Chipotle-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with smoky chipotle and zesty lime, topped with a fresh pineapple salsa for a vibrant Mexican taco experience. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 260 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to make a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 pounds pork shoulder evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil and the spice mixture. Place pork in a slow cooker and pour 1/4 cup lime juice over top.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded with two forks.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 minced small jalapeño in a bowl. Mix gently and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Warm 12 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Shred the cooked pork directly in the slow cooker, stir to coat with juices, then assemble tacos by layering pork and pineapple salsa on the warmed tortillas. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chipotle-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chipotle-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chipotle-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chipotle-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chipotle-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes