These tacos al pastor with pineapple salsa are the perfect weeknight dinner idea.
The Deets
Let’s talk about a true classic: slow cooker tacos al pastor with a vibrant pineapple salsa. Traditionally, al pastor is made by spit-grilling marinated pork on a vertical rotisserie, layering it with bold spices, and topping it off with onions and sweet, caramelized pineapple as it cooks. While the traditional preparation is undeniably iconic, this recipe brings that same irresistible flavor profile into your own kitchen in an easy, approachable way. By using a slow cooker, you still get that tender, flavorful meat, but without the need for special equipment.
The secret lies in the spice rub and a quick pan sear before the slow cooking process begins. The sear locks in those rich spices, creating a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat, while the slow cooker ensures it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing all the bold, aromatic spices all the way through.
To complement the savory, smoky meat, I added a sweet and spicy pineapple salsa that perfectly balances the dish with its refreshing brightness. The juicy pineapple and subtle heat from the salsa cut through the richness of the pork, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. And of course, for the finishing touch, I topped everything with pickled shallots, which bring a tangy, zesty kick that elevates each taco to the next level.
This recipe is all about bringing the spirit of al pastor into a dish you can easily recreate at home, complete with all the layers of flavor and texture that make it a classic. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these tacos are guaranteed to impress!
Slow cooker tacos al pastor with a pineapple salsa
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 1 large white onion cut into eighths
- 3 tbsp of each: chili powder, cumin, salt,cayenne, garlic powder, cardamom, pepper
- Olive oil for searing
- 2 cups chicken broth
Combine for salsa:
- Pineapple, cut into cubes
- Pickled or regular shallots
- jalepeno
- lime juice
- salt/pepper
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Add onion to slow cooker. Then, combine spiceson a plate and cover pork in the rub. Heat olive oil over high heat and searquickly on all sides.
- Add pork to cooker and cover with the chickenbroth. Cook on low until meat is falling off the bone. Depending on your saltpreference, you might want to add a bit more salt on the pork at the end (Itend to love salt though so def a personal choice).
- Serve with quick grilled or heated tortillas andtop with salsa. I also enjoyed with some greek yogurt (a great healthy alt forsour cream), some salsa verde and more lime juice. Enjoy!!
