Imagine tender, juicy pulled pork smothered in rich BBQ sauce, nestled in warm corn tortillas, and topped with fresh cilantro and zesty onions - this isn't just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that will transform your taco night forever! These BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines the smoky essence of barbecue with the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine, promising a dining experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork shoulder. Trim any excess fat from the meat, ensuring you leave some for flavor and moisture during cooking.
- Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce over the meat, ensuring it is well coated. You can use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, depending on your preference.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Allow the pork to cook for approximately 8 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the meat, making it easy to shred.
- Once the cooking time is complete, check the pork for tenderness. It should easily pull apart with a fork. If it’s not tender enough, let it cook for an additional hour.
- Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining BBQ sauce for added flavor. Make sure the meat is well coated.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare your toppings. Dice the onions and chop the cilantro. Set them aside for assembly.
- Once the pork is shredded, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by placing them on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven.
- To assemble the tacos, place a generous amount of pulled pork on each tortilla. Top with diced onions and chopped cilantro to add freshness and crunch.
- Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice over their tacos for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos with family and friends!
Tips
- Choose the right cut of pork: A pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is ideal for pulled pork due to its marbling and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Low and slow is the secret: Cooking the pork on low heat for 8 hours ensures maximum tenderness and allows the meat to absorb all the delicious BBQ sauce flavors.
- Customize your BBQ sauce: While store-bought sauce works great, don't be afraid to mix in your own spices or make a homemade sauce for a unique twist.
- Warm tortillas are key: Always heat your corn tortillas just before serving to enhance their flavor and prevent them from breaking.
- Fresh toppings make a difference: The diced onions and chopped cilantro aren't just garnishes - they add crucial freshness and texture to your tacos.
- Lime is your friend: The fresh lime juice isn't optional - it brightens up the rich pulled pork and adds a zesty kick that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
