Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos: A Flavorful Fiesta for Any Night
Smoky meat, sweet pineapple, and zingy pickled onions combine for unforgettable bites.
Pulled pork tacos are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you’re craving bold flavors with minimal effort. This recipe transforms humble pork shoulder into a tender, juicy, and boldly seasoned filling using the magic of the slow cooker, finished with zingy pickled onions and sweet caramelized pineapple for irresistible tacos. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to making authentic, restaurant-quality pulled pork tacos right at home.
Why Make Pulled Pork Tacos in a Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers are a home cooks secret weapon for perfectly tender pulled pork. Heres why this method is a game-changer:
- Hands-Off Cooking: Minimal prep, then let the slow cooker do its work while you tackle your day.
- Juicy, Flavorful Meat: Low-and-slow heat breaks down tough pork shoulder, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Versatility: Easily double for a crowd or freeze portions for later meals.
The Secret Ingredients for Standout Pulled Pork Tacos
What sets these tacos apart? The use of fresh pineapple, smoky chipotle in adobo, and homemade pickled red onions. Each element layers on flavor, creating a taco thats equal parts savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy.
| Component | Flavor Contribution |
|---|---|
| Pork Shoulder | Rich and meaty, becomes meltingly tender with slow cooking. |
| Fresh Pineapple | Sweetness and acidity balance the spice and richness. |
| Chipotle in Adobo | Smoky, spicy, complex depth. |
| Pickled Red Onion | Zingy, crisp, and bright the ideal taco topper. |
| Charred Pineapple | Caramelization adds texture and a hit of sweet-tart flavor. |
Ingredients Youll Need
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 5 lb boneless pork shoulder
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 (7-oz.) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp distilled white vinegar, divided
- 1 1/2 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 small red onions, very thinly sliced
- Flour or corn tortillas, for serving
- Chopped cilantro, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pulled Pork Tacos in the Slow Cooker
1. Prep the Pineapple
Start by cutting off the top and bottom of your pineapple, peeling it, and removing the core. Reserve 46 strips of the peel for later. Cut half of the pineapple into 1/2-inch rings (set aside), and the rest into 1/2-inch chunks.
2. Make the Spice Rub
Mix together garlic, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon kosher salt in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder to season every nook and cranny.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Combine the pineapple chunks, sliced yellow onion, chipotle peppers in adobo, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 1/2 cup water in a medium bowl.
- Layer this mixture over the seasoned pork in your slow cooker.
- Add the reserved pineapple peels, cut-side down, on top.
- Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or low for 810 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender and easy to shred.
4. Pickle the Red Onions
While the pork cooks, make a batch of quick pickled onions to brighten your tacos. In a small pot, stir together brown sugar, 1/2 cup water, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup vinegar. Bring to a simmer until sugar and salt dissolve.
What others are reading
- Place the sliced red onions in a glass jar or heat-safe container.
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the onions, pressing them down with a spoon to submerge.
- Cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then cover and refrigerate. These will keep up to 2 weeks.
5. Shred the Pork
Once the pork is tender, discard the pineapple peel and shred the meat thoroughly with two forks. Cover to keep warm.
6. Prepare the Tortillas
- Char tortillas in batches, either over the flame of a gas burner (use tongs for safety) or in a hot, dry skillet.
- Each side takes about 30 seconds, just enough for some char marks.
- Keep warm, wrapped in a kitchen towel or foil.
7. Caramelize the Pineapple Rings
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high, brush with a little olive oil.
- Sear the reserved pineapple rings, working in batches, until golden and caramelized, 23 minutes per side.
- Let cool slightly and dice for taco topping.
8. Crisp Up the Pork
For authentic texture and flavor, crisp some of the shredded pork:
- Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet. Add about 3 cups shredded pork plus 1/4 cup slow cooker juices.
- Spread in an even layer and cook (undisturbed) until the bottom is nicely crisped, about 57 minutes. Repeat with more pork as needed or as desired per serving size.
9. Build and Serve Your Tacos
Time to assemble:
- Lay out warm tortillas.
- Add a layer of crispy pork.
- Top with caramelized pineapple, pickled red onions, a shower of chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Serve immediately, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory in every bite!
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
- Make Ahead: All elements can be prepped ahead. Pulled pork, pickled onions, and pineapple can be made a day in advance, stored separately in the fridge.
- Freeze Leftovers: Pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat for quick tacos, rice bowls, or salads.
- Spice Level: Adjust chipotle quantity to taste—add more for extra heat, or use just the adobo sauce for a milder flavor.
- Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas are classic, but flour tortillas are great for larger, more robust tacos.
- Veggie Tacos: Skip the pork and use jackfruit for a plant-based version, following the same seasoning and cooking instructions.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork Tacos
- Mexican street corn (elote)
- Refried beans or black beans
- Simple cilantro-lime rice
- Fresh guacamole or salsa
- Crisp green salad or slaw
Pulled Pork Tacos: Nutritional Considerations
Pulled pork tacos are naturally gluten-free when made with corn tortillas. For a lighter meal, use less pork per taco and load up on veggies like cabbage slaw or shredded lettuce.
| Ingredient | Attribute |
|---|---|
| Pork shoulder | High in protein, rich flavor |
| Pineapple | Vitamin C, enzymes |
| Onions and garlic | Antioxidants, heart-healthy |
| Chipotle peppers | Vitamins, capsaicin for a metabolism boost |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I store leftover pulled pork?
Let leftover pork cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze shredded pork in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, use a Dutch oven. Cover tightly and bake at 300°F for 34 hours until the pork shreds easily. Check every hour for moisture and add broth or water as needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
With the addition of chipotle peppers in adobo, the pork has a noticeable heat and smoky flavor, but its easy to control the spice by adjusting the amount of chipotle you use. Omit some or remove seeds for a milder taco; add more for extra heat.
What’s the difference between pulled pork tacos and carnitas?
Both use slow-cooked, shredded pork. Traditional carnitas are finished by crisping the pork in a skillet or oven, similar to this recipes final step. The addition of pineapple and chipotle gives these tacos a unique flavor twist apart from classic carnitas.
Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?
Pork shoulder is preferred for its higher fat content and tenderness after slow cooking. Pork loin can be used, but it will be leaner and may require careful monitoring to avoid dryness. Add additional liquid if substituting.
Recipe Recap: Key Points for Taco Night Success
- Pre-season your pork shoulder well for deep, lasting flavor.
- Layer bold, fresh flavorspineapple, chipotle, cilantroat every step.
- Dont skip crisping the pork before serving; the contrast in texture makes the taco.
- Pickled onions add distinctive zing and color to your taco spread.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime for the best bite every time.
Pulled Pork Tacos: The Perfect Taco Tuesday Upgrade
Whether youre cooking for your family or entertaining friends, these slow cooker pulled pork tacos will make every occasion a celebration. With layered flavors, vivid colors, and irresistible texture, this recipe shows how effortless taco night can beand how spectacular homemade can taste. Enjoy, and let your table become a fiesta of flavor!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a60926027/slow-cooker-pulled-pork-tacos-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4hXD44kydY
- https://www.allthingsmamma.com/slow-cooker-pork-carnitas/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a94812/3-easy-pulled-pork-dishes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11736/spicy-shredded-pork/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g40026230/leftover-pulled-pork-recipes/
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