Best 5 Authentic Pork Tacos Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Pork tacos:** A delightful culinary journey

Tacos, a staple of Mexican cuisine, have captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. Among the diverse variations, pork tacos stand out with their succulent flavors and tender textures. This article presents a collection of authentic pork taco recipes that promise an explosion of taste. Embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the art of crafting these delectable treats, featuring a variety of cooking techniques, marinades, and salsas. From the traditional al pastor to the smoky carnitas, each recipe offers a unique taste experience that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Whether you prefer slow-cooked pulled pork or crispy fried pork belly, this article has something for every palate. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to indulge in the authentic flavors of pork tacos, all in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MEXICAN-STYLE PORK TACOS (TACOS AL PASTOR) RECIPE BY TASTY



Mexican-style Pork Tacos (Tacos Al Pastor) Recipe by Tasty image

It's Taco Tuesday! Or maybe it's taco ANYday because let's face it: there's never NOT a good day to eat a taco. But you don't want something basic. You want the real deal, and we're here to make that dream come true. With our super flavorful tacos al pastor, you're going to feel like you're at a food truck on a beach, chowing down on some of the best eats around.

Provided by Alvin Zhou

Categories     Dinner

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

5 lb boneless pork shoulder
3 tablespoons achiote paste
2 tablespoons guajillo chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
¾ cup white vinegar
1 cup pineapple juice
1 pineapple, skinned and sliced into 1-inch (2 cm) rounds
10 small corn tortillas
1 white onion, finely chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 cup salsa
1 avocado, diced
2 limes, cut into wedges
1 thick wooden skewer, trimmed to the height of your oven

Steps:

  • Slice the pork shoulder into about 1-centimeter (¼ in) slices, then transfer to a large dish or bowl. In a medium bowl, combine the achiote paste, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, vinegar, and pineapple juice, mashing and stirring until smooth with no lumps. Pour the marinade over the pork slices, then toss to make sure they are coated on all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • Place a slice or two of the pineapple on the baking sheet. Take a wooden skewer and push it directly in the middle of the pineapple. Remove the pork from the fridge and push the slices through the skewer, layering one after the other until there is a 1-inch (2 ½ cm) gap at the top. Push another pineapple slice on top.
  • Bake for about 1½ hours, until the pork is slightly charred on the outside and deep red. Rest the meat for about 10 minutes, then carve off thin slices of pork and roasted pineapple.
  • To assemble, place some pork on the tortillas, followed by a few pieces of pineapple, a sprinkling of onion, a pinch of cilantro, and a spoonful of salsa, and some diced avocado. Serve with lime wedges.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 597 calories, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 32 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 48 grams, Sugar 10 grams

AUTHENTIC TACOS AL PASTOR



Authentic Tacos al Pastor image

Tacos al pastor is a quintessential Mexican dish, with tender pork and pineapple marinated in a savory and aromatic chile sauce. Serve with warm corn tortillas, tomatillos salsa, and lemon or lime wedges.

Provided by docmancito

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 5h19m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tomato
3 dried guajillo chile peppers, seeded
2 dried ancho chile peppers, seeded
1 pineapple, sliced 3/4-inch thick
½ cup orange juice
1 onion, quartered
¼ cup white vinegar
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 cloves
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 pounds boneless pork loin, thinly sliced
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cook tomato on a ridged grill pan over medium-high heat until slightly blackened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool until easily handled. Peel off skin and remove seeds.
  • Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add guajillo and ancho chile peppers; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain.
  • Combine tomato flesh, softened chile peppers, 2 slices pineapple, orange juice, quartered onion, vinegar, chipotle peppers, salt, garlic, cloves, cumin seeds, and oregano in a blender; blend until smooth.
  • Arrange pork slices in a glass or ceramic baking dish. Pour blended mixture over pork, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap.
  • Marinate pork in the refrigerator, 4 hours to overnight.
  • Cook remaining pineapple slices on a ridged grill pan over medium-high heat until slightly blackened and soft, about 5 minutes per side. Chop into small pieces.
  • Wipe out grill pan and preheat over medium-high heat. Cook marinated pork in the hot pan, turning once, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Chop pork coarsely into small pieces against the grain. Serve with pineapple, chopped onion, and cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 204.3 calories, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 43.5 mg, Fat 5.6 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 16.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 748.1 mg, Sugar 15.9 g

SLOW-COOKER PORK TACOS



Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos image

For an easy Mexican meal, set and forget seasoned pork shoulder for this Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos recipe from Food Network Magazine.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 5h36m

Yield about 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 whole ancho chiles
3 whole pasilla chiles
4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
2 to 3 chipotles in adobo sauce
1/2 medium white onion, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano, preferably Mexican
3 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (untrimmed), cut into chunks
Freshly ground pepper
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
Corn tortillas, warmed, for serving
Assorted taco toppings, for garnish

