Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty, juggling work, kids, and everything else life throws at you?
The last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen, but the idea of another drive-thru dinner just doesn’t sit right.
I’ve been there, and that’s why I rely on meals like these Korean Pork Tacos—simple, flavorful, and made with love in the slow cooker.
If you’re looking to take back control of your dinner routine without sacrificing taste or time, this recipe is about to become your new best friend.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: Low – 8 hours
- Main Ingredients: Pork loin, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and more
- Servings: 4+
- Extras: Serve with cucumber salad, kimchi, roasted sweet potatoes, coconut rice, or Asian slaw for delicious sides.
- Tip: Shred the pork directly in the slow cooker to retain all the flavorful juices before serving!
Easy Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos
These Korean Pork Tacos have been a family favorite for years! The kids love them, and I love them. It’s one of those ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ slow cooker meals that you also need in your life!
There’s something so satisfying about knowing that dinner will be ready with minimal effort on my part.
I take my 2 lbs. of pork loin—though any trimmed cut of pork will do—and place it in the slow cooker. Feel free to sprinkle pork with salt and pepper if you like, but the sauce will make this dish pop.
The next step is adding the flavor, which is where the magic happens. I mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and a bit of seasoned rice wine vinegar.
If you don’t have that on hand, white wine vinegar works just as well.
For a bit of heat, I mince half a jalapeño, though that’s totally optional, depending on your family’s taste preferences.
I also throw in a few cloves of garlic—whole because they’ll soften beautifully as the pork cooks—and a splash of sesame oil for that rich, nutty undertone.
Once everything is in, I set the slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for eight hours. There’s no need to hover; just let the slow, even cooking break down the pork into tender, flavorful shreds.
When the time is up, the slow-cooked pork is so tender it practically shreds itself as I stir it around in the slow cooker.
I warm up the tortillas, usually by tossing them in a pan on the stove and filling them with the pork and slaw; don’t forget to pour the soy sauce mixture that’s leftover in the crockpot.
This first time I didn’t add green onions, but we tried them afterwards, and I highly recommend adding them as a topping!!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Pork Loin but any trimmed cut will do
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 5 cloves garlic whole
- 1 Tbsp seasoned rice wine vinegar rice vinegar (they're the same)
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger grated or minced
- 1/2 jalapeno minced (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 bag greens/slaw mix whichever you prefer
- green onions optional topping
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Shred pork to prep them for easy tacos (or other meals!).
- Get the greens or slaw mix out for toppings.
- Serve in flour tortillas over white rice.
Notes
Nutrition
Other Toppings
While the greens or slaw mix provides a nice crunch, plenty of other toppings pair beautifully with the seasoned pork.
Thinly sliced radishes add a peppery bite, while pickled onions bring a tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the meat.
For a bit more heat, you could add some sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
And if you like creamy textures, a dollop of garlic aioli or a squeeze of lime crema would be perfect.
Serving It Up
Of course, these tacos are amazing on their own. I love piling the shredded pork into warm flour tortillas and topping them with crunchy greens or a slaw mix.
But the versatility of this pork is what makes it a real winner.
You can serve it over white rice and top with sesame seeds for a simple, satisfying bowl or use it as a filling for bao buns if you’re feeling adventurous.
Another favorite is using the pork in a stir-fry with some veggies and a drizzle of hoisin sauce.
Easy Side Dishes To Add
To complement the rich and flavorful Korean Pork Tacos, you can pair them with a variety of side dishes that balance out the meal and add extra texture and flavor. Here are some ideas:
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a light vinegar dressing can provide a cool, crisp contrast to the savory pork.
- Kimchi: Traditional Korean kimchi, with its tangy and spicy kick, adds a punch of flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory pork.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the depth of the pork’s flavor and adds a hearty, comforting side to the meal.
- Sesame Garlic Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans with sesame oil and garlic offer a crunchy, savory side dish that complements the Asian-inspired flavors of the tacos.
- Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness and creaminess of coconut rice can mellow out the pork’s spiciness while adding a fragrant layer of flavor to your meal.
- Pickled Veggies: Quick-pickled vegetables like carrots, radishes, and cucumbers bring a tangy and crunchy element that enhances the overall dish.
These side dishes not only round out the meal but also bring a variety of textures and flavors that make your Korean Pork Tacos even more enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I prefer pork loin for its lean quality, pork shoulder or even pork butt would work well, giving you an even richer, more succulent result.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level is adjustable. With just half a jalapeño, there’s a mild kick, but you can omit it or add more, depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe in less time?
If you’re short on time, you can cook the pork on high for about 4 hours instead of low for 8. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot instead of the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Korean Pork Tacos in the Instant Pot! To do so, follow the same steps for preparing the pork and seasoning.
Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and brown the pork on all sides for a few minutes.
Then, add the rest of the ingredients, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for about 35 minutes.
Once done, allow for a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes before shredding the pork.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly rewarding about making a meal that’s both delicious and effortless.
These Korean Pork Tacos are a perfect example of why I love slow cooker meals—they let you set it and forget it while still delivering big on flavor.
Whether you serve them in tacos, over rice, or in another creative way, this dish is sure to become a family favorite, just like it has for mine.
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