Have you ever dreamt of enjoying restaurant-worthy pulled pork tacos but lacked the hours to spare? Look no further than the magic of slow cooker pulled pork tacos. This recipe is a revelation for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. Imagine tossing a few ingredients into your trusty slow cooker and letting it work its magic while you attend to your day. When you return home, you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked pork, ready to be shredded and nestled into warm tortillas for a feast. 

But slow cooker pulled pork tacos are more than just convenient. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop deeply, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy pork infused with a symphony of spices. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, from crafting a flavorful rub to achieving perfectly pulled pork for your tacos. Don’t forget the toppings.  

With a variety of options to choose from, this slow cooker pulled pork tacos are endlessly customizable, ensuring there’s something to please every palate at the table. So, are you ready to experience taco night bliss without the usual hassle? Let’s get cooking and create some unforgettable slow cooker pulled pork tacos. 

What is Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos? 

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos are a type of Mexican dish made with slow-cooked pork shoulder that’s been shredded and served on tortillas. It’s a popular and easy meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner or get-together. 

The pork shoulder is typically seasoned with a variety of spices, such as chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder, and then cooked in a slow cooker with some liquid until it’s very tender and shreds easily. The shredded pork is then served on warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, and avocado. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects: 

• Meat: Slow cooked pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is the classic cut for pulled pork tacos because it gets very tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process. 
• Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop appliance that cooks food slowly over several hours at a low temperature. This allows the pork shoulder to become very tender and absorb the flavors of the spices. 
• Tacos: The shredded pork is spooned onto warm tortillas and then topped with your favorite taco fixings. 

Here’s a delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos: 

Preparation time  

5 mins to prepare & 5 hours to Cook 

Ingredients 

• 95g jar of chipotle and smoked paprika paste  
• 1 teaspoon oregano 
• 1 teaspoon of garlic salt. 
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes  
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée.  
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar.  
• 1.4-kilogram pork shoulder joint.  
• 60ml (about 2.03 oz) orange juice 

Instruction 

• In a bowl, combine chipotle paste, oregano, garlic salt, chili flakes, tomato purée, and cider vinegar. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir well to create a uniform marinade. 
• Place the pork shoulder in a large bowl or a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the pork and massage it in to ensure all sides are evenly coated. 
• Transfer the marinated pork and all the marinade to a slow cooker. Pour in the orange juice and secure the lid tightly. 
• Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 5 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with two forks. 
• While the pork cooks, thinly slice the red onion and place it in a small bowl. 
• Bring water to a boil in a kettle. Pour the boiling water over the sliced onions and let them sit for 15 minutes. 
• Drain the softened onions and return them to the bowl. Add salt and lime juice, then stir well. Let the onions pickle for another 15 minutes, allowing them to turn a vibrant pink color. 
• Preheat the oven to 140°C (120°C fan) or gas mark 1. Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. 
• Once the pork is close to being fully cooked, preheat the oven as instructed above. Warm the tortillas in the oven for 6-8 minutes. 
• Carefully remove the lid from the slow cooker. Discard any large bones found in the pork. Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the pot, ensuring all the meat is pulled apart and remains coated in the flavorful juices. 

• Take the warmed tortillas out of the oven and fill each with a small amount of lettuce. Top with the shredded pork and garnish with fresh coriander and pickled red chili. Serve immediately. 

Tips: 

• For a smoky flavor, you can add chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Start with 1/2 a pepper and add more to taste depending on your spice preference. 
• If you don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper. 
• You can also brown the pork shoulder in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding it to the slow cooker. This will add a nice, caramelized flavor to the pork. 
• Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Conclusion 

Slow cooker pulled pork tacos are a delicious and easy weeknight meal. The pork simmers all day in the slow cooker, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for tacos. Plus, this recipe is customizable with your favorite toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser. So, skip the takeout and give these tacos a try.

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