A few weeks ago, Ben and I used every available chair, fork, and floor cushion in our home to host 12 hungry friends for a big football game watch. While I can’t tell you much about the game (including its score), I can happily attest to what we served: Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork Tacos with fresh broccoli slaw.

Have you ever hosted a party for 12? This was one of my biggest bashes yet, and I knew I needed the right recipe to ensure that:
- No one went hungry (my biggest party fear, aside from maybe running out of wine).
- Those with dietary restrictions could still enjoy since a few of my friends are gluten free (these Slow Cooker Carnitas were another contender).
- AND, importantly, the hostess (ahem, yours truly) could actually enjoy herself. My ideal recipe would be easy to prepare, able to be made ahead (like this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork), and hands-off during the party itself.
Not only did the Asian pulled pork tacos nail all of the above, but our guests absolutely devoured them (along with a few pitchers of these Fizzy Grapefruit Margaritas).

5 Star Review
“Amazing! Adding these to the meal rotation in our house! So much flavor, 10/10!”
— Lauren —
How to Make Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork Tacos
Now that I’ve dazzled you with the merits of these crockpot Asian pulled pork tacos, I have a little confession: This recipe is embarrassingly easy (like these Salmon Tacos). With just THREE ingredients, aside from the pork itself, and minimal prep work for the easy, crunchy broccoli slaw, these tacos will make you the “hostess with the mostess” at your next gathering.
What Type of Pork is Used for Pulled Pork?
Because I wanted to keep this Asian pulled pork taco recipe on the healthier side, I opted to use pork tenderloin in place of pork shoulder, which is more traditional when making slow cooker shredded pork.
Pork tenderloin is much lower in fat and calories but is still incredibly juicy and fall-apart tender, especially when slow-cooked in the crockpot.
The one tricky element to using pork tenderloin is that, unlike pork shoulder, it can overcook fairly easily.
Watch the pork carefully and check it a little early, and you’ll have the most tender shredded Asian pork tenderloin tacos you can imagine.
The Ingredients
- Pork Tenderloin. Lean, flavorful, and shreds like dream. Using pork tenderloin for these slow cooker Asian pulled pork tacos keeps the dish healthy and low in fat (it’s also divine on the barbecue for Grilled Pork Tenderloin).
- Hoisin Sauce. A sweet, sticky, slightly spicy sauce used in Cantonese cooking. Found near other Asian condiments in most grocery stores, this simple sauce packs a punch of flavor.
- Garlic + Ginger. For an added layer of flavor that marries well with the hoisin.
- Broccoli Slaw. I love using broccoli slaw for entertaining (I’ll save the cabbage for this Winter Slaw). Its heartier texture and consistency mean it will hold up well sitting out at a party for several hours without getting mushy.
- Peanuts. Give the slaw some added crunch and peanutty flavor that marries well with the flavors of the pork.
- Green Onions + Cilantro. For color, freshness, and a little zip.
- Rice Vinegar. Mixed with a little olive oil to create the base for our simple slaw dressing with TONS of Asian flair.
- Honey. Naturally sweetens the dressing.
- Soy Sauce. Balances the sweetness of the honey and acidity of the vinegar while adding lovely Asian umami flavor.
- Tortillas. Reach for flour, corn, or a mixture of both. There’s no wrong way to do crockpot Asian pulled pork tacos (or Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Pulled Pork Tacos for that matter).

The Directions
- Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, then add to a slow cooker with the garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 5 to 7 hours.
- Remove the meat, shred, then return it to the slow cooker to keep warm.
- Combine the broccoli slaw ingredients in a large mixing bowl, tossing to coat well in the dressing
- Serve with warm tortillas. ENJOY!

Storage Tips
- To Store. Leftover pork can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Leftovers of the slaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days (you can extend the time to about 3 to 4 days, though the texture will become somewhat mushy).
- To Freeze. Leftover pork may be frozen for 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming. I do not recommend freezing the broccoli slaw.
- To Reheat. Reheat leftover meat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Tools Used to Make This Recipe
- Slow Cooker. Programmable options like this one are ideal because they prevent you from overcooking your recipe.

