Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Pineapple and Cilantro Salsa

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

Tender pork simmered with warm spices, served in soft tortillas with a bright pineapple-cilantro salsa for perfect summer tacos. This mexican ready in about 390 minutes blends cubed pork shoulder, diced yellow onion, minced garlic 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 350 calories and feeds 8, 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: 15 min Cook: 375 min Serves 8 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs cubed pork shoulder in a slow cooker, then add 1 diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 cup chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until pork is tender and falls apart.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork, shred with two forks, and return to slow cooker. Stir in 1 cup diced pineapple and cook for 15 minutes to heat through.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, prepare salsa: in a bowl, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1 juiced lime, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss to combine.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas according to package instructions. Assemble tacos with shredded pork, 2 tbsp pineapple salsa, and a few slices of avocado per taco.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 390 minutes (15 min prep + 375 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 Tacos with Pineapple and Cilantro 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 Tacos with Pineapple and Cilantro 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 Tacos with Pineapple and Cilantro Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Tacos with Pineapple and Cilantro 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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