Skip to Content

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.

Top down view of three rolled tacos with one open pulled pork taco sitting on top garnished with tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese.

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.

Angled view of a soft taco shell filled with pulled pork avocado, tomatoes, and shredded cheese.

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.

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.

Top down view of a soft shell instant pot pulled pork taco garnished with diced tomatoes, avocados, and shredded cheese. Hostess At Heart

How to Make Pulled Pork Tacos

  1. ​Cube the pork and place it in 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.

Closeup view of a taco shell filled with pulled pork taco meat, diced tomatoes, avocados, and shredded cheese.

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 Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe Be Cooked In A Slow Cooker?

Yes! 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.

A pan filled with three rolled soft-shelled tacos with one open taco on top filled with insta pot shredded pork, diced tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese - Hostess At Heart

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.

What do I serve with Pork Tacos?

A Margarita is my favorite way to start off a great Instant 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.

Side view of a soft shell taco tortilla filled with pulled pork and garnished with tomatoes, shredded cheese, and avocados. Hostess At Heart

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.

Angled view of a soft shell taco filled with shredded pork taco meat and garnished with diced tomatoes, avocados, and shredded cheese. Hostess At Heart

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe

Author: Julie Menghini
Pulled Pork Taco recipe combines perfectly cooked tender, juicy pork with mouthwatering spices, and topped with your favorite taco fixings.
4.90 from 19 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Pressure release time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword: Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos
Servings: 16 tacos

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lb pork butt trimmed and cut into 4″ cubes
  • 1 cup chicken broth (can use water instead of broth)
  • 1 yellow onion cut into large chunks
  • 1 jalapeno seeded, ribs removed, and cut into chunks (2 if you want more spice)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano regular dried oregano can be substituted
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1.5 tbsp ground chili powder
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Add broth to the instant pot followed by meat and remaining ingredients.
  • Make sure vent is closed.  Secure lid and select manual button.  Set time to 45 minutes.  When time is over allow the instant pot to release pressure on its own for 15 minutes and then carefully turn vent to open to release any remaining pressure.
  • Unlock the lid and remove meat with a slotted spoon.  Shred pork with two forks.  I like to leave large pieces in mine as well.
  • Serve with tortilla shells and desired taco garnishes such as tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 21gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 576mgPotassium: 433mgVitamin A: 305IUVitamin C: 2.6mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.8mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it for later and follow me on Pinterest for more delicious recipes like this one!

Angled view for Pinterest of a soft taco shell filled with shredded pork, diced tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese. Hostess At Heart
Recipe Rating




Jac

Thursday 29th of April 2021

These were ideal for lunch outside in the garden. Family loved them. Thanks!

Julie Menghini

Thursday 29th of April 2021

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed them!

Beth

Thursday 29th of April 2021

Wow! Such a tasty and delicious dinner! I had got an IP for Christmas and this was the first recipe I made. It turned out amazing and very yummy!

Julie Menghini

Thursday 29th of April 2021

Thanks, Beth! Super easy and yummy is a win right?

Chichi

Wednesday 28th of April 2021

I haven’t thought to make pulled pork tacos in my instant pot. This recipe will definitely get into our meal rotation next month. Love it!

Julie Menghini

Thursday 29th of April 2021

Thank you, Chichi!

Anjali

Wednesday 28th of April 2021

Yum!! These tacos were so easy to make, super flavorful, and very family friendly! We made them for dinner tonight and everyone gobbled them up!

Julie Menghini

Thursday 29th of April 2021

Thank you so much!

Gavin Sutherland

Wednesday 28th of April 2021

I'm used to being pulled pork on the BBQ but sometimes I simply don't have the time! I tried this recipe and boy was I impressed - cooked to perfection. Thanks so much

Julie Menghini

Thursday 29th of April 2021

Thank you, Gavin! We love the convenience of this recipe.

As Seen On