Pulled pork tacos are a tasty treat you won't want to miss! Made with slow-cooked pork shoulder, they're bursting with flavor. Have you ever experienced the perfect mix of tender meat and crunchy slaw? Just spice up your pork with smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin, then let it cook low and slow—easy, right? Wrap it in a corn or flour tortilla, and you're set! You can even top them with avocado crema or pico de gallo for a personal touch. Plus, leftovers are great for another meal! ��️ Want to explore more fun tips and recipes?

History

Pulled pork tacos have their origins rooted in Southern barbecue traditions, where slow-cooking pork shoulder transforms the meat into a tender delight. Have you ever wondered how this tasty dish came about?

In the 1980s, pulled pork tacos gained popularity alongside the rise of Tex-Mex cuisine, blending traditional Mexican flavors with American barbecue styles. The use of Traeger pellet grills has also contributed to the delicious smoky flavor found in many pulled pork recipes, making them a favorite for outdoor gatherings.

Corn tortillas, a key component of pulled pork tacos, date back thousands of years to ancient Mesoamerican cultures. These tortillas serve as the perfect vessel for the rich flavors of pulled pork.

Plus, adding slaw gives your tacos a crunchy and revitalizing contrast to the tender meat. Isn't that a great combo?

Over time, variations of pulled pork tacos have emerged, showing off the diverse culinary influences in modern American cuisine. You can now find many toppings, from spicy jalapeños to creamy avocado, making each taco unique and exciting.

Recipe

Pulled Pork Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that brings a taste of the South to your table. The key to achieving tender, flavorful pulled pork lies in the slow-cooking process, which allows the meat to absorb all the spices and liquids, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Pairing the shredded pork with a creamy cilantro lime slaw elevates the dish, adding freshness and a delightful crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the meat. For a healthier cooking option, consider using an air fryer, which can greatly reduce oil usage and offer crispy textures, making it a great addition to your kitchen, just like the COSORI Air Fryer Pro that features multiple cooking functions.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to use an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or even an oven, depending on your kitchen setup and time constraints. The pulled pork can be served in either corn or flour tortillas, making them perfect for casual dinners, gatherings, or meal prep for the week.

With optional toppings like avocado crema, pico de gallo, and cheese, you can customize each taco to your liking and impress your guests with a flavorful feast.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs boneless pork shoulder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beer or chicken stock
• 8-10 corn or flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• Additional salt to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it's evenly coated.

Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, and pour in the beer or chicken stock. If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with forks. For an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 60-80 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Once cooked, remove the pork, shred it with two forks, and return it to the juices to keep it moist.

Extra Tips:

For added flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder in the spice rub overnight before cooking. This will deepen the flavors and make for an even tastier taco filling.

When making the cilantro lime slaw, feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste; adding a dash of honey or a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to delicious meals, pulled pork tacos truly stand out as a favorite. Their combination of tender pulled pork and crunchy cilantro lime slaw wrapped in warm tortillas makes for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Plus, with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, you get juicy, flavorful meat with just 10 minutes of prep! Using a Hamilton Beach slow cooker enhances the ease of preparation, allowing you to enjoy perfectly cooked pork without the fuss.

Here are a few reasons to love this versatile recipe:

1. Easy to make: You can whip up pulled pork recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Customizable toppings: Whether you choose avocado crema, cheese, or more slaw, you can personalize each taco.
3. Great for leftovers: Leftover pulled pork can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge, making it perfect for future meals.
4. Multiple serving options: This BBQ Pulled Pork works well in tacos, sandwiches, nachos, or over rice!