This tantalizing slow cooker recipe combines the tender juiciness of pork with the spicy kick of jalapeno and the sweet tang of pineapple. Perfect for those who love a fusion of flavors, this dish is a feast for the senses that's easy to prepare and sure to impress.
The ingredients are quite straightforward. However, make sure to pick a ripe pineapple for that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. For the jalapenos, you can adjust the spiciness to your liking. Remember, the seeds and membrane carry most of the heat.
Jalapeno Pineapple Pork Ingredients
Pork: A versatile meat that becomes incredibly tender and juicy when slow cooked.
Yellow onion: Adds a depth of flavor.
Jalapenos: Brings the heat to this recipe. Adjust to your desired spiciness.
Low sodium soy sauce: Used to season the pork.
Dark brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness that complements the other flavors.
Pineapple: Gives the dish a tropical twist and sweet tang.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal finish.
One reader, Cristy Pichardo says:
This slow cooker jalapeno pineapple pork recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet pineapple and spicy jalapeno creates a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the tender pork. It's incredibly easy to make and the aroma while it cooks is simply irresistible. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making This Recipe
How to prepare the pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork and place it in the slow cooker, fat cap side up.
How to prepare the pineapple-jalapeno mixture: In a small bowl, combine the diced yellow onion, jalapeno, soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple chunks. Stir to combine.
How to cook the pork: Cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours in the slow cooker.
How to reserve the liquids: If you'd like to reserve the liquids at the end, remove the pork and pineapple pieces, then drain the liquid into a glass measuring cup. Let the fat settle to the top and spoon it off, or let it chill in a refrigerator and then just scrape it off the top.
How To Make Slow Cooker Jalapeno Pineapple Pork
Prepare this slow cooker pork recipe for lunch or dinner and enjoy the tender meat and crispy skin. Add the jalapenos and pineapples for a balanced taste.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6lbsPorkShoulder Roast
- 1yellow oniondiced
- 2jalapenossliced thinly for garnish and one diced
- ½cuplow sodium soy sauce
- ¼cupdark brown sugar
- 1pineapple
- ¼cupcilantrofresh or parsley for topping
Instructions
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In a small bowl add the yellow onion, diced jalapeno, soy sauce, brown sugar and pineapple chunks and stir to combine.
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Put the pork in the slow cooker, fat cap side up.
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Pour over the pineapple-jalapeno mixture.
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Cook on Low for 8 to 9 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours.
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If you’d like to reserve the liquids at the end remove the pork and pineapple pieces then drain the liquid into a glass measuring cup.
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Let the fat settle to the top and spoon it off or let it chill in a refrigerator and then just scrape it off the top.
Nutrition
- Calories: 610.25kcal
- Fat: 34.40g
- Saturated Fat: 11.88g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.29g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.70g
- Carbohydrates: 17.32g
- Fiber: 1.58g
- Sugar: 13.03g
- Protein: 55.52g
- Cholesterol: 171.46mg
- Sodium: 597.43mg
- Calcium: 70.73mg
- Potassium: 1137.55mg
- Iron: 2.64mg
- Vitamin A: 9.51µg
- Vitamin C: 45.92mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing This Dish
When preparing the pork for this recipe, it's important to trim off any excess fat. This will help to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. However, leaving a thin layer of fat on the pork can add flavor and keep the meat moist during the slow cooking process. Additionally, when dicing the jalapenos, you can adjust the heat level by removing or leaving the seeds. The seeds and membranes are where most of the heat is, so for a milder flavor, remove them. For a spicier dish, leave them in.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Slow Cooker Jalapeno Pineapple Pork
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare whatever you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a slow cooker: Let the slow cooker do the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld together while you attend to other tasks.
Invest in pre-cut ingredients: Consider purchasing pre-cut vegetables or pre-sliced meat to save time on prep work.
Multi-task: While the dish is cooking, use the time to clean up the kitchen or prepare side dishes to accompany the meal.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and save time on improvising or correcting errors.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Jalapeno Pineapple Pork Recipe
pork - Substitute with beef: Beef can be used as a substitute for pork in this recipe, providing a similar rich and savory flavor.
jalapenos - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers can be used as a milder substitute for jalapenos, adding a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos can be used as a soy sauce alternative, providing a similar umami flavor with a slightly sweeter taste.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener alternative to dark brown sugar, adding a hint of caramelized flavor to the dish.
pineapple - Substitute with mango: Mango can be used as a substitute for pineapple, offering a similar tropical sweetness and vibrant flavor to the recipe.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Best Way to Present Slow Cooker Jalapeno Pineapple Pork
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker jalapeno pineapple pork, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Arrange the pork slices in a deliberate and artistic manner, and use the vibrant colors of the pineapple and cilantro to add a pop of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a textural element to the dish by adding a crispy component, such as a delicate pineapple chip or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, to provide contrast to the tender pork and juicy pineapple.
