Slow Cooker

Pork & Pineapple Tacos

Plan ahead so you can use your slow cooker to prepare the pulled pork for these tacos. This recipe is a better-for-you twist on the classic tacos al pastor. Pork loin is a lean cut that's a healthier option than traditional pork shoulder, which has more fat.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 (2-pound) pork loin roast, trimmed
  • ⅓ cup apple juice
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • 2 cups finely diced fresh pineapple (about 1/2 small pineapple)
  • 1 cup finely diced seeded cucumber
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 12 6-inch corn tortillas, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage

Directions

  1. Combine chili powder, paprika, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Place pork in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork. Pour apple juice around the pork. Cover and cook on Low until the pork is fork-tender, 6 to 7 hours.
  3. Meanwhile, combine lime juice and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Add pineapple, cucumber and onion; toss to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Skim off visible fat from the juices in the slow cooker. Using 2 forks, shred the meat. Stir in vinegar.
  5. To assemble tacos: Place a generous ¼ cup of pulled pork on each tortilla and add a drizzle of the cooking liquid. Top with about 2 ½ tablespoons of shredded cabbage and about 3 tablespoons of the pineapple salsa.