Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Pork is a wonderfully flavorful, sweet-and-savory dish that combines tender slow-cooked pork with a bright, fruity pineapple twist and the deep umami of teriyaki sauce. This recipe captures the essence of easy weeknight cooking: minimal prep, rich flavor payoff, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that only slow-cooked pork can deliver.

The marriage of tangy pineapple, aromatic garlic, savory soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness creates a dish that feels both comforting and tropical. Whether served over rice, tucked inside tacos, or enjoyed as a hearty bowl meal, this dish brings warmth, balance, and vibrant flavors to your table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly effortless and produces a restaurant-quality meal without any fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting—turning simple ingredients into a delicious, fully flavored dish with practically no monitoring.

The pork becomes fork-tender and juicy, and the pineapple teriyaki sauce thickens into a glossy, irresistible glaze. It’s versatile enough for weeknight meals, gatherings, or meal prep. Most importantly, the balance of flavors—sweet, savory, tangy, and umami—makes every bite both comforting and exciting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. It’s perfect for anyone who loves slow cooker meals, fusion flavors, or no-fuss dishes that taste like they took hours to prepare. The pineapple tenderizes the pork naturally while adding a bright sweetness that complements the richness of teriyaki.

It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and flexible enough to pair with different sides or be repurposed into sandwiches, bowls, tacos, and more. If you enjoy easy meals that feel special, this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 390 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Hawaiian-Inspired

Ingredients

• 2–2.5 lbs pork shoulder or pork loin
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup pineapple juice (from can or fresh)
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Add pork to the slow cooker and top with pineapples and sliced onions.
2. Whisk together pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and pepper.
3. Pour sauce mixture over the pork.
4. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
5. Shred pork with two forks and return to the crockpot.
6. If sauce needs thickening, mix cornstarch and water, add to the pot, and cook on high for 10 minutes.
7. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Rinse and pat pork dry.
2. Slice onions, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
3. Drain pineapple chunks if using canned.

Step 2: Assemble in Crockpot

1. Place pork in the center of the slow cooker.
2. Scatter onions and pineapple chunks around and on top of the pork.
3. Whisk sauces, sugar, and seasonings; pour evenly over mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Cover with lid.
2. Cook on low for 6–8 hours until pork is tender and shreddable.

Step 4: Shred Pork

1. Remove pork and shred using two forks.
2. Return shredded pork to the sauce.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce (Optional)

1. Mix cornstarch and water.
2. Stir into the slow cooker.
3. Cook for 10 more minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Add extra teriyaki or pineapple juice depending on your flavor preference.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
• Pair with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
• Use as filling for tacos, sliders, bao buns, or lettuce wraps.
• Serve as a bowl with rice, pineapple, cucumbers, carrots, and sesame seeds.
• Pair with noodles for a more filling meal.

Recipe Tips

• Pork shoulder is preferred for tenderness, but pork loin also works.
• Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• For richer flavor, sear pork lightly before slow cooking.
• If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or pineapple juice.
• For more sweetness, stir in a bit of honey after cooking.

Variations

• Chicken Version: Substitute pork with chicken thighs.
• Extra Veggie Version: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour.
• Spicy Teriyaki Version: Add sriracha, chili oil, or jalapeños.
• Low-Sugar Version: Reduce brown sugar or use coconut aminos.
• Pulled Pork Sandwich Version: Serve on buns with coleslaw.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in sealed containers.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave. Add a splash of liquid to loosen sauce.
• Meal Prep Tip: Portion into single-serving containers for easy lunches.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Forks for shredding

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, fresh pineapple works perfectly and adds brighter flavor.

Can I make this recipe without added sugar?
You can omit brown sugar; the pineapple and teriyaki provide natural sweetness.

Can I use frozen pork?
It’s best to thaw pork first for even cooking.

Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and taste before adjusting seasoning.

Conclusion

Crockpot Pineapple Teriyaki Pork is a flavorful, effortless, and versatile dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a delicious meal the whole family will love. With its tender shredded pork, sweet pineapple notes, and savory teriyaki sauce, this recipe brings a touch of tropical comfort to your table. Perfect for meal prepping, weeknight dinners, or creative leftovers, it’s a delightful dish you’ll want to make again and again.