Emphasize the aroma: Before serving, allow the tantalizing aroma of the dish to waft through the dining area, creating an enticing sensory experience for the judges and guests.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that each element on the plate harmonizes with the others, balancing the sweetness of the pineapple with the savory notes of the pork and the subtle heat of the jalapenos.
Highlight the pork: Showcase the succulent pork as the star of the dish, allowing its natural flavors to shine through while complementing it with the zesty pineapple and aromatic cilantro.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant and sophisticated serving ware that enhances the overall presentation of the dish, elevating the dining experience for the judges and guests.
Garnish with precision: Add a final touch of finesse by garnishing the dish with meticulously placed cilantro leaves or edible flowers, demonstrating attention to detail and culinary artistry.
Essential Tools for Making This Slow Cooker Recipe
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop kitchen appliance used for cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period of time. It's perfect for slow-cooking the pork to tender perfection.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the pork, onion, jalapenos, and pineapple.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Small bowl: A small bowl is used for mixing the diced onion, jalapenos, soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple chunks to create the flavorful marinade.
- Measuring cups: Measuring cups are necessary for accurately portioning the soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple.
- Slow cooker liner: Optional, but using a slow cooker liner can make cleanup easier.
- Spoon: A spoon is used for stirring the marinade and for skimming off any excess fat from the cooking liquid.
- Glass measuring cup: This is used for separating and removing excess fat from the cooking liquid.
- Tongs: Tongs are helpful for removing the cooked pork from the slow cooker.
Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Jalapeno Pineapple Pork
- Once the pork has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag. If using a container, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pork to prevent freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat the pork in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- For longer storage, place the airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the pork overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- If you have leftover cooking liquid, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Use the liquid to reheat the pork or as a flavorful base for soups or stews.
- To reheat frozen pork, place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Once thawed, reheat the pork in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also reheat the pork directly from frozen in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If you have leftover pineapple chunks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or blend them into a smoothie.
- To freeze leftover pineapple chunks, spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pineapple chunks to a freezer-safe zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Use the frozen pineapple chunks in smoothies or thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before using in recipes.
How To Reheat Leftover Jalapeno Pineapple Pork
Reheat the pork in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method allows you to crisp up the edges of the pork while keeping the interior moist and flavorful. Add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid to prevent the meat from drying out.
For a quick and easy option, microwave the leftover pork in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the pork is heated through. This method is best for smaller portions and when you're short on time.
Transform your leftover pork into a delicious new meal by shredding it and using it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. The pineapple and jalapeno flavors will complement the Mexican-inspired dishes perfectly.
Create a flavorful pulled pork sandwich by reheating the pork in a saucepan with a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid or barbecue sauce. Simmer until the pork is heated through and the sauce has thickened. Serve the pork on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw or pickled onions.
For a healthier option, use the leftover pork as a topping for a colorful salad. Reheat the pork in a skillet or microwave, then serve it over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the pork.
Interesting Fact About Jalapeno Pineapple Pork
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can help tenderize meat. This makes it a great addition to slow cooker recipes, as it can help break down the tough fibers in the pork, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Is Making This Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker jalapeno pineapple pork recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pork, onion, jalapenos, and pineapple, are relatively affordable and can be purchased in bulk. The cooking process is simple, requiring minimal effort and time. The resulting dish is flavorful and can serve a family of four at an approximate cost of $20. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability, delicious flavors, and ease of preparation.
Is This Slow Cooker Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The slow cooker jalapeno pineapple pork recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- High in sodium: The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of soy sauce, which is high in sodium. Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
- High in sugar: The recipe includes 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar, which adds a significant amount of sugar to the dish. Excessive sugar intake can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
- High in fat: Pork, especially if it has a fat cap, is high in saturated fat. While some fat is essential for a healthy diet, consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
On the positive side, the recipe includes some healthy ingredients, such as onion, jalapeno, and pineapple, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or replace some of the soy sauce with a low-sodium alternative like coconut aminos
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Trim the fat cap from the pork to reduce the amount of saturated fat
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe, such as adding bell peppers or carrots, to boost the nutrient content
- Serve the pork with a side of brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase the fiber content of the meal
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Recipe
This slow cooker jalapeno pineapple pork recipe is a tantalizing blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple, jalapeno, and soy sauce creates a delicious marinade for the pork, infusing it with a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes. The slow cooking process ensures that the pork becomes tender and succulent, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The addition of cilantro at the end adds a fresh, herbaceous element to the dish. Overall, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that will surely impress your taste buds.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Jalapeno Pineapple Pork Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Jalapeno Pineapple Pork Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring succulent pork infused with the perfect blend of pineapple, jalapeno, and soy sauce. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld together harmoniously, creating a mouthwatering dish that's both tender and flavorful. The use of fresh pineapple and jalapeno adds a delightful twist, while the low and slow cooking method guarantees a juicy and tender result. Trust in the combination of sweet and spicy flavors, expertly balanced with the savory notes of soy sauce and the subtle hint of cilantro.
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