Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s totally game-changer.Sweet Pulled Pork Tacos: What areThink of your favorite fall-off-the-bone BBQ, but with a sweet, tangy twist that’ll make your mouth water. Why do tastebuds What would happen if pulled pork and caramel apples had a baby and then you put them in ice cream? What are some of the best recipes ever made? My husband declared them “the best tacos ever,” and my kids devoured them in approximately 3 minutes. What are some of the best 2 seconds videos? I swear these are even easier than ordering takeout and a million times more satisfying. What’s better than Ground Beef Tacos?
What is Sweet Pulled Pork Tacos?
What is the best way to break it down.?Sweet pulled pork Tacos: What areWhat is the ultimate fusion food? What is pork butt? ), which becomes ridiculously tender and shreddable after hours of simmering in a flavorful liquid. What is the magic of sauce? We’re talking about a blend of savory spices, and brown sugar (or maple syrup if you like) . A touch of sweetness from brown Sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, and a hint of tang from apple cider vinegar or even if you like pineapple juice. What is essentially a sweet and savory symphony in tacos? What is a BBQ sandwich? Is it addictive? Is it not your grandma’s pulled pork?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why should I spend my precious time making these?Sweet Pulled Pork Tacos: What areWhat is the list of things to do?
• Flavor explosion: HowThe combination of sweet, smoky, and savory is just out of this world. What is that sweet and tangy sauce? Oh man, it’s the perfect complement. It’re not just a taco, but an experience! I swear, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
• Is it easy toDon’t let the slow-cooked part scare you. Most of the work is hands-off. How do you cook everything in a Slow Cooker? Is this a good fit for saturdays? I often prep it in the morning before work and then come home to the most amazing aroma. Is this a lifesaver?
• Budget-Pork shoulder is usually a pretty affordable cut of meat, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. How do I feed a crowd without breaking the bank? I’ve even used it in omelets the next morning. Don’t tell anyone, but sometimes I make a double batch just for that purpose!
• Super versatile: I haveWhat is pulled pork? What are some of the best recipes for sliders, nachos and baked potatoes? What I love about this is that I can make a big batch and use it for different meals throughout the day. What is your secret weapon for meal prep? What is the Kalua pig? Now that I think about it.
How do I make a batch of sweet roasted pork tacos?
Quick Overview
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these..Sweet Pulled Pork Tacos – Whatis surprisingly straightforward. How do you cook pork shoulder in a sweet and tangy sauce? What are the best toppings for tortillas? Is it a simple process with maximum flavor payoff? What is the beauty of this recipe? You can adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking. What’s the best part? The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes. So, don’t be afraid to let it simmer for hours!
Ingredients
For the Sweet Pulled Pork: What is the recipe?
• 3-4 lb pork shoulder bone-in or boneless. I usually go for bone-in because I think it adds more flavor, but boneless works just as well.
• 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion works great.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is always best!
• 1 cup chicken broth. Low-sodium is preferred, so you can control the salt level
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. This adds the perfect tanginess.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed. I prefer light brown or dark for a richer flavor.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Adds depth and richness.
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika. Don’t skip this! It adds a wonderful smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder. For a touch of heat.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Adds warmth and earthiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt. Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil. For searing the pork (optional).
For the Tacos:
• Corn or flour tortillas. I prefer corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor, but flour tortilla is great too.
• Your favorite toppings! Think coleslaw, cilantro, pickled onions, avocado, cotija cheese, hot sauce, lime wedges.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sear the Pork (Optional)
This step is totally optional, but I highly recommend it. How do you heat olive oil in a Dutch oven? Season pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned. What is the best way to cook a pot of ice cream?
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Remove pork from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The smell alone is worth it!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Powder, cumin, salt, pepper. If you have browned bits on the bottom of the pot, scrape them out. Stir to combine. What are the browned bits?
Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork
Return the pork to the pot, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fall-apart tender. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. I always do this when I have something else I need to take care of during the day and by the time I get to the end of it, I’m done. How do I get my phone back when it’s
Step 5: Shred the Pork
Remove the pork from the pot and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the pork. Discard any excess fat or bone. Don’t worry if it falls apart completely, that’s exactly what you want!
Step 6: Return to Sauce
Return the shredded pork to the pot with the sauce. Toss to combine. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the pork to soak up all that delicious flavor. This is key!
Step 7: Warm the Tortillas
While the pork is simmering, warm your tortillas according to package directions. You can warm them in a skillet, in the microwave, or over an open flame. My personal favorite is over an open flame – it gives them a nice smoky flavor.
