Slow Cooker Tacos al Pastor: Unforgettable Mexican Flavors

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine with this easy-to-make recipe for Tacos al Pastor in the Slow Cooker. This delightful dish features marinated pork cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. The tangy and slightly sweet marinade, made with a blend of spices, pineapple juice, and adobo sauce, adds a zesty kick to the dish. Served on warm corn tortillas and topped with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Corn tortillas, for serving
• Additional toppings: diced pineapple, diced onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, salt, black pepper, vinegar, and vegetable oil. Stir well to combine.
2. Place the pork shoulder chunks in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the meat is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Once marinated, remove the pork from the refrigerator and transfer it along with the marinade to the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion on top of the pork.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks.
6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices. Let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Warm the corn tortillas on a griddle or in a dry skillet over medium heat.
8. To serve, place a generous amount of the slow-cooked pork on each warm tortilla. Top with diced pineapple, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
9. Serve the Tacos al Pastor with your favorite Mexican side dishes and enjoy!

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