Tender Pineapple Pork In A Slow Cooker Recipe

Savor the tropical touch as every tender pork piece is bathed in sweet pineapple and tangy spices. This dish embodies Easy Recipes Slow Cooker, resulting in Slow Cooker Meals Pork that are rich, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting. Ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners, this creation transforms simple ingredients into a sumptuous island feast.

I recently tried out this Tender Pineapple Pork recipe in my slow cooker and it totally exceeded my expectations. I used 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch chunks, which turned out super tender after hours of cooking.

The pork absorbed all the flavors from the 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. I also added 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, and 1/4 cup rice vinegar to balance out the sweetness while a pinch of 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes gave it a nice kick.

Salt and pepper were just enough to enhance the taste. I love how this dish not only reminds me of pork laulau and other pork recipes for kids but also fits perfectly as a hearty dinner recipe for family pork nights.

The nutritional value is pretty good with lean protein and vitamin C from the pineapple. It’s a super easy slow cooker meal that you really need to try.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it combines sweet pineapple with savory pork in a way that makes every bite exciting even though its simple. I like that it’s super simple to make—you just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its thing so when I get home, my dinner is ready without too much fuss. Another thing I love is how tender the pork gets after slow cooking; you can really tell the flavors seep into the meat, making it juicy and comforting. And finally, I like that it goes with almost anything, like rice or even a salad, so it always fits right into whatever meal I’m planning.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder: protein rich meat that makes the dish hearty and flavourful.
• Pineapple chunks: adds natural sweetness, vitamin C boost and a tangy twist.
• Soy sauce: delivers salty umami flavor that really deepens and complements the pork.
• Brown sugar: sweetens the dish with rich caramel notes and extra carbs.
• Garlic: offers bold flavor and antioxidants, boosting overall aroma.
• Ginger: gives a subtle spice, helpin digestion and adding depth.
• Rice vinegar: infuses a tangy, sour note that balances the sweet ingredients.
• Red pepper flakes: adds a bit of heat creating a balanced, slightly spicy kick.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain the juice)
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Mix the pineapple chunks with its juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.

2. Season the pork shoulder chunks with salt and pepper then place them in the slow cooker.

3. Pour the pineapple mixture over the pork making sure all pieces get covered nicely.

4. Stir everything a bit to combine the flavors well.

5. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is really tender.

6. Check the pork with a fork; if it’s falling apart then it’s ready.

7. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve the pork over rice or any side dish you like along with some of the extra pineapple sauce.

9. Enjoy your delicious, tangy pineapple pork dinner with your family!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl to mix together the pineapple chunks, juices, and all the seasonings
2. Cutting board and sharp knife for prepping the pork (and if needed, the garlic and ginger)
3. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes
4. Can opener to open the can of pineapple chunks
5. Slow cooker to cook the pork slowly until it’s tender
6. A sturdy spoon for stirring all the ingredients well in the slow cooker
7. A fork to check if the pork is falling apart and ready to serve
8. Serving utensils to scoop the pork and sauce onto a plate or bowl for eating

FAQ

Tender Pineapple Pork In A Slow Cooker Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• You can swap pork shoulder with pork butt if that’s what you have lying around, it cooks up similarly.
• If you can’t get pineapple chunks in juice, try using pineapple puree or even chopped fresh pineapple for a bit of extra flavor.
• If soy sauce is out of stock, tamari or coconut aminos work pretty well as a replacement.
• For brown sugar, you could use white sugar mixed with a small splash of molasses to give that similar taste.
• If rice vinegar is hard to find, apple cider vinegar is a decent alternative. Just use a little less since it’s a bit stronger.

Pro Tips

1. Sear your pork chunks in a hot pan for a couple of minutes before you put them in the slow cooker. This step helps to lock in the flavors and gives a little extra browned taste that you might miss if you skip it.

2. Taste the sauce a couple of times while cooking and don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt or red pepper flakes if you think the flavor needs a boost. Sometimes the slow cooker can mellow out the spices more than expected.

3. If you prefer a thicker sauce to drizzle over rice, try stirring in a small mix of cornstarch and water during the final 20 minutes of cooking. This trick thickens the sauce nicely without taking away from the pineapple tang.

4. For an even more layered flavor, mix in a bit more grated ginger or garlic halfway through the cooking process. This can freshen up the flavor and keep the taste exciting throughout the long cook.