Crockpot Salsa Verde Pork Tacos (High Protein & Keto-Friendly)
Get ready for incredibly tender, flavorful pork that practically makes itself! This easy slow-cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a versatile base for delicious, customizable tacos that fit a high-protein, low-carb lifestyle.
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of any silver skin or excess fat
- 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa verde (choose your preferred spice level – mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Optional: Salt to taste (adjust based on the saltiness of your salsa verde)
Equipment:
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- Two forks for shredding
Instructions:
- Prepare Pork: Trim any silver skin or visible excess fat from the pork tenderloin. You can leave the tenderloin whole or cut it into 2-3 larger pieces to fit your slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the pork tenderloin in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the entire jar of salsa verde, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir gently to ensure the pork is coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fall-apart tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork tenderloin from the slow cooker and place it on a clean cutting board or large plate. Using two forks, shred the pork. It should be very easy to pull apart.
- Return to Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker with the cooking liquid. Stir well to coat all the shredded pork in the flavorful salsa verde sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the pork and add a pinch of salt if needed, keeping in mind that salsa verde can vary in saltiness.
- Serve: Ladle the flavorful pork mixture into your favorite taco shells or low-carb alternatives.
Serving Suggestions:
- Low-Carb/Keto Tacos: Serve in lettuce wraps, low-carb tortillas, or cheese crisps.
- Taco Bowls: Create a bowl with cauliflower rice, shredded lettuce, and the pork.
- Classic Tacos: For those not counting carbs, serve in traditional corn or flour tortillas.
Topping Ideas (Keto-Friendly):
- Chopped avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar or cojita cheese
- Diced white onion and cilantro
- Hot sauce or extra salsa verde
Storage: Store leftover shredded pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2-3 months.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This recipe is a fantastic, versatile, and healthy meal for your app.
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Pork tenderloin is a lean protein source, making this a satisfying and muscle-supporting meal.
- Low-Carb: Yes, the pork filling itself is low-carb. The only significant carbs come from the optional tortillas. By serving in lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas, it becomes a perfect low-carb meal.
- Keto: Yes, the pork filling is keto-friendly.
- Pork Tenderloin: Naturally keto.
- Salsa Verde: Most brands are keto-friendly, but always check the ingredient label to ensure no added sugars or high-carb thickeners.
- Onion, Garlic, Cumin, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: All are keto-friendly in these quantities.
- Serving: Crucially, serve with keto-friendly options like lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.
- Gluten-Free: The pork filling is gluten-free. Ensure your salsa verde and taco toppings are also gluten-free if this is a concern.