Taco-Spiced Pork Shoulder Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with smoky taco spices, served in warm corn tortillas topped with a crunchy, tangy cabbage slaw. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the taco spice blend.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 pounds of 2-inch chunked pork shoulder with 2 tablespoons olive oil and the prepared spice blend until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or until tender enough to shred easily.
  4. Step 4: While the pork cooks, combine 3 cups chopped green cabbage, 1 shredded medium carrot, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro in a bowl. Toss well and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Warm 12 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Shred the cooked pork with two forks and divide evenly among the warm tortillas. Top with the cabbage slaw and 1/2 cup sour cream if desired before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Spiced Pork Shoulder Tacos with Cabbage Slaw 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 Taco-Spiced Pork Shoulder Tacos with Cabbage Slaw?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Taco-Spiced Pork Shoulder Tacos with Cabbage Slaw?

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 Taco-Spiced Pork Shoulder Tacos with Cabbage Slaw 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 Taco-Spiced Pork Shoulder Tacos with Cabbage Slaw?

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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