Flavorful Pork Tacos with Zesty Salsas
Indulge in the ultimate taco experience with these Flavorful Pork Tacos! Marinated in a robust blend of spices including guajillo chili powder, garlic, and cumin, the tender strips of pork shoulder are sautéed to perfection, delivering a mouthwatering flavor in every bite. Paired with homemade tomatillo salsa and fresh salsa cruda, these tacos encapsulate the essence of authentic Mexican street food. Ideal for gatherings or a casual weeknight meal, remember that tacos should be simple and delicious—perfectly sized for snacking and bursting with flavor, these tacos are a testament to why homemade is always better than store-bought.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork shoulder
1 1/2 lbs (cut into thin 1/2-inch strips)
Kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Guajillo chili powder
2 1/2 teaspoons (or substitute with ancho or other medium-hot red chili powder)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (toast whole seeds and grind coarsely for best flavor)
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
Corn tortillas
2 dozen (ideally 4 1/2 inches in diameter, for serving)
Tomatillo salsa
for serving (see recipe for Tomatillo Salsa Fresca)
Salsa cruda
for serving (see recipe for Salsa Cruda III)
Radish
to taste (trimmed and sliced for garnish)
Fresh cilantro
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by generously seasoning the pork strips with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the minced garlic, guajillo chili powder, and ground cumin. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the spices are evenly massaged into the meat.
2
Cover the bowl and marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated pork, ensuring the strips are spread out evenly in the pan. Let the pork sizzle, stirring occasionally, until it's lightly browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
4
Turn off the heat and keep the pork warm while you prepare the tortillas.
5
On a dry griddle or another cast iron pan, heat the corn tortillas one at a time, turning them once or twice, until hot and slightly puffed. Stack the tortillas on a clean cloth napkin and cover with another napkin to keep them warm and moist.
6
To serve, stack 2 hot tortillas on each plate. Spoon a generous amount of the sizzling pork onto the tortillas. Top with a spoonful of tomatillo salsa and a dollop of salsa cruda. Garnish each taco with sliced radishes and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in Flavorful Pork Tacos?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 lbs of pork shoulder cut into thin 1/2-inch strips.
What specific seasonings are used for the pork marinade?
The pork is seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, guajillo chili powder, and ground cumin.
Can I substitute the guajillo chili powder?
Yes, you can substitute it with ancho or another medium-hot red chili powder.
How do I get the best flavor from the cumin?
For the best flavor, toast whole cumin seeds and grind them coarsely.
How long should the pork marinate?
Marinate the pork for at least 1 hour, though overnight is ideal for maximum flavor development.
What type of skillet is recommended for cooking the pork?
A large cast iron skillet is recommended for even heating and searing.
At what heat setting should I cook the pork?
Cook the marinated pork over medium heat in three tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How long does it take to cook the pork strips?
The pork should be cooked for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned.
What type of oil is used for cooking the meat?
The recipe specifies using three tablespoons of vegetable oil.
What kind of tortillas are traditionally used for these tacos?
Corn tortillas, ideally 4 1/2 inches in diameter, are used for this recipe.
How should I prepare the corn tortillas?
Heat them on a dry griddle or cast iron pan until hot and slightly puffed, turning once or twice.
How do you keep the tortillas warm after heating?
Stack the tortillas on a clean cloth napkin and cover them with another napkin to maintain heat and moisture.
How are the tacos assembled for serving?
Stack two hot tortillas, add a generous amount of pork, then top with salsas and garnishes.
What types of salsa are paired with these tacos?
The recipe recommends serving them with homemade tomatillo salsa and salsa cruda.
What garnishes are suggested for the finishing touch?
Garnish each taco with sliced radishes and fresh cilantro.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
How many tortillas are needed for the full recipe?
You will need two dozen corn tortillas to serve 6 people.
What is the recommended size for the pork strips?
The pork shoulder should be cut into thin 1/2-inch strips.
Is there a specific type of salt used?
The recipe specifies using kosher salt for seasoning.
How should the pork be arranged in the pan?
Ensure the strips are spread out evenly in the pan to allow for proper sizzling and browning.
Can I make the pork ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the meat up to 24 hours in advance to save time.
What makes these tacos authentic street food style?
Their small size, double tortilla structure, and simple, punchy flavors mimic authentic Mexican street food.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
How much guajillo chili powder is used?
Use 2 1/2 teaspoons of guajillo chili powder for the marinade.
What color should the cooked pork be?
The pork should be cooked until it is lightly browned and cooked through.
What is the first step in preparing the meat?
Begin by seasoning the pork strips with salt, pepper, garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
Should I use a wet or dry griddle for the tortillas?
Heat the tortillas on a dry griddle or another cast iron pan.
Are the radishes cooked?
No, radishes are trimmed and sliced to be used as a fresh, raw garnish.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Why are two tortillas used per taco?
Two tortillas are used to provide structural integrity for the juicy pork and salsas, which is common in taco culture.