Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these Shredded Pork Tacos are a testament to the magic of slow cooking. Imagine perfectly spiced pork, slow-cooked to fall-apart perfection, then lovingly shredded and nestled into warm tortillas with your favorite vibrant toppings. This is a minimal-effort, maximum-flavor meal that promises to become a family favorite!
If you love the convenience and incredible results of your slow cooker, you’ll also adore these Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos for another easy weeknight win!
The culinary journey of these Shredded Pork Tacos began back in 2014, born out of a common kitchen scenario: the “clean out the pantry” challenge. With a desire to create something delicious using only what was on hand, this recipe emerged. What started as a simple experiment quickly transformed into a household staple, proving that some of the best recipes are often the simplest and most resourceful.
And it’s remained a winner in our family’s rotation ever since!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible flavor payoff for such minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming a humble pork roast into succulent, shreddable meat with layers of savory seasoning. You’ll spend mere minutes on prep, allowing you to enjoy more time doing what you love while dinner practically cooks itself.
Tacos are universally loved for a reason: they offer endless customization! Each family member can become their own culinary artist, choosing their favorite toppings to build a taco that perfectly suits their palate. From crunchy vegetables to creamy sauces and zesty additions, the possibilities are limitless, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
Why Slow Cooker Pork Tacos Are a Weeknight Dream
Slow cooker recipes are a godsend for busy weeknights, and these Shredded Pork Tacos are no exception. The “set it and forget it” nature of slow cooking means you can prep in the morning and come home to a house filled with the intoxicating aroma of perfectly cooked pork. This method breaks down tougher cuts of meat beautifully, resulting in an incredibly tender, moist, and flavorful protein that practically melts in your mouth.
Beyond convenience, slow cooking allows the simple spice blend of salt, oregano, and cumin to deeply infuse into the pork, creating a rich, earthy, and truly satisfying flavor profile. The onions cook down with the pork, adding a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the savory spices without overpowering them. It’s comfort food at its finest, made accessible for even the busiest schedules.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Shredded Pork
Crafting these irresistible tacos requires a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor that defines this dish.
- Spices: We keep the spice blend straightforward yet impactful with just salt, dried oregano, and cumin. This classic combination provides a warm, earthy base that’s distinctly Mexican-inspired. For those who love to experiment, feel free to enhance this blend with a pinch of smoked paprika for depth, garlic powder or onion powder for extra savory notes, or a dash of chili powder for a mild kick.
- Pork: The star of the show is a good quality pork roast. I highly recommend using a pork shoulder roast, also known as a Boston butt or pork butt. This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it contains enough fat and connective tissue to break down into incredibly tender, juicy shredded pork. I’ve tried both boneless and bone-in versions, and while both work, the boneless pork shoulder often cooks more evenly and results in a more tender product. Plus, it’s easier to handle when it’s time to shred!
- Onions: Regular yellow onions are ideal for this recipe. While two medium onions might seem like a lot when you initially add them to the slow cooker, trust the process! They will cook down significantly, releasing their sweet juices and caramelizing to create a flavorful bed for the pork. They become an integral part of the shredded pork mixture, adding depth and moisture.
- Water: A small amount of water is essential for creating the moist cooking environment in the slow cooker, preventing the pork from drying out and helping the spices meld.
- Tortillas: The vessel for our delicious pork! Flour tortillas are a popular choice, especially when warmed and lightly charred over a gas stove flame or in a dry skillet for that authentic street taco feel. The slight crispness and smoky flavor elevate the entire experience. However, if you prefer the traditional taste of corn tortillas, they work wonderfully too – simply warm them in a skillet until pliable.
- Toppings: This is where you can truly let your creativity shine and customize each taco. My personal favorites include crunchy shredded cabbage, finely diced red onion (for a fresh bite), creamy sour cream or Mexican crema, ripe avocado slices or guacamole, crumbled cotija cheese, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten all the flavors. Other fantastic additions include cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or a vibrant pico de gallo.
Simple Steps to Incredible Shredded Pork Tacos
Making these slow cooker shredded pork tacos is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for tender, flavorful pork every time.
- Prepare the Pork and Onions: Begin by combining the salt, oregano, and cumin in a small bowl. Cut your pork shoulder roast into 3-4 large, manageable chunks. This helps it cook more evenly and makes it easier to handle later. Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over all sides of the pork chunks, ensuring they are well-coated. Next, slice your onions into half moons and arrange them in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful, aromatic bed for the pork and helps prevent it from sticking.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Place the seasoned pork chunks on top of the sliced onions in the slow cooker. Carefully add 1/4 cup of water around the edges of the slow cooker, rather than directly over the pork. This technique helps to avoid washing off the precious seasoning from the meat. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6-7 hours, or until the pork is exceptionally tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Cooking on low ensures maximum tenderness and flavor development.
