Mezcal-Spiced Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with smoky mezcal and warm spices, served in soft tortillas topped with vibrant pineapple salsa for a perfect balance of smoky and sweet. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 500 minutes, pairs mezcal, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup mezcal
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 8 corn tortillas
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.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup mezcal, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Rub this spice mixture all over 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks.
- Step 2: Place the seasoned pork and 1 medium sliced yellow onion in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Step 3: While pork cooks, prepare pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup diced pineapple, 0.5 cup diced red bell pepper, 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4: Once pork is cooked, shred it with two forks, mixing it with the cooking juices for extra flavor.
- Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
- Step 6: Assemble tacos by dividing shredded pork among tortillas and topping with pineapple salsa. Serve immediately for a smoky, sweet taco experience.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mezcal-Spiced Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Mezcal-Spiced 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 mezcal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mezcal-Spiced 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 Mezcal-Spiced 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 Mezcal-Spiced 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.
