How do you know when al pastor is fully cooked?

When making al pastor slow cooker pork, you’ll know it’s fully cooked when the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds. This typically happens at an internal temperature of at least 190°F to 200°F , even though pork is technically safe at 145°F. Cooking it longer allows the connective tissue to break down, giving it that signature tender texture. If you can press a fork into the meat and pull it apart effortlessly, it’s ready.

What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker?

Slow cookers are versatile, but not ideal for everything. Foods that need quick, high-heat cooking like crisp vegetables, delicate seafood, or fried items don’t perform well in a slow cooker. Also, dishes that rely on reduced sauces (like stir-fry or crispy-skinned meats) won’t achieve the right texture. Luckily, al pastor slow cooker pork thrives in this environment because it benefits from slow, steady braising.

How long do you have to cook al pastor?

For al pastor slow cooker recipes, the cooking time depends on your heat setting. On high , cook for 5 to 5½ hours ; on low , cook for 9 to 10 hours . Regardless of the setting, it’s done when the pork shoulder is tender enough to shred. Always cook it in its marinade and juices to lock in flavor and moisture.

Can you leave food in slow cooker turned off on Reddit?

Reddit threads often debate this, but food safety guidelines are clear : You should not leave cooked food in a slow cooker that’s turned off for more than 2 hours . After that, bacteria can begin to grow. If you're done cooking your al pastor slow cooker pork, transfer leftovers into a sealed container and refrigerate promptly to keep it safe and fresh.

Al Pastor Slow Cooker: The Best Easy Pork Taco Recipe (2025 Edition) -

Description

al pastor slow cooker: Combine spiced pork, pineapple, and simple aromatics in your slow cooker for the perfect (and easiest) al pastor.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Ingredients

12 corn tortillas, for serving

1 cup chopped cilantro, for serving

2 limes cut into wedges, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Peel the pineapple, reserving 3 to 4 strips of the peel, each about 2 inches in width.

Cut the pineapple in half width-wise. Core the pineapple halves, then chop one half into ½-inch chunks. Slice the remaining half into ¼-inch rounds.

Mix the dry spices together.

Place the pork in the crock pot and sprinkle it with the spice mix.

Add the pineapple chunks, canned chipotles, onion, garlic, stock, and vinegar. Top everything with the pineapple peels (cut-side down).

Set the slow cooker to high and cook the meat for 5 to 5 ½ hours (or on low for 10 hours), until the meat can easily be shredded with a fork.

Shred the meat. Serve with tortillas, sliced pineapple, cilantro, lime wedges, and any other desired accompaniments.

Notes

Pineapple: I often cut up my own pineapple, but this is a GREAT time to take some help from the store and purchase a pre-peeled/cored pineapple to save time. I use the core in the blended marinade to avoid waste – you never know it’s there.

Pork: Since we are cutting up the pork, the cook time is a bit less on this recipe. If you are cooking this overnight, I recommend keeping the pork shoulder whole to avoid overcooking the meat, which can make it mushy and mealy.

Meat Variations: This recipe can also be made with chicken (5-6 hours low) or beef (7-8 hours low) and is delicious both ways.

Make In Advance: This pork is delicious made in advance, and can be freshened up from the fridge by broiling it quickly right before serving, and adding fresh toppings to a taco, burrito, or rice bowl for serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 10 SERVINGS
Calories: 506kcal