Pulled pork tacos are my ultimate go-to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing without too much fuss. There's something so satisfying about the way tender, juicy pulled pork pairs with a crunchy, vibrant slaw—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re serving a laid-back weeknight dinner or feeding a group at a backyard get-together, these tacos are a winner. Bonus? The slow cooked pork does most of the work for you. If you’ve been looking for pulled pork dinner ideas or ways to build your own pulled pork bar for a party, this recipe is calling your name.
Pulled Pork Tacos with Tangy Slaw
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 hours hrs
Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Crock Pot / Slow Cooker Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth slow cooked pulled pork. If you don’t have one, a Dutch oven on low heat in the oven works too.
Mixing bowls For tossing together the slaw ingredients.
Tongs or Forks For shredding the pork once it’s tender.
Skillet or Grill Pan (Optional) To toast the tortillas for extra flavor.
Knife and Cutting Board For slicing and prepping slaw and toppings.
For the Pulled Pork
- 3 –4 lbs pork shoulder boneless or bone-in
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Slaw
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Pickled red onions optional
Season the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub all sides generously with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place it in your crock pot.
Add Cooking Liquid
In a bowl, mix chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour it over the pork.
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or until the pork is fall-apart tender. This is one of the best pulled pork crock pot recipes because it packs so much flavor with minimal effort.
Make the Slaw
While the pork is cooking, toss together the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, mayo, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Let it chill in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
Shred the Pork
Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it using forks or tongs. Return the shredded pork to the crock pot and mix it with the juices.
Assemble the Tacos
Warm your tortillas in a skillet or directly over a gas flame. Fill each tortilla with pulled pork, a generous helping of slaw, and your favorite toppings like cilantro and pickled onions.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork Tacos
These tacos go perfectly with a side of grilled street corn, refried black beans, or a simple avocado salad. Hosting a party? Create a pulled pork bar with toppings like jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco, mango salsa, and various hot sauces so guests can build their dream tacos. If you’re craving variety, pair them with a pulled pork burger on the side or use the leftovers for one.
FAQs
1. What cut of pork should I use?
Pork shoulder is ideal for pulled pork. It’s marbled with fat, which keeps it juicy and tender during the long slow cooking process. Both bone-in and boneless work great.
2. Can I make this with chicken instead?
You can! If you're in the mood for chicken breast recipes instead, just sub in boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Note that chicken will cook faster—about 4–5 hours on LOW.
3. Can I freeze the pulled pork?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers with a bit of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.
4. Any shortcuts for busy nights?
Look for easy pulled pork crock pot recipes using pre-seasoned pork or spice blends. You can even prep and freeze the seasoned pork with liquid ingredients ahead of time for a no-fuss dump-and-go dinner.
