Taco-Style Spiced Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa

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

Slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with bold Mexican spices paired with a fresh, tangy pineapple salsa for vibrant tacos. This Mexican-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 495 minutes, pairs chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over 2 pounds pork shoulder chunks.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork pieces on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Step 3: Transfer pork to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until meat is very tender and shreds easily.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons lime juice in a bowl. Set aside.
  5. Step 5: When pork is done, shred it with two forks and mix with the cooking juices.
  6. Step 6: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  7. Step 7: Assemble tacos by spooning generous amounts of shredded pork onto each tortilla and topping with pineapple salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Style Spiced Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 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-Style Spiced Pork Shoulder with Pineapple 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 chili powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Taco-Style Spiced Pork Shoulder with Pineapple 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 Taco-Style Spiced Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Style Spiced Pork Shoulder with Pineapple Salsa?

Mexican pork 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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