Pineapple Pork Slow Cooker: Delicious & Easy Recipe

Pineapple Pork Slow Cooker: Get ready to transform your kitchen into a tropical paradise with this incredibly easy and flavorful recipe! Imagine tender, juicy pork infused with the sweet and tangy taste of pineapple, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a culinary vacation without ever leaving your home.

The combination of pork and pineapple has a rich history, particularly in Polynesian and Asian cuisines, where the sweetness of fruit is often used to balance the savory richness of meat. This delightful pairing has been passed down through generations, evolving into countless variations, each with its own unique twist. Our version aims to capture the essence of this classic combination while offering the ultimate convenience for busy weeknights.

What makes this Pineapple Pork Slow Cooker recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tender textures. The pineapple not only imparts a delicious flavor but also helps to tenderize the pork, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work! Simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it. Come home to a mouthwatering aroma and a ready-to-eat meal that the whole family will love. It’s the ideal solution for those who crave delicious, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): 3-4 pounds, trimmed of excess fat
• Fresh Pineapple: 1 medium, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
• Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup, low sodium preferred
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
• Water: 2 tablespoons
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, cooked rice

Preparing the Pork and Pineapple

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is prep our pork and pineapple. This is where the magic begins, trust me!

1. Trim the Pork: Take your pork shoulder and trim off any large, excessive pieces of fat. You don’t need to remove all the fat, as some of it will render down and add flavor during the slow cooking process. Just get rid of the big, obvious chunks.
2. Cut the Pineapple: Now for the pineapple! This can be a little tricky if you’ve never done it before. First, cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Then, stand it upright and carefully slice off the skin, following the curve of the pineapple. Make sure to remove all the “eyes” (those little brown spots). Once the skin is removed, cut the pineapple into 1-inch chunks. Don’t worry about making them perfect; rustic is just fine!

Making the Sauce

The sauce is what really makes this dish sing! It’s a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy combination that perfectly complements the pork and pineapple.

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Make sure the brown sugar is well dissolved. This is your flavor bomb!

Slow Cooking the Pineapple Pork

Now for the easy part! The slow cooker does all the work here. Just set it and forget it (almost!).

1. Place Pork in Slow Cooker: Place the trimmed pork shoulder in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Pour Sauce Over Pork: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork shoulder, making sure it’s well coated.
3. Add Pineapple: Add the pineapple chunks to the slow cooker, distributing them around the pork.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will be! I usually aim for 8 hours.

Shredding the Pork and Adding the Bell Peppers

Almost there! This is where we shred the pork and add some color and crunch with the bell peppers.

1. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Be careful, it will be hot!
2. Skim Excess Fat (Optional): If there’s a lot of excess fat in the slow cooker, you can skim some of it off with a spoon. This is optional, but it can help to lighten the dish.
3. Return Pork to Slow Cooker: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, along with the pineapple and sauce.
4. Add Bell Peppers: Add the green and red bell pepper pieces to the slow cooker.
5. Cook on High: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for another 30-45 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender-crisp. You want them to still have a little bit of bite to them.

Thickening the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, this step is for you. It’s super easy and only takes a few minutes.

1. Make a Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This is called a slurry.
2. Add Slurry to Slow Cooker: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
3. Cook on High: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it, as it can thicken quickly!

Serving the Pineapple Pork

Finally, the best part! Serving and enjoying your delicious Pineapple Pork!

1. Serve Over Rice: Serve the Pineapple Pork over cooked rice. White rice, brown rice, or even coconut rice would be delicious!
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
3. Enjoy!: Dig in and enjoy! This Pineapple Pork is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you like it really spicy, add a whole teaspoon or even more!
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as onions, carrots, or even broccoli.
• Pineapple Juice: For a more intense pineapple flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of pineapple juice to the slow cooker.
• Honey: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of honey.
• Spicy Pineapple Pork: Add a diced jalapeno pepper (seeds removed for less heat) to the slow cooker for a spicier kick.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Make Pineapple Pork tacos or lettuce wraps.
• Use it as a filling for spring rolls.
• Serve it over noodles instead of rice.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Pineapple Pork Slow Cooker recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. I genuinely believe it’s a must-try because it delivers an explosion of flavor with minimal effort. The sweetness of the pineapple perfectly complements the savory pork, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Forget slaving over a hot stove – this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the hard work, leaving you free to enjoy your time.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I love serving this Pineapple Pork over fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, the possibilities are endless. Consider shredding the pork and using it as a filling for tacos or sliders. Top it with a vibrant slaw for a refreshing crunch. Or, for a healthier option, serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Looking for variations? You can easily adjust the level of spice to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. For a richer flavor, try browning the pork before adding it to the slow cooker. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different fruits! Mango, peaches, or even apples would be delicious additions.

Serving Suggestions:

* Over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* As a filling for tacos, burritos, or sliders.
* In lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing meal.
* With a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers.
* Topped with fresh cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds.

Variations:

* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.
* Brown the pork before adding it to the slow cooker for a richer flavor.
* Substitute other fruits, such as mango, peaches, or apples, for the pineapple.
* Add a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a more savory flavor.
* Include some chopped bell peppers and onions for added texture and flavor.

I’m confident that this Pineapple Pork Slow Cooker recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. But don’t just take my word for it – give it a try yourself! I’m so excited for you to experience the incredible flavors and convenience of this recipe.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love seeing how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy your delicious and effortless meal!