Ultimate Pomegranate Pulled Pork Tacos: An Easy Slow Cooker & Pressure Cooker Holiday Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the joy of a perfect taco, especially when the holiday season brings a whirlwind of activity and a craving for something truly special yet wonderfully easy. These Pomegranate Pulled Pork Tacos aren’t just a meal; they’re a celebration, a culinary escape that brings vibrant flavors and comforting warmth to your table. The secret lies in the luscious depth and bright, sweet-tart hit that pomegranate juice and fresh seeds infuse into the tender pork, creating a dish that’s utterly irresistible.
We all have those moments when the thought of elaborate cooking feels daunting. Especially during the bustling holiday season, when you might be planning multiple large meals or even catering events (like a small wedding, which is definitely a tiny scream-inducing thought!). In anticipation of a flurry of kitchen activity, the idea of spending hours preparing dinner can feel like a chore. It’s akin to “fasting” before a feast – sometimes, you just want a break, a hands-off solution that promises incredible results without the constant fuss.
That’s precisely the mood that inspired this incredible Pomegranate Pulled Pork. It’s designed for those days when you don’t “wanna” be in the kitchen all day but still crave a deeply satisfying, flavorful meal. This recipe leverages the magic of a pressure cooker or slow cooker, transforming a simple pork shoulder into succulent, shreddable perfection with minimal effort. Simply combine a handful of ingredients, set it, and let the appliance do all the heavy lifting. Hours later, you’re rewarded with a fabulous meal, just like magic – only better, because you’re pulling out tender, delicious meat, not a rabbit from a hat!
Why Pomegranate is Your Secret Ingredient for Pulled Pork
Pomegranate isn’t just a garnish; it’s a game-changer for pulled pork. Its juice brings an unparalleled blend of tartness and subtle sweetness that cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a beautifully balanced flavor profile. This vibrant fruit elevates the dish beyond traditional barbecue, adding a sophisticated, fruity brightness that’s especially welcome during the colder months. The seeds, or arils, provide a delightful burst of juiciness and a satisfying crunch, adding texture and a fresh finish to your tacos. It’s the perfect time of year to bust out the pomegranate juice and seeds for meals, injecting a little fruity brightness into chilly weather!
Mastering Pulled Pork: Slow Cooker vs. Pressure Cooker
Both the slow cooker and pressure cooker excel at transforming tough cuts like pork shoulder into melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork. Choosing between them often comes down to your available time and preference:
- Slow Cooker Method: This method is ideal for those who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach. A low, slow cook for 5 to 7 hours allows the flavors to meld deeply and the connective tissues in the pork to break down gradually, resulting in incredibly tender meat. It’s perfect for busy days when you can start it in the morning and come home to a delicious aroma and dinner ready to go. The downside is the longer cook time.
- Pressure Cooker Method: If time is of the essence, the pressure cooker is your best friend. It achieves the same fall-apart tenderness in a fraction of the time – typically around 80 minutes on high pressure. This accelerated cooking environment forces moisture and flavor into the meat quickly. Just remember to allow for natural pressure release, which helps keep the pork extra juicy. While faster, it requires a bit more attention upfront.
Regardless of your chosen method, the result is consistently succulent Pomegranate Pulled Pork that’s packed with flavor. The key is to let the pork truly cook until it’s easily shredded with two forks, indicating it has reached peak tenderness.
Assembling Your Perfect Pomegranate Pulled Pork Tacos
Once your incredibly tender pomegranate pulled pork is ready, the fun begins with assembling your tacos! The beauty of tacos lies in their versatility, allowing you to customize each bite to your preference. For these particular tacos, we’ve carefully selected toppings that perfectly complement the sweet and spicy notes of the pork:
- Warm Corn Tortillas: The classic choice, providing a soft, earthy base. Lightly warm them on a skillet for best results.
- Pickled Jalapeños: A crucial element for a tangy kick and a touch of heat that contrasts beautifully with the pork’s richness.
- Fresh Pomegranate Seeds: These are non-negotiable! They add a delightful burst of sweet-tart juice and a satisfying pop of texture that truly makes these tacos sing.
- Diced Fresh Pineapple: Echoing the pineapple notes in the pork, fresh pineapple adds another layer of juicy sweetness and a tropical zest.
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro provides herbaceous freshness and a vibrant green color.
- Queso Fresco: Crumbly, mild, and salty, queso fresco offers a creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors. Feta is a good substitute if you can’t find queso fresco.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens all the flavors and adds a final zesty flourish.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or crema, or even a spicy avocado crema would also be fantastic additions.
Beyond Tacos: Creative Ways to Enjoy Pomegranate Pulled Pork
One of the best things about making a large batch of Pomegranate Pulled Pork is the endless possibilities for leftovers! This flavorful pork is fantastic for meal prep and can be repurposed in countless delicious ways throughout the week:
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Pile the shredded pork onto toasted buns with a bit of coleslaw for a hearty sandwich.
- Grain Bowls: Serve over rice, quinoa, or farro with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of a creamy dressing for a wholesome meal.
- Salad Topper: Add to a fresh salad with mixed greens, red onion, and a light vinaigrette for a satisfying and light lunch.
- Nachos or Quesadillas: Layer the pork on nachos with plenty of cheese and your favorite toppings, or use it as a flavorful filling for quesadillas.
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Spoon the pork into baked sweet potatoes and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Breakfast Hash: Combine with roasted potatoes and a fried egg for a unique and savory breakfast.
Having a batch of this delicious pork on hand makes busy weeknights a breeze and ensures you can enjoy its incredible flavors long after your first taco feast. Happy lazy cooking, friends!
table of contents
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Pomegranate Pulled Pork Tacos
ingredients
- 3 to 3 1/2 lbs boneless pork shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 Tbsp chile powder
- 2 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 10 garlic cloves smashed for maximum flavor
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 1 cup diced pineapple fresh or canned (drained)
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 cups POM pomegranate juice
- 2 cups chicken stock
- Corn tortillas
- Pickled jalapeños sliced
- Pomegranate seeds
- Fresh pineapple diced
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Queso fresco crumbled
- Lime wedges
instructions
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Add the cubed pork shoulder to your pressure cooker or slow cooker. Sprinkle in the chile powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, stirring well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the spices. Next, add the smashed garlic cloves, diced onion, diced pineapple, honey, pomegranate juice, and chicken stock to the pot.
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For a Pressure Cooker: Cook on high pressure for 80 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
For a Slow Cooker: Cook on the LOW setting for 5 to 7 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds. -
Carefully remove the cooked pork from the juices and transfer it to a clean bowl. Using two forks, shred the pork until it’s perfectly pulled apart. The pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or frozen for longer storage.
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To assemble your delicious tacos, warm your corn tortillas. Fill each tortilla generously with the pomegranate pulled pork. Top with pickled jalapeños, a sprinkling of fresh pomegranate seeds, diced fresh pineapple, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of zest.