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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe Easy Smoky Barbecue Sauce

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This recipe features tender slow-cooked pork shoulder with a smoky barbecue sauce, perfect for easy and flavorful pulled pork tacos. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and great for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 pounds pork shoulder (1.8–2.3 kg), well-marbled
  • 6 oz (170 g) tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup (70 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • Tortillas (corn or flour), for serving
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced red onion, avocado slices, shredded cabbage or slaw mix

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving a thin layer for moisture and flavor. Pat dry with paper towels (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth (about 3 minutes).
  3. Place the sliced onion evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker (2 minutes).
  4. Rub the barbecue sauce all over the pork shoulder, ensuring every nook is covered. Place the pork on top of the onions in the slow cooker (5 minutes).
  5. Pour the chicken broth around the pork (not directly on top) to keep the meat moist during cooking (1 minute).
  6. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until pork is tender enough to shred easily with forks.
  7. Remove the pork to a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large chunks of fat (5 minutes).
  8. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid, then stir some of that flavorful liquid back into the shredded pork to keep it juicy and saucy (2 minutes).
  9. Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds each side or wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
  10. Spoon pulled pork onto tortillas and add your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, or slaw. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove pork and simmer the liquid on the stovetop to thicken before mixing back in. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and check barbecue sauce ingredients. Brown sugar can be reduced for lower sugar version with a splash of orange juice added. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain heat and moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork tacos, slow cooker, barbecue sauce, smoky, easy tacos, pork shoulder, comfort food, taco recipe

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/tender-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-tacos-recipe-easy-smoky-barbecue-sauce/