Description

If you're looking for a dish that combines tender pork with the sweet, tangy flavors of pineapple, this Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork recipe is exactly what you need. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the pork become melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing the delicious tropical flavors of pineapple. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or even a weekend family meal. It’s easy, flavorful, and sure to become a household favorite!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the pork
Start by trimming any excess fat from the 2 pounds of pork shoulder or pork butt. Cut the pork into large chunks, about 2-3 inches in size. This allows the pork to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce as it simmers in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Season the pork
Generously season the pork chunks with salt and pepper on all sides. This basic seasoning helps to enhance the flavor of the pork as it cooks slowly in the pineapple sauce.

Step 3: Add pork to the slow cooker
Place the seasoned pork pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker. The pork will slowly cook and become tender, while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce ingredients.

Step 4: Prepare the sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together 1 can of crushed pineapple (with its juice), 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes (if using). This combination of sweet, salty, and tangy ingredients creates a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the pork.

Step 5: Pour the sauce over the pork
Pour the prepared pineapple sauce mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. Make sure the pork is mostly submerged in the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the flavors as it cooks.

Step 6: Cook the pork
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The pork should be fork-tender by the end of the cooking time. The longer and slower the pork cooks, the more tender and flavorful it will become.

Step 7: Thicken the sauce (optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Once the pork is done cooking, remove the pork from the slow cooker and set it aside. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker, then turn the heat to high and let the sauce cook for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens.

Step 8: Serve
Once the pork is cooked to perfection, shred or slice the pork chunks as desired and return them to the slow cooker to coat in the sauce. Serve the pineapple pork hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some diced bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking. These vegetables will add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish, making it even more vibrant and delicious.

Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with tender pork and a delicious pineapple sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that allows the slow cooker to do all the work, while you enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Follow these steps, and enjoy the tropical flavors of pineapple pork any time!