Slow Cooker Tequila-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos

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

Tender pulled pork infused with tequila and zesty lime, perfect for soft tacos topped with fresh cilantro and crunchy slaw. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, tequila, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 480 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder into a slow cooker. Pour 1/2 cup tequila, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup orange juice over the pork. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir gently to coat the pork evenly.
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups shredded red cabbage with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: When pork is done, shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the cooking juices for flavor.
  5. Step 5: Warm 12 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds each side until soft and pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by spooning generous portions of pulled pork onto each tortilla, topping with a small handful of the prepared cabbage slaw and 1 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Tequila-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos 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 Cooker Tequila-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos?

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 Cooker Tequila-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos?

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 Cooker Tequila-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos 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 Cooker Tequila-Lime Pulled Pork Tacos?

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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