Instant Pot Pulled Pork Taco Recipe (or Slow Cooker)

This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Taco recipe is a game-changer. Tender, juicy pork cooked to perfection, packed with mouthwatering spices, and topped with your favorite taco fixings. It’s a fiesta in your mouth that’s easy to make and sure to impress!

This post was updated from 2018 to improve our readers experience. No changes were made to the recipe.

Whether you are making a quick meal for the family or hosting taco tuesday for the neighborhood, you are going to love our Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe. So, pull out the instant pot and get ready for a flavor explosion! 

Why We Love Shredded Pork Tacos

Quick and easy. If you had told me that I could have a delicious meal with the most tender pork in about an hour but tasted like it cooked all day long, I would have thought you were fooling. 

Convenient. The best part about this great recipe is it’s ready when you are. You can have it in a jiffy using your pressure cooker or let it cook all day long and make slow cooker pork tacos.

Versatile. There are so many delicious ways to use this pulled pork recipe. I’ll be sharing my favorite ways with you.

Budget friendly. Pork is relatively inexpensive to buy and our Instant Pot Shredded Pork Tacos will feed a crowd.

One day, John came home from the gym and said we were having friends over for the football game which started at 11:00 a.m.! That meant instead of a few snacks we needed lunch and I had about 2 hours. So, after a quick trip to the grocery store, I grabbed my trusty instant pot.

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What is the best cut of meat for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder (also referred to as pork butt) is ideal for pulling purposes. It has an optimum fat content that results in tender meat when cooked in a pressure cooker or slowly in a crock pot which allows the protein to break down properly. Using a leaner cut such as a pork loin can be drier and harder to shred. 

Pulled Pork Taco Ingredients

Pork. We used a pork butt and cut it into 4-inch pieces.

Onion. We used a yellow onion. They maintain flavor when cooked. You could use a white onion.

Jalapenos. Seeded and diced. 

Spices. We kept our spices simple using ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and dried Mexican oregano.

Chicken broth. You need a liquid when using an Insta Pot. Stock or broth adds a great flavor. You could also use water.

Kosher salt and ground black pepper.

How to Make Pulled Pork Tacos

1. ​ We want to leave some of the fat on the pork shoulder. I trim excess fat that is thick and has a hard texture. Cube and add the pork to the instant pot. Pour the broth over the meat. 
2. Add the diced onion, jalapenos, spices, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
3. Place the lid on the instant pot and close the vent. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 45 minutes.
4. Once the time is up, leave the lid on and let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes. Vent to remove any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
5. Remove the meat and place it on a cutting board or large platter. Use two forks and shred the meat.

Note: You can place the meat back into the Instant Pot and cover it with juice until serving which will keep it warm and juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos?

Pork shoulders can be very large. We cooked approximately 4 pounds for this recipe. For a quick and easy meal, we will cube up the remaining pork, and place it in freezer bags or an airtight container with the remaining ingredients. Place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frozen Pork Taco meat can be cooked in the instant pot without thawing or placed in the refrigerator to thaw before cooking.

You can also freeze the cooking liquid in a separate container and use it instead of chicken broth the next time you’re craving Instant Pot Pork Tacos.

Can This Recipe Be Cooked In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make slow cooker pulled pork. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours or until pork is tender enough to pull apart with a fork.

Taco Bar

It’s so much fun to set up a taco bar filled with everything taco so people can help themselves. Here are some thoughts. Set your favorite toppings out in little bowls and let people help themselves. It’s a great way to have everything planned in advance. Here are a few more ingredients that are delicious with shredded pork tacos

• Taco Shells. Flour tortillas, corn tortillas, and crunchy taco shells. You can serve warm tortillas by putting them in a warm slow cooker or just serving them at room temperature.
• Pico de Gallo and salsa: You can chop up tomatoes, jalapenos, red onions, etc. but why not just pick up a container of pico de Gallo and salsa to make things easier?
• Avocados.
• Sour Cream or an avocado crema.
• Fresh Cilantro.
• Shredded lettuce or Red Cabbage.
• Hot sauce. I find that’s the best way to satisfy those who like their tacos spicy.
• Cheese. Pre-shredded is easy.
• Add some wedges of lime. A spritz of lime juice brightens up the flavors of your taco.

What do I serve with Pork Tacos?

A Margarita is my favorite way to start off a great Instant Pot Pork Taco meal. For a side dish, Tomatillo Rice, Black Beans, or Charro Beans are delicious and can be made ahead. Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread) or a Margarita Pie would make the perfect dessert.

Leftover Pulled Pork Taco Meat

1. Taco Salad: Serve the pulled pork over a bed of crisp lettuce, along with beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and your desired dressing.
2. Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, refried beans or nacho cheese sauce, jalapeños, diced onions, and plenty of shredded cheese. Bake until melted and gooey.
3. Burrito Bowls: Combine the pulled pork with rice, black beans, corn, salsa, guacamole, and any other desired toppings in a bowl for a hearty and customizable meal.
4. Quesadillas: Stuff the pulled pork inside flour tortillas with shredded cheese, then cook in a skillet or panini press until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
5. Sliders: Pile the pulled pork onto small slider buns or dinner rolls, and top with coleslaw or pickled onions for a tasty handheld treat.
6. Lettuce Wraps are a delicious way to use leftover meat and keep it low carb too. We use butter lettuce and our favorite taco toppings.
7. Tex-Mex Lasagna is practically made when your slow-cooked pork is already made.

The possibilities are endless! The pulled pork can be used in so many delicious Mexican-inspired dishes.

I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.

Related recipes

We eat Mexican-inspired or more likely Tex-Mex Tex-Mex-inspired recipes more than any other. Our Green Chili Pulled Pork is warm and delicious. If you’re looking for a great 30-minute meal our Pork Green Chili recipe. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

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