Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Spiced Tomato Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked pork served in warm corn tortillas topped with a vibrant spiced tomato salsa for an authentic taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 2 lbs pork shoulder with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly. Place pork in a slow cooker and add 1 cup water. Cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and easily shredded.
  2. Step 2: While pork cooks, prepare salsa by combining 3 diced medium tomatoes, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1 small seeded and finely chopped jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp ground chili powder, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Mix well and let flavors meld for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: When pork is done, shred it using two forks and stir it into the cooking juices for extra flavor.
  4. Step 4: Warm 12 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spooning generous portions of shredded pork onto each tortilla and topping with spiced tomato salsa. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Spiced Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Spiced Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Spiced Tomato 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 Spiced Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Spiced Tomato 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.

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