Pineapple Pork Slow Cooker: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Pineapple pork slow cooker: just the words alone conjure up images of tender, juicy pork infused with the sweet and tangy taste of tropical paradise. Imagine coming home after a long day to the intoxicating aroma of this dish, knowing that a flavorful and satisfying meal is ready and waiting. Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum flavor?

While the exact origins of combining pineapple and pork are debated, the pairing has roots in various culinary traditions, particularly in Polynesian and Asian cuisines. The sweetness of pineapple beautifully complements the richness of pork, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that has delighted palates for generations. This particular slow cooker adaptation is a modern twist on a classic combination, designed for convenience without sacrificing taste.

People adore pineapple pork slow cooker recipes for several reasons. First and foremost, the taste is simply irresistible. The pork becomes incredibly tender and succulent during the slow cooking process, practically melting in your mouth. The pineapple adds a bright, fruity sweetness that cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a delightful contrast. Secondly, the slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare. Simply toss the ingredients into the pot, set it, and forget it! It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Finally, it’s a versatile dish that can be served in so many ways – over rice, in tacos, or even on Hawaiian rolls for sliders. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients:

• For the Pork:
• 2-3 lb pork shoulder roast, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• For the Pineapple Sauce:
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• For Serving (Optional):
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Preparing the Pork

1. First, let’s get that pork ready! Pat the pork shoulder roast dry with paper towels. This helps it get a nice sear.
2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is our simple but effective spice rub.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork roast, making sure to coat it evenly. Don’t be shy, really get it in there!
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. We’re going to sear the pork to develop some flavor.
5. Carefully place the seasoned pork roast in the hot skillet. Sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is crucial for building a rich, savory base for our dish. Don’t skip it!

Making the Pineapple Sauce

1. While the pork is searing, let’s prepare the pineapple sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the undrained pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. The pineapple juice adds sweetness and helps tenderize the pork.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This is our slurry, which will thicken the sauce as it cooks. Make sure there are no lumps!
3. Set the cornstarch slurry aside for now. We’ll add it later.
4. Chop the red and green bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic. These veggies will add flavor and texture to the sauce.

Slow Cooking the Pineapple Pork

1. Now, it’s time to combine everything in the slow cooker. Place the seared pork roast in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Pour the pineapple sauce mixture over the pork roast. Make sure the pork is mostly submerged in the sauce.
3. Add the chopped bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the slow cooker.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will be! I usually prefer the low setting for maximum tenderness.
5. Once the pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
6. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. This is the best part!
7. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce in the slow cooker. This will make the sauce less greasy.
8. Turn the slow cooker to high. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and stir well. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
9. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat it evenly with the thickened pineapple sauce. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving the Pineapple Pork

1. Serve the pineapple pork over cooked rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce!
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
3. Enjoy! This pineapple pork is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Tips and Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, celery, or even chunks of fresh pineapple.
• Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for a bit of tang.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute.
• Serving Suggestions: This pineapple pork is also delicious served in lettuce wraps, on Hawaiian rolls as sliders, or even as a topping for pizza.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pork and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
• Freezing: Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pork Alternatives: While pork shoulder is the traditional choice, you can also use pork loin or even chicken thighs for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken thighs will cook faster than pork.
• Fresh Pineapple: While canned pineapple is convenient, using fresh pineapple will elevate the flavor of this dish. If using fresh pineapple, be sure to core it and cut it into chunks. You may need to add a little extra brown sugar to compensate for the lack of sweetness in fresh pineapple compared to canned.
• Soy Sauce Alternatives: If you are sensitive to soy, you can use coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. Coconut aminos have a similar flavor profile but are soy-free and gluten-free.
• Adding a Kick: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the pineapple sauce. Hoisin sauce adds a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavor.
• Slow Cooker Size: This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the amount of ingredients.
• Don’t Overcook: While it’s difficult to overcook pork shoulder in a slow cooker, it’s still possible. Overcooked pork can become dry and stringy. Check the pork for tenderness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Pineapple Pork Slow Cooker recipe is truly a game-changer. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly blends sweet, savory, and tangy flavors into a symphony that will have your taste buds singing. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its simplicity. Seriously, dump everything in, set it, and forget it – what could be easier?

I know what you might be thinking: “Pineapple and pork? Really?” Trust me on this one. The pineapple tenderizes the pork beautifully, infusing it with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory notes of the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It’s a flavor combination that’s both familiar and exciting, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to focus on other things – like maybe enjoying a well-deserved glass of wine while the delicious aroma fills your kitchen!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions. My personal favorite is to serve this Pineapple Pork Slow Cooker over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, creating a truly satisfying and comforting meal. But don’t feel limited to just rice! You could also serve it with quinoa, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try serving it in lettuce wraps with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Want to add a little heat? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. Prefer a more pronounced ginger flavor? Add a little extra grated ginger. You could even add some other vegetables to the slow cooker, like bell peppers, onions, or carrots. The possibilities are endless!

Another fantastic variation is to shred the pork and use it as a filling for tacos or sliders. Top it with some coleslaw and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a truly unforgettable meal. Or, if you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer, try serving the shredded pork on top of toasted baguette slices with a dollop of cream cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro.

I truly believe that this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, easy-to-make meals. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a casual weekend gathering. The slow cooker makes it incredibly convenient, and the flavor is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this Pineapple Pork Slow Cooker recipe. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And when you do try it, please, please, please come back and let me know what you think! Share your photos, your variations, and your overall experience in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear all about it! Happy cooking!

I’m excited for you to try this recipe and discover how easy and delicious it is to create a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and find what works best for your taste buds. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so embrace the process and let your creativity shine!

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