Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

1. Introduction – A Flavorful and Easy Meal

Slow cooker pulled pork tacos with pineapple salsa are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The tender, juicy pork slow-cooked in a blend of spices and citrus juices pairs beautifully with the fresh, zesty pineapple salsa, creating a taco that’s bursting with flavor.

The best part? This recipe is effortless, thanks to the slow cooker doing all the hard work. Simply prep your ingredients, let the pork cook low and slow, and enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality tacos with minimal effort.

Looking for tender, juicy, and flavor-packed tacos with minimal effort? These slow cooker pulled pork tacos with pineapple salsa are the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The slow-cooked pork melts in your mouth, while the fresh pineapple salsa adds a burst of sweetness and freshness.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make pulled pork tacos step by step, including the best seasoning mix, slow cooking tips, and topping ideas. Whether you’re preparing for Taco Tuesday, game day, or a casual dinner, these tacos will be a hit. Let’s get cooking!

2. Essential Ingredients for Pulled Pork Tacos

1. Pulled Pork (Slow-Cooked & Flavorful)

✔ 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
✔ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✔ 1 teaspoon salt
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
✔ 1 teaspoon cumin
✔ 1 teaspoon chili powder
✔ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
✔ ½ teaspoon onion powder
✔ 1 cup orange juice (or pineapple juice for extra sweetness)
✔ ¼ cup lime juice
✔ ½ cup chicken broth

2. Pineapple Salsa (Fresh & Tangy)

✔ 1 cup fresh pineapple (diced)
✔ ½ red onion (finely chopped)
✔ 1 jalapeño (deseeded & minced for mild heat)
✔ ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
✔ Juice of 1 lime
✔ Salt to taste

3. Tortillas & Toppings

✔ Corn or flour tortillas
✔ Avocado slices or guacamole
✔ Crumbled cotija cheese or shredded cheese
✔ Extra lime wedges for serving

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pulled Pork Tacos

Step 1: Season & Sear the Pork

1. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Pork

1. Place the seared pork in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Salsa

1. In a bowl, mix diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
2. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4: Shred the Pork & Assemble the Tacos

1. Once the pork is tender, use two forks to shred it in the slow cooker.
2. Warm the tortillas on a skillet or open flame.
3. Fill each tortilla with shredded pork, pineapple salsa, avocado slices, and cotija cheese.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
2. Serve warm with your favorite hot sauce or salsa verde.

4. Best Variations of Pulled Pork Tacos

1. Spicy Chipotle Pulled Pork Tacos

✔ Add 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky heat.

2. Sweet & Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos

✔ Mix in ¼ cup BBQ sauce after shredding the pork.

3. Mango Salsa Pulled Pork Tacos

✔ Swap pineapple for fresh mango in the salsa.

4. Low-Carb Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

✔ Serve the pork in lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a keto-friendly meal.

5. Tips & Tricks for the Best Pulled Pork Tacos

✅ Use Pork Shoulder for the Best Flavor

✔ Pork shoulder is marbled with fat, making it juicy and tender after slow cooking.

✅ Don’t Skip the Searing Step

✔ Searing the pork locks in flavor and adds a rich depth to the dish.

✅ Shred the Pork While It’s Warm

✔ This makes shredding easier and keeps the meat juicy.

✅ Let the Salsa Sit for 10 Minutes

✔ This enhances the flavors, making it more vibrant and delicious.

✅ Double the Recipe for Leftovers

✔ Leftover pulled pork can be used for burritos, nachos, quesadillas, or sandwiches.

Conclusion – Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos!

Slow cooker pulled pork tacos with pineapple salsa are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

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FAQs

1. Can I make pulled pork tacos ahead of time?

✔ Yes! Store shredded pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

2. What’s the best way to reheat pulled pork?

✔ Stovetop: Heat in a pan with a little broth to keep it moist.
✔ Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

3. Can I freeze pulled pork?

✔ Yes! Freeze shredded pork in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.

4. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

✔ Yes, but drain it well to prevent excess liquid.

5. What’s the best tortilla for pulled pork tacos?

✔ Corn tortillas for an authentic taste, flour tortillas for a softer bite.

6. Can I cook pulled pork in an Instant Pot?

✔ Yes! Pressure cook on HIGH for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.

7. How do I make these tacos spicier?

✔ Add extra jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce.

8. What toppings pair well with pulled pork tacos?

✔ Sour cream, pickled onions, avocado, or queso fresco.

9. How do I prevent my tacos from getting soggy?

✔ Warm tortillas before serving and drain excess liquid from the pork.

10. What side dishes go well with pulled pork tacos?

✔ Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, grilled corn, or a fresh slaw.