Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

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

Fall-apart tender pork shoulder simmered with spices and served on warm corn tortillas with a sweet-tangy pineapple salsa. This mexican ready in about 500 minutes blends trimmed pork shoulder, lime juice, chili powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 395 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 480 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 395 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Rub mixture over 2 lbs trimmed pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place pork in slow cooker, add 1/4 cup water, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1/2 diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1 minced jalapeño; set aside.
  4. Step 4: Shred cooked pork with two forks, then serve on warm corn tortillas topped with pineapple salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder Tacos with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder Tacos with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Mexican mexican 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.

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