Avocado Pulled Pork Tacos are delicious stuffed tortillas, the perfect marriage between Mexican street food and American cuisine. This is a one-dish meal ideal for enjoying in front of a movie, or to serve for a tasty lunch with friends, at home or on a picnic.
Pulled pork is one of the most popular dishes in the United States: it is a cut of meat, usually Boston Butt, marinated with a spice rub and cooked for a long time on the barbecue at a low temperature, until it is fragrant and very tender. It is often eaten, in a sandwich, at classic American garden parties, together with corn in foil and a glass of cold beer.
In this recipe, it becomes the filling for a succulent taco, enriched with a salad of cabbage, green peppers, feta, avocado and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with lime juice, for a touch of freshness, and olive oil. To make it all even more irresistible, we suggest an accompanying sauce prepared with apple cider vinegar, mustard and brown sugar, to be thickened over low heat until it releases all its aroma.
All you need to do is heat the tortillas on a griddle for a few minutes and spread the seasoning, folding the disk in half to obtain the typical crescent shape.
What Are Avocado Pulled Pork Tacos?
Pulled pork tacos are a flavorful fusion of Southern American barbecue and Mexican street food traditions. Originating in the United States, particularly in the South, pulled pork is made by slow-cooking pork shoulder until it's tender enough to be shredded. This method of cooking has roots in Indigenous American practices, which were later influenced by European settlers and African American culinary traditions. The term "pulled pork" itself became popular in the mid-20th century, though the dish's origins trace back much earlier.
The incorporation of pulled pork into tacos is a relatively modern development, reflecting the dynamic nature of American cuisine. As Mexican culinary influences permeated Southern cooking, chefs began experimenting with traditional taco fillings, leading to the creation of pulled pork tacos. These tacos typically feature tender, shredded pork served in soft corn tortillas, often topped with ingredients like pickled red onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The combination of smoky, savory pork with fresh, tangy toppings offers a delightful contrast, making pulled pork tacos a beloved dish in many American kitchens and restaurants.
Pro Tips for The Best Avocado Pulled Pork Tacos
- Cooking the pork low and slow is key to achieving that tender, pull-apart texture. Whether you're using a slow cooker or a stovetop method, ensure you cook the pork for several hours to break down the connective tissues.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning the pork. Make sure to coat the pork well with your rub, allowing the spices to deeply penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
- For the best taco experience, warm your tortillas gently before filling them. You can heat them in a dry pan or on an open flame for a few seconds for a slight char and enhanced flavor.
- Keep your toppings fresh and bright to balance the rich and smoky flavors of the pork. Try fresh cilantro, pickled onions, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of salsa or guacamole for extra freshness.
What's The Difference Between Pulled Pork and Carnitas?
Pulled pork is typically slow-cooked in a smoker or oven and is seasoned with a dry rub, while carnitas are traditionally braised in lard, resulting in a richer, more tender texture, and are often flavored with citrus, garlic, and herbs.
What Type of Pork is Best for Tacos?
The best type of pork for tacos is pork shoulder (also known as pork butt). It's marbled with fat, which makes it tender and juicy when slow-cooked, perfect for shredding into flavorful taco fillings. You can also use pork belly for a crispy, rich option if you prefer a different texture.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Pulled Pork?
Cooking pulled pork typically takes about 6–8 hours on low in a slow cooker or 4–5 hours at 300°F (150°C) in the oven. If you're using a smoker, it can take up to 12 hours depending on the size of the pork shoulder and the cooking temperature.
Can I Add Any Other Toppings?
Try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese like cheddar or cotija, and a little heat with jalapeños or pickled jalapeños. For crunch and freshness, top with pico de gallo, and finish it off with a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema.
Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make pulled pork tacos ahead of time. You can cook the pulled pork in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve. Prepare your toppings and warm the tortillas just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Do They Freeze Well?
Yes, pulled pork tacos freeze well. You can freeze the cooked pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw and reheat it. Just remember to store your tortillas and toppings separately, as tortillas may become soggy when frozen and reheated.
How to Store Any Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the pulled pork in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For the best quality, store tortillas and toppings separately to maintain freshness.
Ingredients
How to Make Avocado Pulled Pork Tacos
Finely chop the cabbage, then transfer it to a colander and rinse it thoroughly.
Finely chop the cabbage, then transfer it to a colander and rinse it thoroughly.
Cut the green chillies into small pieces.
Cut the green chillies into small pieces.
Slice the avocado, then dice the cherry tomatoes and onion as well.
Slice the avocado, then dice the cherry tomatoes and onion as well.
Chop the feta cheese.
Chop the feta cheese.
Combine the vegetables, feta and avocado in a large bowl.
Combine the vegetables, feta and avocado in a large bowl.
Season with the juice of a lime and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Season with the juice of a lime and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Pour the apple cider vinegar, mustard and brown sugar into a non-stick saucepan, then bring to a low heat and leave to thicken for about 5 minutes.
Pour the apple cider vinegar, mustard and brown sugar into a non-stick saucepan, then bring to a low heat and leave to thicken for about 5 minutes.
Once ready, transfer the resulting sauce into a small bowl.
Once ready, transfer the resulting sauce into a small bowl.
Shred the pulled pork and in the meantime heat the tortillas on a hot griddle, 1-2 minutes per side.
Shred the pulled pork and in the meantime heat the tortillas on a hot griddle, 1-2 minutes per side.
Place the pulled pork in the center of the tortilla.
Place the pulled pork in the center of the tortilla.
Spread the salad with feta, cabbage, cherry tomatoes and avocado.
Spread the salad with feta, cabbage, cherry tomatoes and avocado.
Fold the tortilla, thus creating a taco.
Fold the tortilla, thus creating a taco.
Sprinkle the filling with a few spoonfuls of sauce.
Sprinkle the filling with a few spoonfuls of sauce.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
;Resize,width=767;)
