Description
Hawaiian-inspired slow cooker pork loin brings tropical sweetness to dinner tables with minimal effort. Juicy pork infused with tangy pineapple and aromatic spices promises a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2–3 lb pork loin roast (boneless or bone-in)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 can pineapple chunks (20 ounces / 567 grams, with juice)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (regular or reduced-sodium)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Craft a robust spice mixture by combining onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly massage the spice blend into the entire surface of the pork loin, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Warm of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for searing.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork loin into the hot skillet, browning each side for approximately 1-2 minutes until a golden-caramel crust develops.
- Transfer the seared pork loin to the slow cooker, strategically sprinkling minced garlic across its surface for aromatic depth.
- Pour of low-sodium soy sauce over the meat, then gently add canned pineapple chunks with their natural juice.
- Evenly distribute of dark brown sugar across the pork, creating a sweet caramelization layer.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and cook on LOW temperature for 5-6 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and infused with tropical flavors.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pork loin and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding or slicing against the grain.
- Strain the remaining cooking liquid and drizzle over the meat for an extra burst of flavor when serving with steamed jasmine rice or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Notes
- Seasoning blend doubles as a flavor-packed rub, intensifying the pork’s taste with each spice-coated inch.
- Searing creates a golden crust that locks in juices and develops deep, caramelized flavors before slow cooking.
- Garlic sprinkled directly onto meat infuses subtle aromatic notes throughout the entire cooking process.
- Pineapple juice and chunks transform the cooking liquid into a sweet-tangy sauce that tenderizes the meat.
- Slow cooking allows collagen to break down, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth pork that practically falls apart.
- Serving suggestions include shredding meat over rice or pairing with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg