Pulled pork tacos are a delightful fusion of tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder and vibrant, crunchy coleslaw. Perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos offer a satisfying blend of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors wrapped in soft tortillas.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to visit the supermarket for pork shoulder and coleslaw. The pork shoulder is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and pre-made coleslaw can save you time, though you can also make it from scratch if you prefer.
Ingredients For Pulled Pork Tacos
Pork shoulder: This cut of meat is ideal for slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful pulled pork.
Bbq sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy flavor to the pork, enhancing its taste.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Adds a sweet and savory onion flavor to the dish.
Paprika: Gives a mild, smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the pork.
Tortillas: Soft wraps that hold the pulled pork and coleslaw, making it easy to eat.
Coleslaw: Adds a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich, savory pork.
Technique Tip for Pulled Pork Tacos
For an extra layer of flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker. This will create a caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste of the pulled pork.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pork shoulder - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs have a similar texture and can be shredded easily after cooking, making them a good alternative for pulled pork.
pork shoulder - Substitute with jackfruit: For a vegetarian option, young green jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled pork when cooked and seasoned properly.
bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that can complement the other ingredients in the tacos.
bbq sauce - Substitute with salsa: Salsa provides a fresh and tangy alternative, adding a different but delicious flavor to the tacos.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder provides a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can be a good alternative to garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with fresh onions: Fresh onions can add a more robust and slightly sweet flavor when sautéed before adding to the dish.
onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder offers a milder, more nuanced onion flavor that can be a suitable substitute.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit more heat and complexity, making it a good alternative to paprika.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika provides a similar flavor with an added smoky depth, enhancing the overall taste.
tortillas - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps offer a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that still provides a fresh and crunchy base for the tacos.
tortillas - Substitute with pita bread: Pita bread can be a thicker, more filling alternative that holds the ingredients well.
coleslaw - Substitute with pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables add a tangy crunch that complements the savory flavors of the tacos.
coleslaw - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole provides a creamy, rich topping that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Pulled Pork Tacos
How to Store / Freeze Your Tacos
Allow the pulled pork to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
Transfer the cooled pulled pork into an airtight container. If you have a lot of pork, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier reheating.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to use the pulled pork within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the container in the freezer. The pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When freezing, label the container with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness.
To reheat refrigerated pulled pork, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
For reheating frozen pulled pork, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated pork.
If you prefer, you can reheat the pulled pork on the stovetop. Place it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of bbq sauce or chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Store the coleslaw separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Keep the tortillas in their original packaging or transfer them to a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life, or freeze them if you don't plan to use them within a week.
When ready to serve, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the pulled pork in aluminum foil to retain moisture and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This method ensures the pork stays juicy and tender.
For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the pork is hot. This helps prevent the meat from drying out.
If you have a stovetop, reheat the pulled pork in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of bbq sauce or a bit of chicken broth to keep the meat moist. Stir occasionally until the pork is heated through.
For the tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds, or heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side. This keeps them soft and pliable.
If you prefer a crispy texture, you can reheat the pulled pork in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method adds a delightful crunch to the pork.
To reheat the coleslaw, it's best to serve it cold. If it has been stored in the fridge, simply give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used to simmer at a lower temperature than other cooking methods, perfect for cooking the pork shoulder slowly and evenly.
Forks: Used to shred the cooked pork shoulder into fine pieces, making it easier to serve in tacos.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the bbq sauce to ensure the right flavor balance.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to add the perfect amount of seasoning.
Tongs: Handy for handling the shredded pork when transferring it from the slow cooker to the tortillas.
Mixing bowl: Useful for mixing the coleslaw topping before adding it to the tacos.
Knife: Needed for any additional preparation, such as chopping vegetables for the coleslaw if not pre-prepared.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for any chopping or slicing tasks.
Serving spoon: Ideal for scooping the shredded pork onto the tortillas.
Tortilla warmer: Useful for keeping the tortillas warm and pliable for serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use a pressure cooker: Cut down cooking time by using a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker. It can cook the pork shoulder in about an hour.
Pre-made coleslaw: Save time by using store-bought coleslaw instead of making it from scratch.
Double the recipe: Cook extra pulled pork and freeze the leftovers for a quick meal later.
Instant pot: An Instant Pot can be a great alternative to a slow cooker, reducing the cooking time significantly.
Pre-mixed spices: Use pre-mixed spice blends to save time on measuring individual spices.
Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Pork Shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 8 pieces Tortillas
- 1 cup Coleslaw for topping
Instructions
- 1. Place pork shoulder in slow cooker.
- 2. Add BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- 3. Cook on low for 8 hours.
- 4. Shred pork with forks.
- 5. Serve on tortillas with coleslaw.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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