Tacos are one of those rare foods that manage to be comforting, exciting, and endlessly customizable all at once. And when it comes to tacos with bold flavor and juicy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, pork tacos are hard to beat. Whether you’re hosting taco night or just craving something satisfying and easy to pull together, this pork taco recipe is a must-try.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple and incredibly flavorful pork taco recipe that can be made in your slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop. Perfectly seasoned, easy to shred, and packed with rich, savory flavor, these pork tacos are a delicious addition to your weekly meal plan. Plus, like all our posts here on the blog, this is just one of many taco recipes we’ll be sharing — so keep checking back for more taco inspiration!
Why Pork for Tacos?
Pork is rich, tender, and a great match for bold seasonings. Whether you’re using pork shoulder, tenderloin, or even ground pork, it absorbs flavor beautifully and makes for a juicy, satisfying taco filling. In this recipe, we use boneless pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, for its balance of meat and fat — perfect for slow cooking until it’s fall-apart tender.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2.5 to 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for depth)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup orange juice (or juice of 2 oranges + ½ cup water)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
Topping Suggestions:
Pickled red onions, shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, diced pineapple, avocado, cotija cheese, salsa verde, fresh lime wedges
How to Make It:
1. Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended):
Cut the pork into large chunks. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned. This step adds a deeper, richer flavor to the final dish.
2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker or Instant Pot:
Transfer the pork to your cooker. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, orange juice, and lime juice. Stir slightly to coat the meat.
3. Cook Until Tender:
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Simmer gently in a covered Dutch oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking occasionally.
4. Shred and Crisp (Optional):
Once cooked, remove the pork and shred it with two forks. For extra texture, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5–8 minutes until crispy edges form. Spoon some cooking juices back over the pork before serving.
5. Warm Tortillas and Assemble:
Warm your tortillas and fill them with the shredded pork. Top with your favorite fixings. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cotija cheese adds the perfect finishing touch.
Tips for Next-Level Pork Tacos:
- Balance the richness: Add a crunchy slaw or a citrusy salsa to balance the richness of the pork.
- Make it ahead: The pork can be made a day in advance and reheated — the flavor only gets better!
- Freeze extras: Shredded pork freezes well. Store in portions for future taco nights.
- Try different toppings: Pineapple salsa, chipotle crema, or pickled jalapeños can all take these tacos in fun new directions.
Taco Night, Upgraded
These pork tacos are everything you want from taco night — rich, flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation. And if you love these, you’ll surely love our fish taco recipe!
And don’t forget — this blog is your go-to spot for all things tacos and beyond. We’re sharing recipes, cooking tips, and fresh ideas for making every meal more exciting. From chicken and beef to vegetarian and fish tacos, there’s always something new to try.
So grab some tortillas, gather your toppings, and let’s make taco night something to celebrate.