The Best Pork Tacos Recipe

Pork tacos sound like something very tasty, but also difficult to prepare. However, you cannot imagine how easy it is to make this dish at home! To convince you, I have prepared a step-by-step pork taco recipe. Follow it to make this dish easily and quickly in your kitchen. You will be able to get a perfect result with this recipe even if you have no special culinary skills. 

What is a Pork Taco?

Pork Tacos are a delicious and versatile dish, offering a burst of taste in every bite. Paired perfectly with fresh toppings and warm tortillas, the tender, juicy pork is seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. The freshness of toppings like salsa, avocado, and cilantro complement the savory flavor with hints of smokiness and spice. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

You can tailor the dish to your preferences and dietary needs when making pork tacos at home. You have control over the quality of the ingredients. This ensures that you’re using fresh and wholesome ingredients. You can also adjust the seasoning and spice levels to your liking. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like. Plus, from traditional favorites like salsa and guacamole to creative twists like pickled onions or mango salsa, cooking at home allows you to experiment with different toppings and accompaniments.

Pork Taco Origin

Pork tacos originated in Mexico. Tacos have been a staple of the Mexican diet for centuries. Pork, often seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-cooked until tender, is a popular protein choice in Mexican cuisine. Over time, pork tacos have become a popular dish. They are enjoyed not only in Mexico but around the world. Today, they are a popular street food and restaurant item. They are appreciated for their delicious flavors and versatility.

Pork Taco Ingredients

• Pork neck: It is a tender, flavorful meat that is the main protein component of tacos.
• Onion: Adds a spicy sweetness and depth of taste to the pork filling.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that enhances the flavor of the pork with a bold, spicy, and slightly hot taste.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and richness to the pork stuffing and helps tenderize the meat.
• Barbecue Sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy sweetness to the pork that complements the savory spices and adds depth of flavor.
• Avocado: Balances the bold flavors of the pork and adds a creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor to the tacos.
• Tomato: Adds freshness and acidity to the tacos, with juicy bursts of flavor.
• Shallot: Adds a mild onion flavor with a hint of garlic that enhances the overall flavor of the tacos.
• Lime: A refreshing citrus flavor that cuts through the richness of the pork, adding brightness and acidity to the tacos.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and shallots, adding richness and depth of flavor to the pork filling.
• Taco Tortillas: Serves as the base for the tacos. Provides a container for the flavorful pork and toppings.
• Cilantro: Bright, citrusy notes add freshness and a pop of herbal flavor to the tacos.
• Butter: Adds richness and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the pork filling and toppings, balancing the flavors.

How to Make Pork Taco?

1. First, cut pork into large pieces, salt and pepper. Add the seasonings for the tacos. Marinate for 20-30 minutes.
2. Then, cut the onion into strips, the shallot into slices, the tomato into slices, the avocado into cubes, and the lime into wedges.
3. Season avocado with salt and pepper, add the juice of one lime wedge and olive oil and mix.
4. Heat a saucepan, add sunflower oil, and brown the meat on 4 sides. 
5. Then, add the onion and cook again until golden brown.
6. Add the broth, cover with a lid, and put in the oven at 266 degrees F (130 degrees C) for 3 hours. Or leave it on the stove at a low temperature.
7. When the meat is cooked, use a fork to break it into fibers. 
8. Combine the remaining sauce with the butter and barbecue sauce in a blender.
9. Season pork with sauce.
10. To assemble the taco: Place the tomato, shredded pork, onion, avocado, and cilantro leaves on top of the taco tortilla.

Chef Recipe Tips:

• You can use any part of the pork instead of the neck. 
• The seasoning will make the meat quite spicy, so adjust the spiciness to your liking by reducing or increasing the amount of seasoning. 
• You can also add cheddar or mozzarella. 

How to Store or Freeze Leftover Pulled Pork?

This pulled pork will be kept in the refrigerator for about five days or in the freezer for up to three months. If you are freezing it, pack it in freezer bags with as much of the air squeezed out as possible to prevent freezer burn. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can You Make Pork Taco Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can definitely make the taco ahead of time. If you make the pork filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, the flavors will meld together. This makes for an even more delicious taco. You can also assemble tacos and refrigerate them tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for several hours before serving. If you’re hosting a party or planning a meal ahead of time, this is especially convenient. For the best flavor and texture, heat the pork filling thoroughly before serving and assemble the tacos with fresh toppings.

Side Dishes to Serve with Pork Tacos

• Mexican Rice: Spicy and aromatic garnish consisting of rice, tomato, onion, and spices such as cumin and chili powder.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and hearty bean purée seasoned with garlic, onions, and spices like cumin and paprika.
• Corn Salad: A refreshing salad made with fresh corn kernels, peppers, red onion, coriander, lime juice, and a touch of chili powder.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado purée blended with tomato, onion, coriander, lime juice, and salt for an explosion of freshness and creaminess.
• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt for a tangy, spicy flavor.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn cobs coated with a blend of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice for a savory, slightly spicy side dish.
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, and onions are grilled until tender and caramelized. This creates a smoky, charred flavor.
• Chipotle Slaw: A crunchy and spicy slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, chipotle mayo, lime juice, and cilantro that provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory pork tacos.