Cuban-Style Pulled Pork Tacos
Discover the vibrant and irresistible flavors of Cuban-Style Pulled Pork Tacos, inspired by Mel's Kitchen Cafe. This delightful recipe elevates your traditional taco experience with tender, marinated pork shoulder that's cooked low and slow until it's melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Each bite bursts with a medley of spices and zesty citrus. Serve these phenomenal tacos in soft tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and creamy avocado or sour cream. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, these tacos are bound to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork butt
4 lbs (cubed)
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Water
1 cup
Chicken broth
1 cup
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon
Chili powder
1 teaspoon
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Bay leaves
2
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Jalapeno
1 (minced)
Onion
1 (peeled and halved)
Lime
1 (juiced)
Orange
1/2 medium (juiced and zested)
Corn or flour tortillas
8 small
Red onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
Fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
Sour cream or avocado
to taste (for topping)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Limes
2 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by rubbing the pork pieces generously with kosher salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavor.
2
2. In a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned pork and sear each piece on all sides until golden brown, doing this in batches if necessary. Once browned, transfer the pork to a slow cooker.
3
3. Using the same pot, pour in the water and chicken broth, scraping the bottom to loosen any caramelized bits stuck to the pan. Stir in the pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, bay leaves, minced garlic, jalapeño, onion, lime juice, orange juice, and the zest and rind of the orange. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4
4. Pour the flavorful mixture over the seared pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shredded.
5
5. After cooking, remove the bay leaves, onion halves, and orange rinds. Transfer the pork to a bowl and use two forks to shred it. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan over high heat and bring it to a boil to reduce it. Allow it to boil until it thickens slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes.
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6. To serve, place the shredded pork on a large platter and drizzle with the reduced sauce. Warm the tortillas and serve with toppings like sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, avocado, and lime wedges.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cuban-Style Pulled Pork Tacos?
They are a flavorful taco variety featuring pork shoulder marinated in citrus and spices, then slow-cooked until tender and shredded.
What cut of meat should I use for these tacos?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of boneless pork butt, cubed, which provides the ideal fat content for slow-cooking.
How should the pork be prepared before cooking?
Rub the cubed pork pieces with kosher salt and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavor.
Why do I need to sear the pork?
Searing the pork in vegetable oil until golden brown adds a rich depth of flavor and improves the texture of the meat.
What liquids are used in the slow cooker?
The cooking base is made from a combination of water, chicken broth, lime juice, and orange juice.
What spices give the pork its Cuban flavor?
The seasoning includes black pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, and bay leaves.
How long does the pork cook in the slow cooker?
The pork should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours until it is tender enough to be easily shredded.
Do I use the whole orange in this recipe?
The recipe uses the juice and zest of half a medium orange, and the rind is added to the pot for extra aroma during cooking.
Should the jalapeño be minced?
Yes, one jalapeño should be minced and added to the liquid mixture to provide a subtle heat.
How do I prepare the garlic for the recipe?
Three cloves of garlic should be minced before being stirred into the liquid and spice mixture.
What happens to the onion after cooking?
The onion is peeled and halved for cooking but is removed from the slow cooker before the pork is shredded.
How do I shred the cooked pork?
Transfer the tender pork to a large bowl and use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds.
What do I do with the leftover cooking liquid?
The liquid should be boiled in a saucepan for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce and thicken it into a flavorful sauce.
What kind of tortillas are recommended?
You can use either small corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference.
What is the best cheese for these tacos?
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties.
Are these tacos spicy?
They have a mild warmth from the jalapeño and chili powder, but they are generally considered family-friendly and not overly hot.
What fresh herbs go well with this dish?
Freshly chopped cilantro is the ideal garnish to add a bright, herbal note to the tacos.
How should the red onion be served?
The red onion should be thinly sliced and served raw as a crunchy, tangy topping.
Can I add avocado to these tacos?
Yes, sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream adds a wonderful creaminess that balances the citrusy pork.
Why should I reduce the cooking sauce?
Reducing the sauce concentrates the flavors and ensures the meat stays moist without making the tortillas soggy.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is tagged as a party food and is easy to scale up for gatherings or family dinners.
Can I cook this on the high setting in the slow cooker?
While low is recommended for the best texture, you can cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours if you are short on time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the shredded pork in its sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can the pork be frozen?
Yes, the cooked and shredded pork freezes very well in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
What are the bay leaves used for?
Bay leaves are used to infuse the pork with a subtle earthy flavor while it simmers.
Is it necessary to remove the orange rind?
Yes, the orange rind and bay leaves should be discarded after cooking as they are not meant to be eaten.
How many people does this recipe serve?
With 4 lbs of pork and 8 small tortillas, it serves approximately 6 to 8 people.
Can I make this recipe in a Dutch oven instead?
Yes, you can simmer it on very low heat on the stovetop or in the oven at 300°F until the pork is tender.
What side dishes pair well with Cuban tacos?
Black beans, yellow rice, or a crisp cabbage slaw make excellent accompaniments to these tacos.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The pork and seasonings are gluten-free; simply ensure you use certified gluten-free chicken broth and corn tortillas.