Print

Flavorful Slow Cooker Apple Butter Pulled Pork Tacos

slow cooker apple butter pulled pork tacos - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender, juicy pulled pork infused with sweet apple butter and warm spices, slow-cooked to perfection and served in soft tortillas for an easy, comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • ½ cup apple butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 12–16 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder but leave some for flavor and moisture. Pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir in the minced garlic.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire pork shoulder. Then spread the apple butter over the pork, pressing it in gently.
  4. Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Put the seasoned pork on top. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork (not directly on top to keep the apple butter coating intact).
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. Alternatively, cook on high for 4-5 hours but low is best for tenderness.
  6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large fat pieces.
  7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the cooking juices and onions. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes to stay juicy.
  8. Heat tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds each side or wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
  9. Spoon pulled pork onto warm tortillas. Top with cilantro, diced onion, jalapeños, queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Do not lift the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. Return shredded pork to cooking juices to keep it moist. If juices are too thin, simmer separately to thicken before mixing back. Warm tortillas well to prevent breaking. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and check broth labels. For dairy-free, substitute queso fresco with avocado or dairy-free crema.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, apple butter, tacos, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, sweet and savory

Find it online: https://milacook.com/flavorful-slow-cooker-apple-butter-pulled-pork-tacos-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/