Upgrade your Taco Tuesday with these BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos! Full of tender and flavorful slow-cooked pork and paired with your favorite toppings, they’re hearty and filling — the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Tender and Tasty Pulled Pork Tacos
If you haven’t hopped on the BBQ pulled pork tacos train yet, what are you waiting for?! Pork shoulder is cooked low and slow with onion, garlic, plenty of spices and seasonings, and tangy BBQ sauce… the results are tender, juicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor!
All of that flavor needs to go somewhere, which is where the idea for pulled pork tacos came from. It’s a fun take on pulled pork sliders — simply replace the buns with flour tortillas and grab your favorite taco fillings!
Want even more Mexican-inspired dishes? Don’t miss these 15-minute shrimp tacos, keto taco casserole, and sofritas.
Why you will love this recipe
- A great option for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
- So simple — all you’ll need is a bit of patience as the pork cooks!
- Plus, you can double or triple the recipe to enjoy leftover pulled pork tacos.
- Easily customizable. Choose your preferred toppings!
How to make perfect BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
Cook the aromatics. Add the olive oil to a large saucepan and heat over medium. Add the onion and cook for 5-8 minutes before adding the garlic. Stir for 1 minute as it cooks.
Add the pork shoulder. Apply the spices and salt to the pork shoulder and place it on top of the onion. Introduce the BBQ sauce and beef broth and stir.
Cover and cook. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and cook for 1 hour. Turn it over and continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes.
Shred the pulled pork for tacos. Use a fork to check if the meat is ready. If it is, shred it and allow it to cook for 10-15 more minutes so that it soaks up all of the yummy liquid.
Assemble the pulled pork tacos. Place the pulled pork in the tortillas and add your favorite toppings. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalapenos, diced onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and/or salsa are all great options. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- The cut of meat matters. Opt for pork shoulder or pork butt for the best results — these cuts have a good ratio of meat to fat which will give you tender, juicy, and flavorful results!
- Sear for deeper flavor. Consider searing the pulled pork for tacos in hot olive oil before adding it to the saucepan with the onion and garlic for a more pronounced flavor.
- Be patient! You may be tempted to assemble your pulled pork street tacos after just an hour of cooking, but it’s important to be patient. The longer it cooks, the more tender the meat will be.
- Warm the tortillas before you add the pulled pork and the other fillings. This extra step makes them more pliable and easier to fold!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Pulled Pork Tacos
Aromatics: Onion and garlic pack an enormous punch when it comes to flavor! Cooking them in olive oil before adding the pork allows that flavor to work its magic once you incorporate the meat.
Pork Shoulder: Again, pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal for BBQ pulled pork tacos. You want a little bit of extra fat for the best texture and taste.
Beef Broth: Using broth instead of plain old water to cook the meat means optimal flavor! Something to note here is that if your broth is low-sodium, you may want to add a bit of extra salt.
BBQ Sauce: You can use your favorite brand, or make it yourself if you’re feeling ambitious!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are a preference for these pulled pork street tacos, but if you have corn on hand, you could use those instead.
Spices and Seasonings: You’ll need cumin, dried oregano, salt, and chili powder!
Frequently asked Questions about Pulled Pork Street Tacos
How do I store leftover pulled pork tacos?
It’s best to store the pulled pork, tortillas, and toppings separately. The pork will last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The toppings can also go in the fridge — fresh chopped veggies will typically stay fresh for a few days. Keep the tortillas in the fridge or at room temperature. While leftover pulled pork tacos are certainly delicious, this recipe is best enjoyed fresh.
What goes with pulled pork tacos?
BBQ pulled pork tacos are great on their own, or you could serve them with coleslaw, black beans, corn, or a fresh salad. If you’re craving something a bit heartier, try this slow cooker Mexican rice and beans recipe!
Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, preparing the pulled pork in advance will make your pulled pork street tacos even more flavorful! Make it up to 24 hours in advance, then reheat over medium before assembling your tacos.
BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced
- 3 clove garlic cloves minced
- 2 lb pork shoulder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp dry oregano
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 1/3 cup BBQ Sauce
- 3 cup beef broth (if your broth is sodium-reduced, you may need to add extra salt to the recipe)
- 8 small flour tortillas
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Then, add sliced onion and stir for 5-8 minutes until it is translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for a minute.
- Rub pork shoulder with spices and salt. Then, place it over the onion and incorporate BBQ sauce and beef broth. Give it a quick stir.
- Cover with a lid and set the stove over low heat. Cook the meat for one hour, and turn it over. Continue cooking it for 30 to 60 more minutes. Then, pull the meat apart with a fork to check if it is ready. If that is the case, shred it apart before the last 10-15 minutes of cooking so that the meat infuses with the remaining cooking sauce.
- Prepare your tacos with warm pulled pork and your favorite taco fillings.
Notes
- Choose the Right Cut of Pork: Use pork shoulder or pork butt for the best results. These cuts have a good balance of meat and fat, which makes the pulled pork tender and flavorful.
- For flavor enhancement, you can sear the meat in hot olive oil before adding it to the saucepan.
- Cooking the pork over low heat for an extended period is key to achieving tender pulled pork. Be patient and resist the temptation to increase the heat.
- Warm your flour tortillas before assembling your tacos. You can do this in a dry skillet or microwave them for a few seconds to make them pliable and more enjoyable to eat.
- Get creative with your taco fillings. Consider using ingredients like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
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