Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor

One of my favorite Mexican dishes to order when eating out is tacos al pastor. My favorite restaurant only serves them occasionally, so I wanted to come up with a simple yet delicious way to enjoy those same flavors at home. That is how this recipe for Slow Cooker Tacos al Pastor came to be. It gives you a great way to enjoy those sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors without a lot of fuss.

The sauce for these tacos starts with a can of red enchilada sauce, which makes this recipe easy to put together while still giving the meat plenty of flavor. I used a mild enchilada sauce for my family, but I personally think it would be even more delicious with a medium sauce for a little extra heat. One of the things I really love about this recipe is how easy it is to adjust to your family’s tastes. Just changing the type of enchilada sauce lets you control the spice level without changing anything else.

Another key part of tacos al pastor is the fresh diced pineapple on top. In my opinion, it is a must if you want that classic al pastor flavor. The sweetness and freshness of the pineapple pair so well with the seasoned meat, really making the tacos special. I also think a little fresh cilantro is a great addition, as it adds even more freshness, though I know cilantro isn’t everyone’s favorite.

Fresh diced onion is another topping that is really tasty on these tacos, but it is definitely optional. My family is not especially big on fresh onion, so we usually leave it off for them. I, on the other hand, love adding it to my tacos because it gives them a little extra bite and flavor. The nice thing about these tacos is that everyone can top them just the way they like.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor

• RED ENCHILADA SAUCE – Red enchilada sauce is the base of the cooking sauce and gives the pork so much flavor as it slow cooks. Using a medium-heat sauce adds a little kick, but you can easily choose a milder or hotter one depending on your preference.
• BROWN SUGAR – Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that helps balance the savory and spicy flavors in the sauce. It also works really well with pineapple and helps give the tacos that sweet-and-savory al pastor-style flavor.
• CORIANDER – Coriander adds a warm, slightly citrusy flavor to the pork. It helps round out the seasoning and adds more depth to the overall flavor.
• CUMIN – Cumin gives the pork that earthy, classic Mexican-inspired flavor. It is one of the spices that really helps make the meat rich and flavorful.
• PORK ROAST – Pork roast works well in this recipe because it becomes tender and flavorful as it slow cooks. Choosing a roast with a little fat will help keep the meat juicy and give it even more flavor.
• SALT AND PEPPER – Salt and pepper help season the pork and bring out the flavor of all the other ingredients. They are simple, but they make a big difference in the final taste.
• LIME JUICE – Lime juice adds brightness and acidity to the sauce. It helps balance the richness of the pork and gives the tacos a fresher flavor.
• PINEAPPLE JUICE – Pineapple juice adds sweetness and a tropical flavor that is a signature part of tacos al pastor. It also pairs really well with the lime and spices.
• ONION – The onion cooks with the pork and helps build flavor in the sauce. Whether you use red, yellow, or a mix, it adds savory depth as the meat cooks.
• GARLIC CLOVES – Garlic adds bold savory flavor and helps make the pork even more delicious. It is an important ingredient for building flavor in the slow cooker.
• CORN TORTILLAS – Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for tacos al pastor and work especially well with the flavorful pork. Warming them first makes them softer, more flexible, and better for serving.
• FRESH PINEAPPLE – Fresh diced pineapple is one of the signature toppings for tacos al pastor. It adds sweetness, freshness, and a juicy bite that pairs perfectly with the savory pork.
• PURPLE OR WHITE ONION – Finely diced onion adds a little crunch and sharpness to the tacos. It gives them extra flavor and is a classic topping.
• FRESH CILANTRO – Cilantro adds a fresh, bright flavor that helps balance the rich meat and sweet pineapple. It is a great finishing touch if you enjoy cilantro.
• LIME WEDGES – Lime wedges are perfect for serving on the side so everyone can squeeze a little fresh lime juice over their tacos. That extra citrus really brightens up all the flavors.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor

Start by adding the enchilada sauce, brown sugar, coriander, and cumin to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.

Next, rinse the pork roast and pat it dry with paper towels. Season all sides generously with salt and pepper, then place the pork in the slow cooker right on top of the sauce. Turn the roast so both sides get coated in that flavorful mixture.

In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice and pineapple juice. Pour the mixture over the pork, then add the onions and garlic on top. Spoon a little of the sauce over the onions and garlic so everything starts to soak in all that flavor.

Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for about 8 hours, until the pork is tender and easy to shred. Once it is done cooking, carefully lift the pork out of the slow cooker and let any excess sauce drip back in. Set the pork aside and let it cool just enough to handle comfortably.

Use two forks to shred the pork. Remove the sauce and vegetables from the slow cooker, then return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Add back in enough of the sauce to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Serve the pork in warm tortillas and top with fresh pineapple, diced onion, and cilantro if desired. A squeeze of fresh lime on top is also a delicious finishing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of enchilada sauce should I use?
A red enchilada sauce works best. Use medium heat for more flavor, but mild is great if you want to keep it family-friendly.

Do I have to use fresh pineapple on top?
Fresh pineapple is strongly recommended because it gives the tacos that classic al pastor flavor. It adds freshness and sweetness that really makes the tacos special.

Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice will always taste best, but bottled lime juice can work if needed.

How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is ready when it is tender enough to shred easily with two forks. That usually takes 4 to 6 hours on high or about 8 hours on low.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This recipe works very well for making ahead. The pork reheats nicely and is great for easy dinners later.

What tortillas work best?
Small corn tortillas are the traditional choice and work especially well with these tacos. You can use regular-size tortillas too if that is what you have.

Can I freeze the leftover pork?
Yes. The shredded pork freezes well. Store it with a little of the sauce to help keep it moist.

Tips and Tricks

Use fresh pineapple for serving. It really makes the tacos taste like tacos al pastor and adds the perfect sweet contrast.

Choose the enchilada sauce based on your heat preference. Mild works well for families, while medium adds a little more kick and flavor.

Season the pork well before adding it to the slow cooker. That extra layer of salt and pepper helps build more flavor.

Do not skip adding some sauce back to the shredded slow-cooked pork. It keeps the pork moist and flavorful after shredding.

Warm the tortillas before serving. Warm tortillas taste better, fold more easily, and make the tacos much better overall.

For more recipes like this, try:

• Pan Fried Beef Tacos
• Big Mac Smash Tacos
• Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
• Popcorn Chicken Tacos with Spicy Ranch

This recipe is adapted from Blouder Locavore.