Welcome to Meal Preparation Ideas, your ultimate resource for easy, nutritious, and time-saving meal prep solutions!
Savory Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe
Craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor and requires minimal effort? These slow cooker pulled pork tacos are just what you need! Imagine tender, juicy pork that falls apart at the touch, seasoned perfectly and nestled in warm tortillas. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that will please everyone at your table.
Transform leftover pulled pork into these BBQ sliders.
With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fiesta with friends, these tacos are sure to impress. Add your favorite toppings, like fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and creamy avocado, to elevate your taco game.
Serve your tacos with crispy sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
The Best Pulled Pork Tacos You’ll Ever Make
Savory Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe
Course: Meal Prep for Busy WeeknightsCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes8
hours250
kcalThese slow cooker pulled pork tacos are incredibly tender and flavorful, featuring a smoky, slightly sweet spice blend. The pork is slow-cooked to perfection, making it easy to shred and serve in crispy or soft tortillas. Each bite is a delicious combination of spices and toppings, creating a mouthwatering experience.
Ingredients
3-4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
12 small corn or flour tortillas
Toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, and additional barbecue sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Pork: In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Slow Cook: Place the pork in the slow cooker and add the barbecue sauce if using. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices.
- Serve: Warm the tortillas and fill them with pulled pork. Top with diced onions, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Key Prep Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for pork shoulder or pork butt for tender, flavorful results.
- Trim Excess Fat: Remove large pieces of fat before cooking to prevent overly greasy tacos.
- Even Spice Rub: Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork for a consistent flavor.
- Low and Slow: Cook on low heat for the full 8 hours to achieve the juiciest and most tender pulled pork.
- Shredding Made Easy: Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the pork quickly and evenly.
Suggested Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the spice rub for extra heat.
- BBQ Fusion: Mix in barbecue sauce after shredding the pork for a smoky twist.
- Carnitas Style: After shredding, crisp the pork in a skillet for crispy carnitas tacos.
- Taco Bowl: Skip the tortillas and serve the pulled pork over rice or lettuce for a low-carb bowl.
- International Twist: Use the pulled pork in banh mi sandwiches or as a topping for nachos.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Tacos: Serve in warm corn or flour tortillas with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, salsa, and sour cream.
- With Pickled Veggies: Add pickled onions or jalapeños for a tangy contrast to the rich pork.
- Side Pairings: Pair with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or elote (Mexican street corn) for a full meal.
- Meal Prep: Store the shredded pork in portions for easy reheating and quick taco assembly during the week.