Slow-cooked pork is the best! These Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Tacos are tender, juicy, and full of slow-cooked flavor. Plus, this simple, budget-friendly recipe is excellent for multiple meals.
Sometimes, the family is in the mood for something other than pasta or beef. One of my go-to recipes, which is budget-friendly because it provides multiple meals, is Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Tacos.
This recipe is so simple; anyone from the beginner cook to the experienced can make it!
These Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos are perfect for your meal plan because you can cook once and eat at least twice - which is a must in our book!
We like this recipe for Crock-Pot French Dip Sandwiches for the same reason.
Related: Crockpot Tips and Tricks
How To Make Pulled Pork Tacos in the Crock-Pot
This pulled pork is gluten-free, dairy-free, Whole 30 compliant, low-carb, paleo, and keto-friendly. It also beautifully feeds a crowd, so keep this recipe handy!
Let's get started making our Pulled Pork (aka Carnitas).
Step 1
First, place the first 7 ingredients (all the spices) in a bowl and mix them together.
Step 2
Then, place the pork shoulder in the Crock-Pot (slow cooker) and rub the seasoning mixture all over the meat.
Step 3
Next, pour the apple cider vinegar and citrus juice around the pork shoulder in the Crock-Pot.
This liquid creates such a good flavor!
Step 4
Cook on low setting for 8-12 hours.
Step 5
Now, take the pork and place it on a plate or cutting board. Using 2 forks, shred the meat into bite-size pieces. At this point, I also like to remove the visible pieces of fat.
Step 6
Now, collect the remaining liquid from the crockpot. Most of it will be pork juice, but there will be a small layer of fat. If that bothers you, place it in an ice bath, and once the fat solidifies, scrape it off.
Then, pour a little of the liquid from the Crock-Pot over the pork, and if you like, place it in a baking pan and broil for a few minutes to get a little crisp.
Tip: Watch carefully, though. This method of cooking can burn quickly!
Step 7
Finally, place the pork in your tortillas and top with desired accompaniments. We love shredded cabbage and guac, but go with what you like!
Tips for Making and Reheating Shredded Pork Tacos
- Ok, this step isn't essential, but it does add to the end result. You can make Carnitas (pork) crisp after it comes out of the crockpot by placing it under the broiler or in a dry frying pan for a few minutes. Our preferred method of serving is definitely with a bit of crispiness!
- Reheating your pork is also recommended by the methods mentioned above. Add a small amount of fat like olive oil, butter, or lard, and cook the leftover pulled pork for a few minutes until warmed through.
- If you want to prep ahead, prepare the pork per the directions, place it in the crock, and then put it in the refrigerator overnight instead of putting it in the crockpot to cook. In the morning, take it out of the fridge, let it sit on the counter for an hour or so, and then put it in the crockpot to cook. NEVER PLACE THE CROCK IN THE CROCKPOT DIRECTLY FROM THE FRIDGE—it will crack.
What Temperature Should I Cook Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
We always cook pulled pork in the crockpot on low.
In our opinion, the high setting is just too much for the pork, and it can get a little dry. If you need to cook it on high, it will typically take a minimum of 4 hours. However, we recommend sticking with the low setting if you can.
What To Do With Pulled Pork
So, there are lots of options for what to do with pulled pork. Here are a few of our favorites to use the pork a second or third time:
If you make tacos, definitely top them with Pineapple Salsa. YUM!
- Go gluten-free and low-calorie, and wrap your pulled pork in Bibb lettuce. So darn good!
- Hello, delicious salad. I like to make a nice big green salad and put the pork on top with goat cheese. Oh, my! So yummy!
- The kids like to take the pork, place it in a tortilla with cheese, and make it into an amped-up quesadilla. Top with guacamole, and you've got yourself something extraordinary!
- You can make pulled pork sandwiches by just placing the pork on a hamburger or gourmet bun.
- Nachos. Enough said! 🙂
If none of these sound good, take a look at these Creative Ways to Use Pulled Pork.
Can Pulled Pork Be Frozen?
Great question! Yes, pulled pork freezes beautifully! This recipe is a great way to meal prep for the following week or later in the month. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months.
You can pull the pork from the freezer the day before you plan to use it, let it thaw, and then reheat it. For the best flavor and texture, make sure to prevent freezer burn.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork Tacos
For toppings:
- Cilantro
- Sour Cream
- Shredded Cabbage
- Avocado
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Lime
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos:
- Refried Beans
- Rice
- Salad
- Black Beans
- Coleslaw
More Crock Pot Pork Recipes
If you love slow-cooked pork, definitely try our Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops, 2-ingredient Crockpot BBQ Pork Chops, and our fan-favorite Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops!
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Printable Recipe
Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe
Equipment
- small bowl
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 - 5 pound pork shoulder (rinsed and cleaned (aka pork butt))
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup juice from orange (approximately 2 oranges)
- 1 package corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Place the first 7 ingredients (all the spices) in a bowl and mix together.
- Place the pork shoulder in the Crock-Pot (slow cooker) fat side up and rub the seasoning mixture all over the meat.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar and citrus juice around the pork shoulder in the Crock-Pot.
- Cook on low setting for 8-12 hours.
- Take the pork and place it on a plate or cutting board. Using 2 forks, shred the meat into bite-size pieces. Remove the visible pieces of fat at this point as well.
- Collect the remaining liquid from the crockpot. Most of it will be pork juice, but there will be a small layer of fat. If that bothers you, place it in an ice bath, and once the fat solidifies, scrape it off. Then, pour a little of the liquid from the Crock-Pot over the pork, and if you like, place it in a baking pan and broil for a few minutes to get a little crisp.
Video
Notes
- If you want to prep ahead, prepare the pork per the directions, place it in the crock and then place it in the refrigerator overnight instead of putting it in the crockpot to cook. In the morning, take it out of the fridge, let it sit on the counter for an hour or so, and then place it in the crockpot to cook. NEVER PLACE THE CROCK IN THE CROCK POT DIRECTLY FROM FRIDGE - it will crack.
Nutrition
Enjoy this easy-to-follow recipe that is so simple to make tonight and is a wonderful alternative to pasta or beef!
Ashley F
Pulled pork is so good in the crock pot! Love using the meat for tacos! So good!
Erin Henry
Tacos are our favorite with pulled pork fro the crockpot too! This recipe is great for leftovers.
Allyson Zea
This was the perfect dinner! Thank you!
Damien The Cannibal
I love using Crackpots especially for meals.
Sherry
Erin, I chose your pork tacos for my feature at Totally Terrific Tuesday this week. thank you so much for sharing your wonderful recipe with us.
Erin
Thanks so much for featuring it, Sherry! It's a wonderful cooke once, eat twice recipe!
angie
thank you very much for another great idea I am sure the kids will love this idea as well. I believe it just landed a spot in the weekly menu
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Bev
Wayyyyyyy good! Had it for lunch today. My husband is going back for thirds right now! Yum.
Erin Henry
Wow!, That's awesome! Thanks for sharing how much you love it! 🙂