Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Slow Cooker Sweet Pork Tacos with Black Beans! Imagine succulent, tender pork shoulder infused with a sweet and savory sauce, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro and zesty lime. This recipe is not only incredibly easy to prepare, but it also yields a whopping 8 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep for the week. Dive into this mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather all the necessary items: 2 lbs of pork shoulder, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of gluten-free soy sauce, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 tsp of ground cumin, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 8 corn tortillas, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and ground cumin. Stir well until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the pork, ensuring it is evenly coated. If needed, use a spoon to spread the sauce over the meat.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and flavorful. If you are short on time, you can cook it on high for 4 hours, but low heat is recommended for the best results.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. It should be tender and easily shred with a fork. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, mixing it with the sauce in the slow cooker to keep it moist.
- While the pork is resting, prepare the black beans. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the drained and rinsed black beans until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- To warm the corn tortillas, you can either place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in aluminum foil and heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- To assemble the tacos, take a warm corn tortilla and add a generous portion of the shredded sweet pork. Top with a spoonful of warmed black beans. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
- Repeat the assembly process for the remaining tortillas and filling. Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for guests to add more lime juice if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, use a pork shoulder with some marbling. This will keep the meat juicy and flavorful as it cooks slowly.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the pork in the sauce mixture overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavor even more!
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: While you can cook the pork on high for 4 hours, the low and slow method (8 hours) is recommended for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Keep it Warm: If you’re serving a crowd, keep the shredded pork warm in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting while you prepare the tortillas and toppings.
- Tortilla Tips: To add extra flavor, lightly brush your corn tortillas with oil and grill them for a minute on each side before serving.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your taco toppings! Avocado, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of cheese can take your tacos to the next level.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, the sweet pork makes a fantastic filling for burritos, quesadillas, or even a topping for nachos!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