Step 8: Assemble the Tacos
Fill each tortilla with the sweet pulled pork and your favorite toppings. I love to add coleslaw for a little crunch, cilantro for freshness, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!
5. What to Serve It With
What to Serve It With
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Sweet Pulled Pork, but what do you serve it with? The possibilities are endless!
For a Casual Taco Night: Coleslaw is a must! It adds a nice crunch and coolness that balances the richness of the pork. I also love to have some pickled onions on hand for a tangy bite. And don’t forget the hot sauce! A squeeze of lime is always a good idea too. It really brightens up the flavors. My go to is a mango salsa on top- amazing!
For a BBQ-Inspired Feast: Serve the tacos with some grilled corn on the cob, Baked Beans, and potato salad. It’s like a BBQ in taco form! A side of watermelon is always refreshing too. I like to add a little bit of chili lime to it and it’s so good!
For a Tex-Mex Fiesta: Pair the tacos with some Mexican rice, refried beans, and guacamole. Don’t forget the chips and salsa! A margarita or a cold beer is the perfect accompaniment. I’ve even been known to add a little bit of cream cheese.
For a Quick and Easy Meal: These tacos are great on their own! Just add a simple side salad or some fruit. They’re perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Sometimes when I’m really feeling snacky, I’ll throw them on top of nachos!
My family has this tradition of making these every summer! It always brings back good memories! I make a big batch of it so we have extra as well!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sweet Pulled Pork Tacos
Want to take your Sweet Pulled Pork Tacos to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Choose the Right Cut of Pork: Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is the best cut for pulled pork. It has plenty of fat, which keeps it moist and tender during slow cooking. Bone-in or boneless works, but I personally prefer bone-in for extra flavor. It adds a richness you just can’t get otherwise.
Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the pork before slow cooking adds a ton of flavor. It creates a nice crust that helps to seal in the juices. Plus, those browned bits on the bottom of the pot add depth to the sauce. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
Adjust the Sweetness and Spiciness: This recipe is very adaptable. If you prefer a sweeter pulled pork, add more brown sugar. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. What I love is that you can really make it your own!
Don’t Overcook: The pork is done when it’s fall-apart tender. If you overcook it, it will become dry and stringy. Use a fork to test for doneness. It should shred easily. Although, I have overcooked it before on accident, it didn’t taste half bad. But I still would suggest not overcooking it lol.
Use a Slow Cooker for Convenience: If you’re short on time, you can easily make this pulled pork in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it meal. I remember the first time I used a slow cooker. I was so nervous that it wouldn’t come out right, but it was perfect!
Get Creative with Toppings: The toppings are what really make these tacos special. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures. Coleslaw, pickled onions, avocado, cotija cheese, hot sauce, and cilantro are all great options. I even tried using pineapple once!
Strain the Sauce: One of my favorite things to do is strain the sauce after the pork is done. It helps to get a more smooth and richer taste. This might not work for everyone, but it’s definitely worth a shot! I used to not like straining the sauce but after I tried it, I don’t think I’ll ever go back.
Let the Pork Rest: This is so important to let the pork rest. It helps all the juices come together. It also makes it easier to shred. All the flavors come together and it’s the perfect thing to do before you serve the tacos.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Sweet Pulled Pork:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the pulled pork at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible. You’ll want to cover it really well.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating. This helps to prevent condensation from forming, which can make the pork soggy. The container doesn’t have to be airtight, but I would recommend it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pulled pork. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. I always do this when I have extra for the week.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the pulled pork, it’s best to add the sauce after thawing and reheating. This will help to prevent the sauce from becoming watery or separated. I always do this, it makes it so much better in my opinion! If you want you can add some fresh sauce too!
Reheating Tips: To reheat the pulled pork, you can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. Microwave: Place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stovetop: Heat the pulled pork in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pulled pork in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. I found that the oven has a much better outcome when reheating the pulled pork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my recipe for Sweet Pulled Pork Tacos! I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, the aroma alone will bring everyone running to the kitchen. And the best part? It’s so easy to make!
If you’re a fan of these, you might also like my Spicy Mango Salsa Chicken Tacos – they have a similar flavor profile but with a bit of a kick.
Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to let me know in the comments if you try this recipe and what you think! I’d love to hear your feedback and any variations you come up with. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it and share it with your friends and family. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Sweet Pulled Pork Tacos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs Pork Shoulder
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 0.5 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 12 corn tortillas Tortillas
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Season pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Combine brown sugar and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
- Place pork in a slow cooker and pour brown sugar mixture over it.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until pork is tender.
- Shred pork with two forks. Warm tortillas and serve with shredded pork.
