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Bring a taste of the tropics to your table with this flavorful Slow Cooker Polynesian Pork, simmered low and slow with sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and warm spices for a tender, mouthwatering meal the whole family will love.
Pork loin is one of the best cuts to make in the crockpot—it stays tender, flavorful, and juicy. This recipe stands out with its sweet, tropical flavors that pair perfectly with rice. Every bite will have you feeling like you’re on a mini island vacation! The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger paste creates a sweet and tangy profile typical of Polynesian cuisine, emphasizing the use of island flavors.
Ingredients for Polynesian Pork
This made from scratch pork dish is easy to make. Find the full recipe in the recipe card below the images.
- Pork Loin: Use a larger pork loin roast, not a pork tenderloin, for this recipe.
- Pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks are used, and the reserved juice is mixed into the sauce.
- Spice Rub: A simple blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, ground ginger, and garlic powder seasons the pork before cooking.
- Onion: A diced sweet yellow onion cooks down into the sauce, adding flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- Sauce Ingredients: The sauce is made by combining pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger paste, diced onion, and minced garlic, creating a sweet and tangy base for the pork.
- Thickening Agent: A mixture of cornstarch and water is stirred in at the end to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Variations
You can tweak this recipe and make it your own!
- Slice 1–2 red or yellow bell peppers and add them in with the pineapple for extra color and sweetness.
- Stir in a little sriracha, a diced jalapeño, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add some heat.
- Swap the canned pineapple chunks for fresh pineapple to give the sauce an even brighter flavor.
- Use a boneless pork shoulder instead of pork loin for a slightly richer, more tender result. You will want to cook longer and shred the meat instead.
- Double the sauce ingredients if you want extra sauce for drizzling over rice, noodles, or veggies.
Step One: Mix the spice rub ingredients together and rub the pork with it. Sear the pork in a skillet, no need to cook through.
Step Two: Add the pork loin to the slow cooker pour over the sauce, add the diced onion and pineapple chunks.
Step Three: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for four hours. When the cooking time is up, in a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth, then stir into the slow cooker liquid. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Slice the pork and add back into the slow cooker. Spoon over the sauce and serve and enjoy!
My Serving Suggestions
Here is how we love to serve this tropical pork:
- Serve over rice; our favorites are steamed jasmine rice or homemade fried rice. Be sure to ladle the sauce over the rice as well.
- Add a stir-fry vegetable or steam green beans or broccoli.
- Serve with the above with warm Hawaiian rolls with butter as well (MY FAVORITE!).
Crockpot Polynesian Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound pork loin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 20- ounce can pineapple chunks in juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste
- 1 cup sweet onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon each of black pepper, paprika, ground ginger, and garlic powder to create the spice rub, then rub it evenly over the entire 3-4 pound pork loin.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Open a 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks, draining and reserving the juice. In a medium bowl, mix the juice with 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons ginger paste, 1 cup diced sweet onion, and 4 cloves minced garlic to create the pineapple sauce.
- Place the seared pork loin in the slow cooker, pour the pineapple sauce over it, and scatter the pineapple chunks around. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until tender.
- Remove the pork and set aside. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth, then stir into the slow cooker liquid. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Return the pork to the slow cooker to reheat, then shred with two forks or slice into thick pieces. Serve over rice, drizzled with sauce and pineapple chunks, and garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy!
Sarah’s Notes
Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave, covering the pork to prevent drying out. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Portion the pork and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring all air is removed before sealing.
- Slice 1–2 red or yellow bell peppers and add them in with the pineapple for extra color and sweetness.
- Stir in a little sriracha, a diced jalapeño, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add some heat.
- Swap the canned pineapple chunks for fresh pineapple to give the sauce an even sweeter flavor.
- Use a boneless pork shoulder instead of pork loin for a slightly richer, more tender result.
- Double the sauce ingredients if you want extra sauce for drizzling over rice, noodles, or veggies.
- Serve over rice; our favorites are steamed jasmine rice or homemade fried rice. Be sure to ladle the sauce over the rice as well.
- Add a stir-fry vegetable or steam green beans or broccoli.
- Serve with the above with warm Hawaiian rolls with butter as well (MY FAVORITE!)
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Pork Loin Recipes
Cranberry Pork Loin slow cooks with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce for a festive, flavorful dinner.
Sweet and savory, Honey Garlic Pork Loin is coated in a rich glaze that’s perfect for a comforting meal.
Green Chile Pork Loin simmers in a creamy green chile sauce for a rich, flavorful twist on classic slow cooked pork.
For a cozy, slightly sweet meal, Honey Apple Pork Loin combines tender pork with apples and a hint of honey.
Brown Sugar Sesame Pork Loin is slow cooked until tender with a rich, slightly sweet sesame glaze that’s packed with flavor.
