Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful, effortless dinner that feels like a treat—this Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin with Tangy Pineapple Sauce is your answer. With minimal prep and maximal flavor, this recipe is ideal for busy households, seniors who want to keep things simple, or anyone who loves “set it and forget it” cooking. The pineapple sauce tenderizes the meat while delivering sweet, tangy notes that pair beautifully with the pork.
Why This Recipe Works
- Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
- Tender texture: Pineapple contains an enzyme (bromelain) which helps break down the meat fibers, making the pork very tender.
- Flavor balance: The sweetness of brown sugar and pineapple contrasts nicely with soy sauce and apple cider vinegar.
- Versatile serving options: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or even in tacos or sandwiches.
- Meal prep–friendly: Cook a larger batch and enjoy leftovers through the week.
Ingredients
- 1 (1–1.5 lb) boneless pork tenderloin
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
Optional add-ins / substitutions:
• Swap honey for brown sugar or reduce sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
• Fresh grated ginger can replace ground ginger for a sharper flavor.
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Pork
Pat the pork tenderloin dry using paper towels. Rub evenly with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Place in Slow Cooker
Put the seasoned tenderloin in the slow cooker.
3. Make the Pineapple Sauce & Pour Over
In a bowl, mix together:
- Crushed pineapple (with its juice)
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ground ginger
Pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Cook Slowly
Set the slow cooker to Low and cook for 6–8 hours, or until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with a fork. The longer it cooks (within reason), the more melt-in-your-mouth it becomes.
5. Shred & Coat
Once the pork is done, remove it and shred using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, and stir gently to coat all the meat in the sauce.
6. Serve It Up
Serve the pork hot over rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or any side you prefer. Spoon extra sauce over the top.
Tips & Notes
- Check internal temperature: Pork should reach at least 145 °F (63 °C).
- Avoid overcooking: Even in a slow cooker, pork can dry out if cooked too long. Begin checking closer to the lower end of the time range.
- Sauce thickening (optional): If your sauce is too thin, remove some liquid and reduce it in a saucepan, or stir in a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp water), then return to the pork.
- Resting time: Let the shredded pork sit for ~5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
- Batch cooking: Double the sauce (not always the meat) for more “gravy” to coat leftover pork.
- Storage and reheating: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on low in a covered pan to preserve moisture.
Serving Suggestions
- Over fluffy white rice or jasmine rice — the sauce turns the rice into a flavorful companion.
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes — creamy bases contrast nicely with the tangy sauce.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables — broccoli, green beans, carrots, or snap peas.
- Lettuce wraps or tacos — use the shredded pork in wraps, tortillas, or even sandwiches with slaw.
Voice-Search Friendly FAQs
Q: Can I use pork loin instead of tenderloin?
Yes, you can, but pork loin is leaner and may need more time or extra sauce to stay moist. Some pineapple pork recipes use loin cuts. Sweet and Savory Meals+2Allrecipes+2
Q: Why does the recipe call for crushed pineapple (undrained)?
The juice helps keep the pork moist and infuses it with flavor. Also, pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down meat fibers and make the pork more tender.
Q: How sweet will this be?
It’s moderately sweet, but you can adjust by reducing the brown sugar or adding a splash more vinegar for tang.
Q: Can I cook this on High instead?
You can, but low and slow (6–8 hours on Low) generally yields better tenderness and more flavor absorption.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Freeze in portioned containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Conclusion
This slow-cooked pork tenderloin with tangy pineapple sauce gives you a stress-free dinner that still feels comforting and delicious. The tropical sweetness from the pineapple marries beautifully with savory notes, while the slow cooker ensures soft, shreddable pork every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or prepping meals ahead, this recipe is a winner.