The perfect fusion of Korean and Mexican flavors, these Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos deliver bold, savory goodness with every bite. The pork, slow-cooked until tender, absorbs a delicious mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh aromatics, creating a beautifully balanced taste with a touch of heat. The crisp cabbage slaw, dressed in a light and tangy sesame-lime dressing, adds just the right contrast to the richness of the pork. Ideal for a casual dinner or a weekend gathering, these tacos are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whether you serve them in soft corn tortillas or flour wraps, the flavors shine through, making this a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your meal rotation!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Pork:
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 lbs pork loin or shoulder roast
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 whole garlic cloves
For the Slaw:
- 1 tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of half a lime
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 4 scallions, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
For the Tacos:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded pulled pork
- Slaw
- Cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, red onion, jalapeño, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds until well combined.
- Sear the pork (optional but recommended): Season the pork with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, sear the pork on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Slow cook the pork: Transfer the pork to a slow cooker and pour the soy sauce mixture over the top. Add the garlic cloves. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours until the pork is tender.
- Shred the pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it, and return it to the pot. Cook uncovered for another 30 minutes.
- Make the slaw: In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, sesame oil, olive oil, lime juice, ginger, and salt. Toss with shredded cabbage, scallions, and cilantro until well combined.
- Assemble the tacos: Lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet if desired. Fill each tortilla with shredded pork, slaw, and optional cilantro and lime wedges.
- Serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
Kcal: 183 kcal per serving | Servings: 6-8 servings
The Fusion of Korean and Mexican Flavors
Korean food and Mexican food share some common themes bold flavors, vibrant colors, and fresh ingredients. However, they differ in the way spices, heat, and umami are used. Korean cuisine often features fermented ingredients like gochujang (fermented chili paste), soy sauce, and kimchi, whereas Mexican food relies on ingredients like chili peppers, lime, and fresh cilantro to create depth and heat.
By slow-cooking pork in a Korean-style marinade, this recipe infuses the meat with the deep, rich flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and jalapeño peppers. The result is a dish with a delicate balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and umami notes. The pork is then paired with a crunchy, slightly acidic slaw that adds freshness to every bite.
Tacos, on the other hand, provide the perfect vessel for this flavorful meat. Soft corn or flour tortillas hold everything together while adding a subtle toasty flavor. Topped with fresh herbs, lime, and optional Korean-inspired garnishes, these tacos bring a harmonious blend of textures and tastes to the table.
Why Slow Cooking Works Best
Cooking pork low and slow is one of the best methods to achieve fall-apart tenderness. The slow cooker allows the meat to fully absorb the flavors of the marinade while maintaining its juiciness.
A key benefit of using a slow cooker for this recipe is that it requires minimal hands-on time. Unlike traditional Korean BBQ pork, which requires frequent attention and grilling, this method is mostly set-it-and-forget-it. The pork slowly simmers for several hours, developing an incredibly rich flavor without the risk of drying out.
Searing the pork before slow-cooking is an optional step, but it adds an extra layer of caramelization that enhances the final flavor. When the meat is done cooking, it’s shredded and left to absorb the sauce, making it even juicier and more flavorful.
Flavor Profile of Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos
Each component of these tacos contributes to their unique and well-balanced flavor:
1. The Pork
- Savory and umami-rich from the soy sauce
- Sweet and caramelized due to the brown sugar
- A hint of spice from jalapeños
- Depth and warmth from fresh ginger and garlic
- Nutty richness from sesame seeds
2. The Slaw
- Crisp and refreshing from green and red cabbage
- Bright and tangy from lime juice and rice vinegar
- A touch of sweetness from brown sugar
- Slight heat and earthiness from fresh ginger
- Herbaceous freshness from cilantro and scallions
3. The Toppings & Tortillas
- Soft corn or flour tortillas that soak up the juices
- Optional cilantro for freshness
- A squeeze of lime for a final burst of acidity
- Toasted sesame seeds for texture
This combination creates a taco that is rich and complex yet balanced with light, crisp elements.
Creative Variations and Additions
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos is their versatility. You can tweak the ingredients to match your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
1. Make It Spicier
If you love heat, consider adding gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha to the marinade. For an extra kick, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the finished tacos.
2. Make It Gluten-Free
- Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make the dish completely gluten-free.
- Serve the pork in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
3. Add More Toppings
For additional texture and flavor, try topping the tacos with:
- Pickled red onions for extra acidity
- Kimchi for a traditional Korean touch
- Sliced avocado for a creamy contrast
- Crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch
4. Try a Different Meat or Protein
- Swap pork for beef short ribs or chicken thighs if you prefer a different protein.
- Use jackfruit for a plant-based version that mimics pulled pork’s texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos are perfect for a variety of occasions:
1. Weeknight Dinners
Since the pork can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, it makes meal prep easy. Just warm up the shredded meat, assemble the tacos, and enjoy!
2. Party Food & Gatherings
Serve the shredded pork buffet-style with tortillas and a selection of toppings. This allows guests to customize their tacos however they like.
3. Meal Prep & Leftovers
This recipe makes a large batch of pork, so leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. The pork can also be repurposed in other dishes, such as:
- Rice bowls with steamed rice, avocado, and sesame seeds
- Pork sliders on Hawaiian rolls with slaw
- Korean BBQ nachos with melted cheese and jalapeños
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos are a delicious, easy-to-make fusion dish that combines the bold, umami flavors of Korean cuisine with the comforting, handheld appeal of tacos. The slow-cooked pork is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, while the crunchy, tangy slaw provides the perfect contrast.
Whether you’re making them for a weeknight meal, a party, or meal prep, these tacos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Their combination of sweet, savory, spicy, and fresh flavors will leave you wanting more with every bite.
