Savor the Flavor: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
Indulge in the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos, a comforting dish perfect for gatherings or a quiet family dinner. The secret lies in the slow cooking process, which transforms a humble pork shoulder into tender, juicy shreds infused with spices and savory aromas. This recipe is designed for ease; simply season and sear the pork before adding it to the slow cooker with a medley of ingredients like onions, garlic, and zesty salsa. Prepare for delightful, crowd-pleasing tacos that can be customized with toppings like fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy sour cream. Ideal for busy days, this meal allows you to set it and forget it, making mealtime a breeze!
6-8 servings
Servings
300
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork shoulder
3 1/2 lbs (trimmed and cut into large chunks (can be reduced to 3 lbs))
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to season pork)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to season pork)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for browning pork)
onions
2 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
6 (minced)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
chicken stock
1 cup (recommend reducing to 1/2 cup)
frozen corn
1 cup
salsa
1 cup
tomato paste
2 tablespoons
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
taco shells
18
iceberg lettuce
2 cups (chopped)
tomatoes
1 cup (diced)
cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
light sour cream
1 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
2
In a large Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork and sear it on all sides until browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of your dish.
3
Remove the pork from the Dutch oven and transfer it to the slow cooker.
4
In the same Dutch oven, add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and chili powder. Sauté while stirring occasionally until the onions are softened, about 4 minutes.
5
Pour the chicken stock into the Dutch oven, scraping the bottom to release any flavorful brown bits. Pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
6
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low, cooking for 10 hours or until the pork is fork-tender. For a quicker option, cook on high for about 5 hours.
7
Once the pork is done, carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Trim any excess fat and shred the pork using two forks.
8
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the frozen corn, salsa, and tomato paste. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
9
Gently mix in the finely chopped cilantro just before serving.
10
Serve the pulled pork in a bowl alongside a basket of taco shells, allowing guests to spoon the delicious mixture into their tacos.
11
Prepare a selection of toppings—chopped iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and light sour cream—placing them in separate small bowls for guests to customize their tacos.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos recipe?
The main protein is a 3 1/2 pound boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks.
How long does it take to cook the pork on the low setting?
The pork should be cooked on the low setting for 10 hours or until it is fork-tender.
Can I cook the pork on high if I am in a hurry?
Yes, you can cook the pork on the high setting for approximately 5 hours for a quicker option.
Why should I sear the pork before putting it in the slow cooker?
Searing the pork on all sides for 6-8 minutes until browned enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What are the nutritional statistics per serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories, 12.5g of fat, 27.5g of carbohydrates, and 22.5g of protein.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chicken stock, though it notes you can reduce it to 1/2 cup.
What spices are used to season the pork and vegetables?
The pork is seasoned with salt and pepper, while the vegetables are sautéed with chili powder.
How do I shred the pork once it is cooked?
Transfer the pork to a cutting board, trim any excess fat, and use two forks to shred the meat into pieces.
When do I add the corn and salsa to the recipe?
Add the frozen corn, salsa, and tomato paste after the pork has been shredded and returned to the slow cooker.
How long do the corn and salsa need to cook in the slow cooker?
Once added, cook the mixture on high for an additional 15 minutes until it thickens.
When should the fresh cilantro be added?
The finely chopped cilantro should be gently mixed in just before serving to maintain its fresh flavor.
How many taco shells are recommended for this amount of pork?
The recipe suggests serving the pork with 18 taco shells.
What type of lettuce is recommended for the toppings?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of chopped iceberg lettuce.
Is there a specific type of cheese suggested for these tacos?
Yes, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese is recommended as a topping.
What other toppings are suggested for customization?
Suggested toppings include diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, light sour cream, and chopped iceberg lettuce.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
You will need 6 minced garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The tomato paste helps to thicken the meat mixture during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
How many onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 finely chopped onions.
What type of oil is best for browning the pork?
Two tablespoons of vegetable oil are used for searing and browning the pork shoulder.
Can I reduce the amount of pork used?
Yes, the 3 1/2 pounds of pork shoulder can be reduced to 3 pounds if preferred.
What is the best way to serve these tacos for a gathering?
Serve the pork in a bowl with a basket of shells and place toppings in separate small bowls for guests to customize their own.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy family dinner?
Yes, it is ideal for busy days because you can 'set it and forget it' while it cooks in the slow cooker.
Does this recipe contain any fiber information?
The provided data does not list a specific fiber count for this recipe.
How much chili powder should be added?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
What should I do with the brown bits at the bottom of the Dutch oven?
When pouring in the chicken stock, scrape the bottom of the Dutch oven to release the flavorful brown bits to add to the slow cooker.
How many grams of protein are in one serving?
There are 22.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much salt and pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper to season the pork.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Mexican-inspired comfort food and an easy family meal.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 17 ingredients total, ranging from the meat and base to the various toppings.