Go Back

Hawaiian Slow Cook Pork Loin

A delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, perfect for family gatherings and meal prepping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pork
  • 3-4 pounds boneless pork loin Choose a well-marbled cut for better flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil For searing the pork.
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Adds a bit of sweetness and color.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 20 ounces canned pineapple chunks in 100% juice Includes juice for sauce.
  • 0.5 cups light soy sauce Can use low-sodium soy sauce if desired.
  • 0.5 large sweet onion, diced (about ⅔ cup) Adds flavor to the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Used for thickening sauce.
  • 1.5 tablespoons cold water To mix with cornstarch for thickening.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. While the oil heats, combine kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, and ground ginger in a bowl. Pat the pork loin dry, then rub the spice mixture evenly on its surface.
  3. Sear the pork in the hot skillet, placing it fat side down. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and brown the other sides.
  4. Dice half of a large sweet onion and set aside.
  5. Combine the soy sauce with about ¾ cup of juice from the canned pineapple chunks.
Slow Cooking
  1. In the slow cooker, place half of the pineapple chunks on the bottom.
  2. Carefully place the seared pork loin on top of the pineapple, fat side up.
  3. Add the remaining pineapple chunks and sprinkle diced onion over the top.
  4. Pour the soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture over the pork and pineapple.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
Sauce Preparation
  1. After cooking, check that the pork is very tender. Remove it and let it rest on a cutting board.
  2. Strain the slow cooker liquid through a sieve into a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  3. Whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then slowly add to the simmering liquid while whisking. Stir until the sauce thickens.
  4. Slice or shred the pork and serve it topped with thickened sauce. Reserve some pineapple chunks for garnish.

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles and consider adding fresh green veggies on the side.