Steps:

  • Put the ancho and pasilla chiles and the garlic in a bowl; add 2 to 3 tablespoons water. Microwave on high until soft and pliable, 2 to 3 minutes. Stem and seed the chiles; peel the garlic. Transfer the chiles and garlic to a blender.
  • Add the chipotles, onion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, honey, vinegar, 1 tablespoon salt and the oregano to the blender; puree until smooth. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat; add the chile sauce and fry, stirring, until thick and fragrant, about 8 minutes. Pour in the broth and reduce until slightly thickened.
  • Season the pork all over with salt and pepper and transfer to a large slow cooker. Add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick, then pour in the sauce. Cover and cook on high until the meat is tender, about 5 hours. (Or cook the meat in a large Dutch oven, covered, for 1 hour 45 minutes at 350 degrees; uncover and cook 30 more minutes.)
  • Discard the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Shred the pork with 2 forks; season with salt and pepper. Serve the shredded pork in the tortillas, along with toppings.

PULLED PORK TACOS



Pulled Pork Tacos image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 8h45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 pounds pork shoulder roast
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 chipotle in adobo plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
1/2 cup beer, such as Modelo Especial
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest (1/2 orange)
12 flour tortillas
8 radishes, thinly sliced
1 small head savoy cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 avocado, diced
3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
3 limes, cut into wedges

Steps:

  • For the pulled pork: In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, coriander, salt and oregano. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork roast.
  • Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork roast and brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
  • Meanwhile, in a 3 1/2-quart slow cooker, combine the onion, garlic, chipotle and adobo sauce, beer, and orange zest. Add the browned roast along with any pan juices. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 6 hours.
  • When the pork is cooked and fork tender, shred it using two forks. Add the shredded meat back to the slow cooker and toss with the onions and cooking juices. Keep warm in the slow cooker for people to help themselves and assemble the tacos with all the garnishes.

AUTHENTIC PORK TACOS



Authentic Pork Tacos image

The tastiest and most authentic pork tacos but be sure you have plenty of time to prepare this tasty recipe

Provided by ChefDerekHobbs

Categories     Mexican

Time 6h30m

Yield 23 ???, 25-30 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

20 lbs pork butt
2 -3 anaheim chilies
2 -3 serrano chilies
1 whole yellow onion
1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
6 tablespoons ground cumin (adjust to taste)
2 -3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika (adjust to taste)
3 -4 garlic cloves
water (enough to cover pork butt in stock pot)
1 (105 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 -3 cups orange juice
1 lime, juice of
1 tablespoon thyme
salt (to taste)
1 -3 liter chicken stock (or more adjust to taste)
2 guajillo chilies (optional)

Steps:

  • Get a large stock pot.
  • Trim most of the big pieces of fat from the pork butt and add to stock pot.
  • add chicken broth and water to cover.
  • add all spices listed above.
  • chop and de-seed all peppers, use gloves while doing so and add to pot.
  • add can of tomatoes.
  • add orange juice.
  • add salt (adjust later).
  • cook for 6 hours or until pork is tender enough to shred.
  • Shred pork and assemble tacos with corn tortilla wraps and Mexican farmers cheese and fresh Pico salsa.
  • Disclaimer ( You may need to experiment with measurements since I usually eyeball all of this and taste as I go).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 862.2, Fat 58.1, SaturatedFat 19.9, Cholesterol 240.7, Sodium 288.9, Carbohydrate 10.2, Fiber 2, Sugar 6, Protein 70.7

Tips:

  • Choose the right cut of pork: Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is the best cut for tacos because it is flavorful and tender when cooked slowly.
  • Marinate the pork: Marinating the pork in a flavorful mixture of spices and liquids will help to tenderize it and add flavor.
  • Cook the pork slowly: Pork shoulder is a tough cut of meat, so it needs to be cooked slowly over low heat to break down the collagen and make it tender.
  • Shred the pork: Once the pork is cooked, shred it with two forks or a meat shredder.
  • Make your own tortillas: Homemade tortillas are softer and more flavorful than store-bought tortillas.
  • Use fresh toppings: Fresh toppings like cilantro, onion, and avocado will add brightness and flavor to your tacos.
  • Serve with your favorite salsa: A flavorful salsa will add the perfect finishing touch to your tacos.

Conclusion:

Authentic pork tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make authentic pork tacos at home. Just be sure to choose the right cut of pork, marinate it well, cook it slowly, and shred it properly. Once you have the basics down, you can experiment with different toppings and salsas to create your own unique taco recipe.

Related Topics