Crock Pot Pork Al Pastor

This Crock Pot Pork Al Pastor is a tender and flavor-packed recipe, which uses fresh pineapple and chipotles in adobo for a smoky-sweet taste. It’s an easy slow-cooked dinner that feeds a crowd and is ready in about 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Pork Al Pastor Ingredients

• 1 pineapple
• 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
• 3 ½ pounds pork shoulder or Boston butt, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 ½ cup chicken stock
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 (7-ounce) can chipotles in adobo
• 1 small white onion, quartered
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Optional for serving:

• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 limes, cut into wedges

How To Make Crock Pot Pork Al Pastor

1. Prep the pineapple: Peel the pineapple and save 3–4 strips of peel (about 2 inches wide). Cut the pineapple in half; chop one half into ½-inch chunks and slice the other half into ¼-inch rounds.
2. Mix the spices: Combine kosher salt, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and chipotle powder in a small bowl.
3. Season the pork: Place pork chunks into the slow cooker and sprinkle with the spice mix.
4. Add flavor ingredients: Add pineapple chunks, canned chipotles, onion, garlic, chicken stock, and vinegar. Lay the reserved pineapple peels on top, cut side down.
5. Cook until tender: Cover and cook on high for 5–5 ½ hours (or low for 10 hours) until pork shreds easily with a fork.
6. Shred and serve: Remove the pineapple peels, shred the pork, and serve with tortillas, sliced pineapple, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh? Fresh gives the best flavor, but canned chunks will work in a pinch.
• How to make it less spicy: Use only half the can of chipotles or rinse the peppers before adding.
• Can I make this ahead? Yes, cook and shred the pork, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
• Best tortillas for al pastor: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas work if you prefer.
• How to crisp the pork after shredding: Spread on a sheet pan and broil for 3–4 minutes for a taco-shop style finish.

What To Serve With Pork Al Pastor

This pork is perfect for tacos but also pairs well with:

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans
• Grilled street corn (elote)
• Fresh salsa or guacamole

How To Store Pork Al Pastor

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker.

Pork Al Pastor Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~370 kcal per serving (without tortillas or toppings)
• Protein: 28 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot?
Yes, braise it covered in a Dutch oven at 325°F for 3–4 hours until tender.

Do I need the pineapple peels?
They add aroma and sweetness but can be omitted if unavailable.

Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?
Pork shoulder is preferred for tenderness, but pork loin can work if you reduce cooking time slightly.

How do I make it more authentic to taco al pastor?
Add a splash of orange juice and a pinch of achiote powder for deeper color and flavor.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Pork And Rice
• Crock Pot Pineapple Pulled Pork
• Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops

Crock Pot Pork Al Pastor

Recipe by Robert Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

5

hours 

Calories

370

kcal

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with pineapple, chipotles, and spices for smoky-sweet tacos.

Ingredients

• 1 pineapple

• 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  

• 1 teaspoon cumin
  

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  

• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
  

• 3 ½ pounds pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
  

• 1 ½ cup chicken stock
  

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  

• 1 (7-ounce) can chipotles in adobo

• 1 small white onion, quartered
  

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  

• Optional: tortillas, cilantro, lime wedges
  

Directions

• Peel pineapple; reserve peels. Chop half into chunks and slice half into rounds.
  
• Combine salt, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and chipotle powder.
  
• Place pork in slow cooker, sprinkle with spice mix, and add pineapple chunks, chipotles, onion, garlic, stock, and vinegar. Top with pineapple peels.
  
• Cook on high for 5–5 ½ hours (or low for 10 hours) until pork shreds easily.
  
• Remove peels, shred pork, and serve with tortillas, pineapple, cilantro, and lime wedges.