Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo
Elevate your taco night with these Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos! Featuring tender pulled pork loin smothered in a rich barbecue sauce, these tacos are complemented by a vibrant pico de gallo-style salad that adds a burst of freshness. They're not just a meal; they're an experience that brings friends and family together. From the first bite, you’ll be enveloped in the deliciously smoky flavors of BBQ, perfectly balanced by the zest of lemon and the crunch of fresh vegetables. Ideal for dinners, parties, or special celebrations, these tacos promise to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare to enjoy a finger-licking good time—be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand because one taco will never be enough. Treat your loved ones this weekend and make mealtime a delightful occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork loin
2 lbs (cut into large pieces)
barbecue sauce
2 cups (ready to use)
ketchup
1 cup (ready to use)
water
1/2 cup (none)
garlic powder
2 tablespoons (none)
red onion
1 (minced)
diced tomatoes
6 (fresh)
fresh cilantro
1 cup (chopped)
lemon
1 (juice only)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
corn tortillas
25 (none)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Pork: Place the pork loin in a large pot and add the ketchup, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for about one and a half hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours.
2
Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot and stir to coat in the remaining sauce.
3
Prepare the Pico de Gallo-style Salad: In a large bowl, combine the minced red onion, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine the flavors.
4
Heat the Tortillas: In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
5
Assemble the Tacos: Take two warm tortillas and fill them with about 2 tablespoons of the BBQ pulled pork. Top with a teaspoon of the pico de gallo salad.
6
Serve: Enjoy the tacos immediately while warm, and don't forget to have napkins or finger bowls on hand!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in these Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos?
The main protein used in this recipe is 2 lbs of pork loin, cut into large pieces.
How much barbecue sauce is required for the recipe?
You will need 2 cups of ready-to-use barbecue sauce.
What other sauce is combined with the BBQ sauce for the pork?
One cup of ketchup is added to the pork along with the barbecue sauce.
How long does it take to cook the pork on a stovetop?
The pork should be simmered in a large pot for about one and a half hours or until it is tender.
Can I use a slow cooker for the pulled pork?
Yes, you can cook the pork in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 7 hours.
What spices are used to season the pork loin?
The pork is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of garlic powder along with the sauce mixture.
How do I shred the pork loin once it is cooked?
After letting the pork rest for a few minutes, use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
What ingredients are in the pico de gallo-style salad?
The salad consists of minced red onion, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
How many tomatoes are needed for the fresh salsa?
The recipe calls for 6 fresh diced tomatoes.
What type of onion is best for the pico de gallo?
The recipe specifically uses 1 minced red onion.
Does this recipe use lemon or lime juice for the zest?
This recipe uses the juice of one lemon.
How much fresh cilantro is used in the salad?
One cup of fresh chopped cilantro is used.
How many corn tortillas does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to fill approximately 25 corn tortillas.
How should I warm the corn tortillas?
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
How much pork should I put in each taco?
Each taco should be filled with about 2 tablespoons of the BBQ pulled pork.
How much pico de gallo should be added to each taco?
Top each taco with approximately one teaspoon of the pico de gallo salad.
Is water added to the cooking pot with the pork?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is added to the pot to help create the sauce and keep the pork moist.
What is the first step in preparing the BBQ pulled pork?
Place the pork loin in a large pot with ketchup, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and water, then bring to a simmer.
Should the pork be cooked covered or uncovered?
The pork should be cooked covered to ensure it remains tender and cooks evenly.
Do I need to coat the meat in sauce after shredding?
Yes, return the shredded meat to the pot and stir it to ensure it is thoroughly coated in the remaining sauce.
Are these tacos suitable for parties?
Yes, they are described as an ideal crowd-pleaser for dinners, parties, or special celebrations.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features smoky BBQ flavors balanced by the zest of lemon and the crunch of fresh vegetables.
Can I substitute the corn tortillas?
While the recipe specifies 25 corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a different texture.
How should I serve these tacos?
Serve them immediately while warm, and keep napkins handy as they can be messy.
What should I do after the pork is done cooking but before shredding?
Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding.
How many tablespoons of garlic powder are used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of garlic powder.
How is the pico de gallo-style salad prepared?
Combine the onion, tomatoes, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and mix well.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the pico de gallo salad to taste.
Is the pork loin cut before cooking?
Yes, the pork loin should be cut into large pieces before being placed in the pot.
Why is water used in the recipe?
Water is added to the sauce mixture to provide enough liquid for simmering the pork loin until tender.