Hands off the kitchen and hands on the slow cooker Asian pulled pork tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have not tried making this recipe in a pressure cooker so it would be an experiment. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it goes. If you’re looking for a Mexican-inspired pork recipe made in an Instant Pot you can use for tacos, try these Instant Pot Carnitas.
I have not tried this swap so it would be an experiment. The flavor would still be good, I imagine, but the texture would be different since broccoli slaw typically does not contain the florets only the broccoli stems.
I wouldn’t recommend this cut—it’s better for grilling or pan cooking (or even baking). If you want to keep it lean, regular pork loin is great. Pork butt (shoulder) is also another great option and classic for pulled pork. If you do switch cuts of meat, the cooking time will likely change. I’d suggest doing a quick online search for a slow cooker recipe that uses the weight and type of pork you select, then use it as a guide for the total cook time in this recipe.
Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork Tacos
Ingredients
FOR THE HOISIN PORK:
- 4 pounds pork tenderloin trimmed of excess fat
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 whole garlic cloves smashed and peeled
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger minced
- 14 ounces hoisin sauce
- flour or corn tortillas for serving
FOR THE ASIAN PEANUT SLAW:
- 1 bag broccoli slaw (12 ounces)
- 1 cup dry roasted unsalted peanuts chopped
- 1 bunch green onions chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Coat a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray. Lightly pat the pork dry, then place in the bottom. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Tuck the garlic cloves around the pork, then sprinkle with fresh ginger. Pour the hoisin sauce over the top of the meat.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 5 to 7 hours, until the pork is cooked through. Pork tenderloin can easily dry out, so check it a little early to ensure it does not overcook.
- Remove the meat to a plate, shred with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and stir it together with the sauce. Leave in the slow cooker on "warm" until ready to serve.
- For the slaw, combine the broccoli slaw, peanuts, scallions, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, honey, and soy sauce. Taste and add additional vinegar, honey, or soy sauce as desired. Pour over the slaw, then toss to combine.
- To serve, warm the tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds, covered with a damp towel to keep them moist. Fill with shredded pork, then top with the broccoli slaw. Enjoy!
Notes
- TO STORE: Leftover pork can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Leftovers of the slaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days (you can extend the time to about 3 to 4 days, though the texture will become somewhat mushy).
- TO FREEZE: Leftover pork may be frozen for 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming. I do not recommend freezing the broccoli slaw.
- TO REHEAT: Reheat leftover meat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition
Join today and start saving your favorite recipes
Create an account to easily save your favorite recipes and access FREE meal plans.
Sign Me Up
Looks yummy! For the garlic – I see you smashed them. After it’s cooked, do you stir them in to the meat mixture or remove them? Could I use a garlic press and spread it over the meat?
Hi Jayne, we just ate around them, but you can certainly discard them before serving. Your idea to use a garlic press first instead of adding them whole is a good one too! I hope you enjoy the recipe!
As the wife doesn’t eat pork (but i still love her anyway! LOL) I assume beef tenderloin could be substituted… would the cooking time differ?
Hi Mike, the cooking time may vary, but as I haven’t tried this recipe with beef, I don’t know what the exact cooking times would be. I’d suggest doing a Google search for beef slow cooker times and going from there! Chicken may also work as a substitute and may take slightly less time to cook than pork. Whatever route you go, you’ll want to monitor for doneness to make sure it doesn’t overcook! I hope that helps.
Could you use centre cut boneless pork chops for this recipe? Not sure if they’ll shred.
Thanks!
Hi Brenda! I actually wouldn’t recommend this cut—it’s better for grilling or pan cooking (or even baking). If you want to keep it lean, regular pork loin is great. Pork butt (shoulder) is also another great option and classic for pulled pork. If you do switch cuts of meat, the cooking time will likely change. I’d suggest doing a quick online search for a slow cooker recipe that uses the weight and type of pork you select, then use it as a guide for the total cook time in this recipe. I hope that helps and that you enjoy the tacos!
Incredible dish! pulled pork is life (:
This looks fantastic!! Thanks for sharing! Pinned!
– Brenda // ChattingOverChocolate.com
Just made this tonight for a group aged 5 – 80. It was a big hit! I also made rice to go along with it for those who preferred it over rice. The slaw was even more popular than the meat (I think I might have overcooked that a little bit). Everyone said this should be go in our meal rotation. Thanks for a super easy and delicious recipe!
I’m so happy to hear the recipe was a hit, Susan! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how it turned out!
I served this at work this evening and it was a huge hit. Topped it off with a generous squirt of Sriracha. I’m overseas right now and broccoli slaw just isn’t something you find where I’m at, so I used a head of cabbage instead and it turned out great. When I get home, I’m definitely going to make this for the family with some broccoli slaw though. BTW… I love your site. I’ve made several of your dishes and they all turn out fantastic!
