Spicy Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Tender shredded pork simmered in a smoky chipotle sauce, served in warm tortillas with a cooling avocado crema and pickled onions. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 190 minutes pairs cubed pork shoulder, corn or flour tortillas, mashed avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, 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.

★ 4.4 (95 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 180 min Serves 8 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine pork, chipotle, adobo sauce, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for 2-3 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix mashed avocado, crema, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Spoon 1/3 cup pork mixture into each tortilla. Top with pickled onions, avocado crema, and cilantro. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 190 minutes (10 min prep + 180 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 Spicy Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 cubed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 Spicy Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema 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.

Is Spicy Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten free, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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