Savory Pork Tacos with Aromatic Veggies
This savory pork taco recipe is a delightful creation inspired by Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet. Every bite brims with rich flavors from slow-cooked pork roast that's infused with aromatic vegetables and spices. Ideal for serving at gatherings or for family dinners, this dish is versatile enough to use in tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. The shredded meat is incredibly tender, making it easy to prepare and perfect for those busy weeknights. Not only does it freeze beautifully, but it can also be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd. Whether you stick to the original pork or try variations with chuck roast or chicken, these tacos will always be a hit! Pair them with your choice of toppings for a meal that's both satisfying and memorable.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Roast
3.5 lbs (cut into thick slices)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Olive Oil
as needed (for browning and sautéing)
Water
1 cup (for simmering)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Green Pepper
1 (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2-3 (chopped)
Tomato Sauce
1 cup (for flavoring)
Bay Leaf
1 (for infusion)
Red Wine
1/2 cup (for depth of flavor)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (for heat)
Flour Tortillas
12-16 (for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the pork roast into thick slices. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork slices and pan-sear until browned on both sides. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
3
Add 1 cup of water to the skillet with the pork. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
4
While the pork is cooking, in a separate pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions, green pepper, and garlic until they become soft and fragrant. Set aside.
5
Once the pork is ready, carefully shred the meat using two forks or your hands.
6
In the pot with the shredded pork, combine the sautéed vegetables, tomato sauce, bay leaf, red wine, cumin, and chili powder. Stir well.
7
Cover and let the mixture simmer over low heat for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
8
Finally, warm the flour tortillas. Serve the pork filling generously wrapped in the tortillas with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, green onions, and salsa.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Pork Tacos with Aromatic Veggies recipe?
This recipe is a flavorful creation featuring slow-cooked pork roast infused with aromatic vegetables and spices, inspired by Jeff Smith.
Who is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Jeff Smith, also known as The Frugal Gourmet.
What cut of meat is used for these tacos?
A 3.5 lb pork roast is used for this recipe.
How is the pork initially prepared?
The pork roast is cut into thick slices before cooking.
What seasonings are used on the pork roast slices?
The slices are seasoned generously with salt and pepper.
How is the pork first cooked in the skillet?
The pork is pan-seared in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned on both sides.
How much water is added for the first simmering stage?
One cup of water is added to the skillet with the pork.
How long does the pork simmer initially?
The pork simmers for approximately 2 hours to become tender.
Which vegetables are sautéed for the aromatics?
The recipe uses one chopped onion, one chopped green pepper, and two to three chopped garlic cloves.
How are the vegetables prepared before being added?
The onion, green pepper, and garlic are sautéed in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
How do you shred the cooked pork?
The pork can be shredded using two forks or your hands once it is tender.
What ingredients are added to the pot after shredding the meat?
The sautéed vegetables, tomato sauce, bay leaf, red wine, cumin, and chili powder are added.
How much tomato sauce is required?
One cup of tomato sauce is used for flavoring.
What type of wine is included in the recipe?
One half cup of red wine is added for depth of flavor.
Which spices are used for seasoning the final mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
How long is the second simmer after combining all ingredients?
The mixture simmers over low heat for an additional 30 minutes.
What kind of tortillas should I use for serving?
The recipe recommends using 12-16 flour tortillas.
What are some recommended toppings for these tacos?
Suggested toppings include shredded cheese, lettuce, green onions, and salsa.
Is this pork taco recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the shredded pork meat freezes beautifully.
Can I make this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
What other dishes can I use this pork filling for?
The pork is versatile and can be used in burritos and enchiladas as well as tacos.
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, variations can be made using chuck roast or chicken.
What is the role of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf is used for infusion during the final simmering stage.
What heat setting should be used for the final simmer?
The final simmer should be done over low heat.
How many tortillas does this recipe serve?
The recipe provides enough filling for 12 to 16 flour tortillas.
Is the olive oil used multiple times?
Yes, olive oil is used for browning the pork and for sautéing the vegetables.
What should I do after browning the pork?
Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside while preparing the water for simmering.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Two to three chopped garlic cloves are recommended.
Why is water added to the skillet with the pork?
Water is added to allow the pork to simmer and become tender over two hours.
What makes this dish a good choice for busy weeknights?
The tender shredded meat is easy to prepare and the recipe is very versatile for different meals.