Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor

Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor: Authentic Flavor, Easy Prep

Oh, the sizzle and aroma of perfectly marinated pork, slow-cooked until it melts in your mouth – that’s what Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor brings to our family table! The slightly sweet and tangy pineapple perfectly complements the savory pork, creating a flavor explosion that always has everyone reaching for seconds. Much like our family tradition of making Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage every St. Patrick’s Day, these tacos have become a staple for our summer gatherings.

I remember watching my grandmother meticulously prepare her traditional Al Pastor on the stovetop, a process that took hours. Now, with my trusty Crockpot, I can recreate those same authentic flavors with so much less effort, leaving me more time to spend with my own little one in the kitchen.

These Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor are not only incredibly flavorful but also a wonderfully low-stress option for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. My secret is that the slow cooking method infuses every piece of pork with that incredible marinade.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

This Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor recipe comes alive thanks to the combination of savory pork shoulder, sweet pineapple juice, and a vibrant blend of spices. I especially love the depth that the ancho chili powder brings to the marinade – it’s a flavor I always associate with my grandmother’s cooking. Just like in my Crockpot Beef Ramen, the slow cooking time ensures the flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor

Making these Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor is incredibly simple: just combine the pork with the marinade ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Once the pork is tender, shred it and serve in warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings. It’s a hands-off cooking method that delivers maximum flavor! The process is really so convenient, especially when I am also making my favorite Crockpot Whole Chicken.

Sofia

Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor

Delicious and easy Tacos Al Pastor made in the crockpot! Marinated pork shoulder slow-cooked to perfection, then crisped up for authentic flavor.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lbs Pork Shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup Pineapple Juice unsweetened
• 1/2 cup White Vinegar
• 4 tbsp Ancho Chili Powder
• 2 tbsp Chipotle Powder
• 2 tbsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 6 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 24 Corn Tortillas
• 1 Pineapple diced
• 1/2 White Onion finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped
• 1 Lime cut into wedges

Equipment

• Crockpot
• Air Fryer
• Blender

Method

 

• In a blender, combine pineapple juice, white vinegar, ancho chili powder, chipotle powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, cinnamon, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
• Place the cubed pork shoulder in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
• Transfer the marinated pork and marinade to a crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shredded.
• Once cooked, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• In a bowl, toss the shredded pork with the reserved cooking liquid. This will help keep it moist and flavorful during air frying.
• Place the shredded pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is crispy and slightly browned, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Warm the corn tortillas.
• Fill each tortilla with the crispy Al Pastor pork.
• Top with diced pineapple, chopped white onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can broil the shredded pork for a few minutes instead of air frying. Store leftover cooked pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips for Making This Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the best Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor every time:

For Extra Flavor

• Sear the Pork: Before adding the pork to the Crockpot, sear it on all sides in a hot pan. This adds a beautiful crust and enhances the overall flavor.
• Marinate Overnight: For the most intense flavor, marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: If your pork shoulder is too large to fit comfortably in the Crockpot, cut it into smaller pieces. Overcrowding can prevent the pork from cooking evenly.
• My Secret Trick: I always add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the Crockpot in the last hour of cooking. This brightens up the flavors and adds a subtle tang.

Fun Variations / Easy Substitutions for Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor

Want to mix things up with your Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor? Here are a few easy variations:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade for a spicier kick.
• Use Different Protein: While pork shoulder is traditional, you can also use chicken thighs or beef chuck roast.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use jackfruit as a plant-based alternative. Its texture mimics shredded pork perfectly!
• Grilled Pineapple: For a smoky flavor, grill the pineapple slices before adding them to the tacos.

What to Serve With Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor

These Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with the right accompaniments:

• Pico de Gallo: A classic combination of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices.
• Spicy Crema: A dollop of sour cream mixed with your favorite hot sauce is the perfect finishing touch.

My secret is to always have a variety of toppings on hand so everyone can customize their tacos to their liking!

How to Store Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor

Leftover Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the shredded pork in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, simply warm the pork in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. I always add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the pork moist.

Nutritional Benefits

Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor, when enjoyed in moderation, can be a part of a balanced diet, offering protein from the pork and vitamins from the pineapple. I always try to load up our tacos with plenty of fresh veggies to boost the nutritional value for my family.

FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors of Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor often meld together even more beautifully when made a day or two in advance. Simply store the cooked pork in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prepping or entertaining.

What if I don’t have all the spices for Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor?

Don’t worry if you’re missing a spice or two! Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Chili powder, cumin, and oregano are the key flavors, but you can adjust the amounts to your liking. For Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor, a little smokiness from smoked paprika can also add a nice touch.

Can I grill the pork after it’s cooked in the Crockpot?

Yes, you can! Grilling the pork after it’s cooked in the Crockpot will add a delicious smoky flavor and crispy texture. Just be sure to watch it carefully to prevent it from drying out. This grilling step will certainly elevate your Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor.

What kind of tortillas are best for Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor?

I personally prefer corn tortillas for their authentic flavor and slightly chewy texture, but flour tortillas also work well. Warm the tortillas before serving to make them more pliable and flavorful. When making Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor, try grilling the tortillas for extra flavor!

Conclusion

With its authentic flavors and easy preparation, Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor is sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooking method ensures that the pork is incredibly tender and flavorful, while the pineapple adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory spices. Just like with my favorite Slow Cooker Brisket, this recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and a little bit of time can create a truly unforgettable meal.

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