– 2 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks
– 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
– 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/3 cup brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)
– 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
– Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Creating Tender Pineapple Pork in a Slow Cooker is straightforward with these easy-to-follow steps:
1. Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork shoulder into chunks. Trim off any excess fat to keep the dish healthier.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the pork chunks at the bottom. Follow with chopped onions and sliced bell peppers.
3. Add Pineapple: Pour the can of pineapple with its juice over the pork and vegetables. The sweet pineapple juice will become a flavorful sauce during cooking.
4. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
5. Pour Sauce Over Ingredients: Drizzle the sauce mixture evenly over the pork, pineapple, and vegetables in the slow cooker.
6. Set Cooking Time: Cover and select your cooking time. Choose either high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender the pork will be.
7. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
8. Check for Tenderness: Ensure that the pork is fork-tender before serving. If not, continue cooking until it reaches the desired tenderness.
9. Serve: Once ready, carefully serve the pork and sauce over rice or noodles, garnishing with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
These thorough steps will guide you in crafting a beautifully tender and flavorful pineapple pork dish!