water instead. What a mistake that would have been! The juice adds natural sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the pork while creating a sauce with incredible depth of flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This pineapple pork creates a stunning presentation when served over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce while providing the perfect neutral backdrop for the flavorful pork and pineapple. For a complete meal, add a simple side of steamed broccoli or a crisp Asian slaw to balance the sweet richness of the main dish.

Storage and Leftovers

The beauty of this slow cooker pineapple pork lies in how well it keeps. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight, making this an excellent make ahead meal option. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through.

For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion leftovers into individual servings before freezing for easy grab and go meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results and texture.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as written, it welcomes creative adaptations based on what you have available. Try substituting chicken thighs for the pork shoulder for a lighter option with equally tender results. The cooking time will reduce to about 4 to 5 hours on low.

For those who enjoy spice, add a tablespoon of sriracha or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking. The heat balances beautifully with the sweet pineapple and creates a more complex flavor profile that spice lovers will appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works well. Simply substitute canned pineapple chunks with freshly cut pieces and use an equivalent amount of pineapple juice if you have it available.

→ What is the best cut of pork for this dish?

Pork shoulder or pork butt are ideal for slow cooking as they become tender and flavorful after several hours of cooking.

→ Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a dutch oven or cook it on the stovetop over low heat. Just keep an eye on the liquid level and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

→ How can I thicken the sauce effectively?

To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry and add it to the cooking juices. Heat until it thickens to your desired consistency.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad make excellent accompaniments to balance the sweetness of the pineapple pork.