- Shred and Serve: Once the pork reaches that beautiful “fall-apart” stage, carefully remove the cooked chunks to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork into desired pieces. You can make them as fine or as chunky as you prefer for your tacos. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and gently stir it into the cooked, caramelized onions and any accumulated juices. This allows the pork to reabsorb even more flavor and moisture. Now, it’s time to build your tacos! Warm your tortillas (flour or corn) – either char them briefly over a gas flame for a smoky touch or heat them in a dry skillet until soft and pliable. Spoon a generous amount of the flavorful shredded pork mixture into each tortilla, then invite everyone to customize their tacos with an array of their favorite fresh toppings.
Expert Tips for the Best Shredded Pork Tacos
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful shredded pork is easy with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Embrace the Onions (or Don’t!): After cooking and shredding the pork, mixing it back into the cooked onions and juices is highly recommended for an extra boost of savory onion flavor and moisture. However, if you prefer a simpler pork flavor, you can certainly just add the shredded pork directly to your tortillas after it’s shredded.
- Season to Taste: It’s crucial to taste the shredded pork after it’s cooked and mixed with the onions. Oftentimes, it will benefit from a little extra salt to bring out all the flavors. Don’t be shy – proper seasoning can elevate a good dish to a great one!
- Know Your Slow Cooker: Not all slow cookers are created equal; they can vary significantly in their cooking temperatures and efficiency. If you know your slow cooker runs hot or cooks faster, start checking the pork for doneness an hour or so earlier than the recommended time. Conversely, if your slow cooker tends to be on the slower side, allow for a little extra cooking time. The goal is always “pull-apart” tender.
- Shredding Made Easy: While two forks work perfectly well for shredding, a stand mixer with the paddle attachment can shred a large batch of pork in seconds. Just be careful not to overmix, or you’ll end up with a paste instead of tender shreds.
- Make Ahead & Storage: This shredded pork is fantastic for meal prep! Once cooked and shredded, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the shredded pork in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Perfection: To reheat, gently warm the pork in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
Serving Suggestions for Your Taco Feast
While these Shredded Pork Tacos are a complete meal on their own, pairing them with a few simple sides can transform them into an unforgettable feast. Consider these delicious accompaniments:
- Rice and Beans: A classic pairing! Serve with a side of fluffy Mexican rice or flavorful black beans.
- Corn Salad: A fresh and zesty corn salad with ingredients like bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro adds a wonderful texture and sweetness.
- Guacamole & Chips: You can never go wrong with a fresh batch of homemade guacamole and a bowl of crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
- Margaritas or Agua Frescas: For a grown-up meal, a refreshing margarita complements the flavors beautifully. For a family-friendly option, a homemade agua fresca (like horchata or hibiscus) is a delightful choice.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you master the basic recipe, don’t hesitate to get creative with these variations:
- Spicy Pork Tacos: Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced) along with a tablespoon of adobo sauce to the slow cooker for a smoky, spicy kick. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also increase the heat.
- Citrus-Infused Pork: Incorporate the juice of one orange or lime into the slow cooker along with the water for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile, reminiscent of Carnitas.
- Smoky BBQ Pork Tacos: After shredding, toss the pork with your favorite BBQ sauce and return it to the slow cooker for another 30 minutes on high. Serve with a creamy coleslaw topping.
- Pineapple Salsa Topping: For a sweet and tangy contrast, top your pork tacos with a fresh pineapple salsa made with diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
Explore More Taco Adventures
If you’re a taco enthusiast like us, you’ll love diving into these other fantastic taco recipes:
- Citrus Fish Tacos
- Potato Tacos with Sausage
- Pizza Tacos
- Thai Tacos
- Cheeseburger Tacos
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Shredded Pork Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 lb pork roast (I suggest a pork shoulder roast)
- 2 medium onions
- 1/4 cup water
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- Toppings – diced red onion, cilantro, sour cream, shredded cabbage, avocado, cotija, sliced limes, etc.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, oregano, and cumin.
- Cut the roast into a few large chunks. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the pork.
- Cut the onions in half, then slice into half moons. Place the onions in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Add the pork to the slow cooker on top of the onions. Add the water to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low until the pork is pull-apart tender, about 6-7 hours.
- Once tender, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred. Return the pork to the slow cooker and mix in with the cooked onions.
- Warm the tortillas, or char in a dry skillet or over a gas stove. Add some of the pork to each tortilla, then top with your desired toppings.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information does not include any toppings.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 410kcal (21%),
Carbohydrates: 38g (13%),
Protein: 36g (72%),
Fat: 12g (18%),
Saturated Fat: 4g (25%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 0g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 100mg (33%),
Sodium: 1217mg (53%),
Potassium: 56mg (2%),
Fiber: 1g (4%),
Sugar: 2g (2%)