Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker​

A comforting and flavorful meal, this Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker version brings out all the smoky, sweet, and savory notes of the traditional dish with minimal effort. 🌮 Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that guarantees tender, juicy pork infused with pineapple and spices.

Introduction to Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker

There’s never been an easier way to have the perfect bold & tangy slightly sweet flavor of classic Mexican al pastor in your kitchen than with this Al Pastor Recipe​ Slow Cooker. In a slow cooker, pork soaks in the rich spices, pineapple and chilies for hours, becoming tender, succulent and melt-in-your-mouth amazing. This way, you get the real street taco flavor without a rotisserie or complicated grill.

That’s the beauty of this Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker​. The marinade takes just a few minutes to mix, then you get the slow cooker to do the work for you. Slow-cooked pork becomes deeply savory and slightly sweet, which puts it to good use in tacos, burritos or as a protein-rich topping for salads and bowls.

The homemade al pastor is not only delicious but also allows you to control the ingredients. You can prevent the heat, use fresh herbs, and avoid preservatives or added sugars typically found in store-bought versions. By cooking this Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker​ at home, you get a tasty, healthier and family-friendly meal that represents the flavors of traditional Mexican food.

Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker

This Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker​ is packed with robust, tangy, and sweet flavors that you find at your favorite Mexican food stand. Cooking in a crock pot will tenderize the meat and allow it to absorb the flavors of its chili-pineapple spice rub. Great for tacos, burritos or bowls, this is the most delicious EASY recipe to make flavorful Al Pastor right at home.

Keys for Perfecting Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker

• Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder or butt works best for slow cooking, as it stays juicy and absorbs the marinade well.
• Marinate properly: Let the pork marinate for at least 2–4 hours or overnight to maximize flavor penetration.
• Balance sweetness and heat: Use pineapple and mild chilies carefully to achieve the iconic al pastor flavor without overpowering spice.
• Monitor cooking time: Cook on low for 6–8 hours or until the pork easily shreds.
• Finish under the broiler (optional): Crisping the shredded pork for 3–5 minutes adds a traditional charred texture.

Why Homemade is a Great Idea

Making your own Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker ensures:

• Family-friendly portions: Perfect for batch cooking and leftovers.
• Control over ingredients: Avoid excess sodium, sugar, or preservatives.
• Custom spice levels: Adjust chilies and seasonings to suit your taste.
• Freshness and quality: Use fresh pineapple, herbs, and spices.

Health Benefits of Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker

Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker​ from Dailyrecipespot

Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker

Tender, juicy pork infused with pineapple, chilies, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection. This Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker delivers authentic Mexican flavors with minimal effort—perfect for tacos, bowls, or burritos. Author Use Default (Don’t show) Servings 4 people Estimated Cost $10 Times Prep Time: 0 days 0 hours 20 minutes Cook Time: 0 days 6 hours 0 minutes Resting Time: 0 days 0 hours 5 minutes Total Time: 0 days 6 hours 25 minutes Categories Courses: Main Dish, Dinner Cuisines: Mexican, Slow Cooker Keywords: Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker, slow-cooked al pastor, homemade al pastor

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

5 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb 900 g pork shoulder or butt, trimmed and cut into large chunks
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pineapple peeled, cored, and chopped (reserve ½ cup for topping)
• 1 small onion roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• 1 –2 tbsp olive oil for browning, optional
• Toppings: chopped cilantro diced onion, lime wedges, extra pineapple

Equipment

• Cutting board & knife – trimming and slicing pork
• Blender or food processor – for marinade
• Slow cooker – for cooking pork
• Tongs – shredding and serving
• Wire rack – optional, for crisping
• Bowls – for marinade and tossing

Method

 

1. Prepare the marinade: In a blender, combine garlic, pineapple, onion, chipotle in adobo, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar/orange juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Marinate the pork: Place pork chunks in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over pork, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Slow cook: Transfer pork and marinade to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until pork shreds easily with a fork.
4. Optional browning: For a traditional charred texture, spread shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes until edges are crispy.
5. Serve: Warm tortillas or bowls. Top with shredded pork, reserved pineapple, chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
6. Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
7. Calories: 420 kcal
8. Protein: 32 g
9. Carbohydrates: 18 g
10. Fat: 22 g
11. Saturated Fat: 6 g
12. Fiber: 2 g
13. Sodium: 550 mg

Notes

Extra tender pork: Use pork shoulder for maximum juiciness.

Adjust heat: Modify chipotle quantity to control spiciness.

Make ahead: Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.

Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days; reheat gently to retain moisture.

Tips and Tricks About Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker

• Slice pork evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
• Use a blender or food processor to make a smooth, flavorful marinade.
• For extra tang, add a splash of orange juice or vinegar to the marinade.
• Reserve some pineapple chunks to serve as a topping for sweetness.
• After shredding, broil pork for a few minutes to mimic traditional al pastor char.

Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker Variations

• Spicy Al Pastor: Add extra chipotle or arbol chilies for heat.
• Sweet and Mild: Increase pineapple ratio for a sweeter profile.
• Low-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
• Instant Pot variation: Cook under pressure for 40–50 minutes instead of slow cooking.
• Fusion tacos: Mix with mango salsa or pickled onions for a modern twist.

Conclusion: Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker

Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker​ . The above is the best solution if you need an authentic Mexican dish cooked. When pork combines with pineapple, chilies, and spices, you can’t resist every bite. Making it at home means you take charge of the ingredients, flavors, and spicy heat, for far healthier, fresher and customizable results. Use it in tacos, bowls, or burritos for a kid-friendly meal full of flavor that your family will love.

Share Your Twist!

Experiment with this Al Pastor Recipe Slow Cooker: add mango salsa, roasted peppers, or a smoky chipotle glaze. Share your variations in the comments and inspire other taco lovers.