Hi Stef! Thank you so much for giving the recipe a try…I’m so glad it was a hit! Thanks for sharing your cabbage substitution too. I really appreciate your kind words about my site and am so glad you have enjoyed so many recipes!
I made these last night with pot stickers for my husband’s birthday. They were fantastic!
Awesome, Amanda! I’m so happy to hear they were a hit! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this review!
I served these as rice bowls this evening for dinner, and my family loved them! I couldn’t find broccoli slaw, but shredded cabbage worked like a charm. Thanks so much.
Rice bowls sound delicious, Jocelyn! Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try and sharing your tweaks and feedback. :)
So good! I halved the recipe and it was perfect for my 4-quart slow cooker and three people (with leftovers!). Mine took about 2.5 hours. Perfect with the slaw and sriracha drizzled on top. Thanks, Erin!
This meal turned out fantastically! I made it for a crowd of six and everyone loved it. The slaw was a especially a big hit. The pork the next day was even better!
Awesome, Emily! I’m so happy to hear the recipe was a winner. Thank you so much for taking the time to report back!
Three years later and this is still my absolute favorite recipe of yours!!! Perfect for meal prepping during these q times!
I’m so pleased that you’re still enjoying this recipe, Emily! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Is it OK to make the slaw in advance? Or is it next to combine right before serving?
Definitely Breanna! You can make it a day ahead and refrigerate it.
Amazing! Both my kids LOVED it which almost never happens and it is relatively healthy and definitely easy. A win-win! Thank you!
HOORAY Robyn! I’m glad the recipe was a hit. Thanks so much for giving it a try and taking the time to report back!
My husband an I are trying new recipes and on the hunt for easy, healthy, and delicious. The recipe scored in all categories. I loved it, and am already looking forward to having it again tomorrow. I followed you recipe exactly and will hunt down others that you have shared. Thanks for great suggestion.
Hooray! I’m glad the recipe was a winner, Karen. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this review!
Hi I would love to do this recipe for 100 people!!! Would you be able to tell me how much of each ingredients I would need??
Forever grateful
Cheers
Sunny
Hi Sunny! As written, the recipe makes 8 servings, which you’ll want to multiply to get your desired number of servings. Multiplying by 12, for example, would get you close to 100. (This is for 8 full meal portions, so if yours is part of a larger potluck-type spread, you may want to multiply by less.) You’ll need many slow cookers, and I’d recommend making big batches ahead then reheating it in the oven with chicken stock to keep it from drying out. I don’t have experience cooking for this large of a party, so this is just my best guess. Good luck!
Hi. My husband and I LOVED the pulled pork Asian tacos. Thank you for the fantastic recipe!!!
I’m glad to hear it was a hit! Thanks for reporting back, Denise.
I’m hoping to try this recipe this week… for the slaw, do you think it would be ok to use chopped broccoli, rather than the broccoli slaw? I have huge bag of broccoli, and don’t want to waste it. Thanks so much!
Hi Heather, the texture will be different, but that should work! (Broccoli slaw doesn’t usually contain the floret parts of the broccoli.)
Hi Erin,
First of all just want to tell you I love your site and all of your recipes I’ve tried:). I’ve made this recipe several times and we love it! I now have an instant pot and know you love yours too! Have you experimented with times for this recipe?
Hi Kathryn, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so happy this recipe has been a hit! Unfortunately, I have not tried to make this dish in the Instant Pot. If you decide to play around with it, I’d love to hear how it goes!
I made this last night and it was so good and so easy! Love a good crockpot recipe. I had mine with corn tortillas, my fiancé had his with flour tortillas. I’m sure the meat would be good on either, but I thoroughly enjoyed mine on the corn! My package of pork was 2.95 pounds. I cooked mine on low for 4.5 hours and it shredded easily. 4 hours probably would have been enough.
YUM Kayleigh! So glad you guys enjoyed this!
Do you have an Instant Pot recipe for this dish?
Hi Diane! Unfortunately, I have not tried to make this dish in the Instant Pot. If you decide to play around with it, I’d love to hear how it goes!
I’d love to try this. I like recipes I can make and freeze for later use since there are only the two of us. I wanted to be certain on the cut of pork. I’ve seen recipes where you have used the pork tenderloin and pork loin. I wanted to make certain that in this recipe you mean the small, skinny, incredibly lean and yummy tenderloin. (Can you tell I love pork tenderloin?).
So, if you would clarify for me I’ll be on my way to the grocery.
Hi Connie! This recipe calls for pork tenderloin. I hope you love the tacos!
Amazing! Adding these to the meal rotation in our house! So much flavor, 10/10!!!!
Hi Lauren! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
Can I make this in an instant pot? If so, how long would you suggest i pressure cook it? We just got some bao buns and these sound like the perfect filling!
Hi Tiffany! I’ve only tested the recipe as written but I do have an Instant pot pulled pork recipe that might help you. https://www.wellplated.com/instant-pot-pulled-pork/ Hope you enjoy it!
This is one of my families FAVORITE recipes. So yummy and so easy
Hi Jacqueline! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!