Pulled Pork Tacos are a fantastic way to bring a little fiesta to your kitchen! Imagine coming home after a long day, and the smell of tender, smoky pork fills your home. That’s what these tacos promise! This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make pulled pork that’s perfect for tacos. Let’s dive into this fun and delicious journey!
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Why This Recipe Works
Pulled Pork Tacos are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, bringing together tender shredded pork and zesty toppings. The slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb the rich spices and broth, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This
These tacos not only deliver on taste but also offer a simple, hands-off cooking experience. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and come home to a feast that impresses family and friends alike. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a gathering, these tacos will surely steal the show.
Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 pounds pork shoulder
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt (or 1 1/2 tablespoons table salt)
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
- Corn tortilla shells for serving
- Cotija cheese for serving
- Pickled red onions for serving
- Cilantro for serving
Now that we have everything, let’s get cooking!
Preparing the Pulled Pork
Heat the Oil and Brown the Pork
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season the pork shoulder with kosher salt. Once the oil is hot, add the pork and brown it on all sides for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial! Browning the pork adds extra flavor that will enhance your tacos.
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, grab your slow cooker. In the bottom, add the low sodium beef broth, diced onion, minced garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and ground cayenne. Give it a good stir to combine everything. The mix of spices and broth will make the pork super flavorful as it cooks.
Add the Pork and Cook
Now, it’s time to add the browned pork shoulder to the slow cooker. Make sure the pork is submerged in the broth mixture. Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook it on low for 8 to 10 hours. When the pork is done, it should shred easily with a fork. This slow cooking is what makes the meat juicy and tender!
Shred the Pork
Once your pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Discard any large pieces of fat. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Don’t rush this step! You want to mix it well with the remaining juices in the slow cooker. This way, every bite is packed with flavor.
Assemble the Tacos
Finally, it’s taco time! Take warm corn tortilla shells and fill them with the shredded pulled pork. Top them off with pickled red onions, crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. These toppings add a delightful crunch and burst of flavor that complements the smoky pork.
Serving Suggestions
These Pulled Pork Tacos are perfect for any gathering! Serve them alongside some Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh garden salad. You could also set up a taco bar, letting everyone customize their tacos with their favorite toppings. Imagine the laughter and joy as friends and family build their own creations!
Tips for Success
- Ensure the pork is well-browned before adding it to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor. This small step makes a big difference!
- If you like it spicy, adjust the levels of chipotle peppers and cayenne to suit your taste.
- For added richness, let the pork sit in the cooking juices for a few minutes before serving. This makes the pork even more delicious.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few fun variations:
– Swap the pork for chicken or beef for a different flavor profile. Each option brings its unique taste to the table!
– Add fresh avocado or guacamole for creaminess and extra texture.
– Use flour tortillas instead of corn if you prefer a softer shell. Both options are tasty!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely! Other cuts like beef chuck or chicken thighs can work well in this recipe. Each will offer a slightly different taste and texture.
2. How long can I store the leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make for a great quick meal!
3. Can I freeze pulled pork?
Yes, pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready for another day!
4. What can I do with leftover pulled pork?
Get creative! Use leftovers in sandwiches, salads, or as a filling for enchiladas or burritos. The possibilities are endless!
Mastering Pulled Pork Tacos is a delightful way to impress your guests and treat yourself to a satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can enjoy a flavorful dish that embodies the essence of home cooking. Each bite brings warmth and comfort, making it a perfect dish to share with loved ones. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Pulled Pork Tacos
Pulled Pork Tacos are a delightful blend of tender shredded pork and zesty toppings, perfect for any gathering or casual dinner.
- Total Time: 31 minute
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 pounds pork shoulder
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt (or 1 1/2 tablespoons table salt)
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
- Corn tortilla shells for serving
- Cotija cheese for serving
- Pickled red onions for serving
- Cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven and brown the pork shoulder on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Add beef broth, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, lime juice, chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne to slow cooker.
- Place the browned pork in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Shred the pork with two forks, mixing with remaining juices.
- Assemble tacos with shredded pork, pickled red onions, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
Notes
Ensure the pork is well-browned before adding it to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor.
Adjust chipotle peppers and cayenne for desired spice level.
Let the pork sit in the cooking juices for a few minutes before serving for added richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80
