
Authentic Pork Tacos
Juicy, flavorful pork tacos with fresh toppings and warm tortillas.
20 mins
Prep Time
2 hours
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1 avocado, sliced
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
Season the pork: In a bowl, mix pork chunks with cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Sear the pork: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add pork and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Braise the pork: Return pork to pot. Add orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 1.5-2 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
Shred the pork: Remove pork from pot and shred with two forks. Return to pot and mix with cooking juices. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
Prepare toppings: While pork cooks, prepare diced onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, queso fresco, and sliced avocado.
Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas on a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred. Keep warm in a towel.
Assemble tacos: Place shredded pork on warm tortillas. Top with diced onion, cilantro, queso fresco, and avocado. Serve with lime wedges.
Chef's Tips
- Marinating: For deeper flavor, marinate the pork in the spice mixture overnight.
- Slow cooker option: Cook on low for 6-8 hours for even more tender pork.
- Tortilla tip: Double up tortillas to prevent tearing from juicy fillings.
- Spice level: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Leftovers: Shredded pork keeps well in the fridge for 3 days or freezer for 2 months.