Spice up Taco Tuesday with BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos! Juicy, slow-cooked pork and your favorite toppings make these tacos an irresistible family favorite.
These tacos never fail to impress! Pork shoulder is cooked low and slow with onion, garlic, spices, and tangy BBQ sauce until it’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Inspired by pulled pork sliders, we swap the buns for soft tortillas to create a fresh twist. Top them with creamy avocado, zesty salsa, or crisp slaw for a mouthwatering, hearty meal that turns every bite into a delicious memory.
Craving more Mexican-inspired meals? Take a look at these Chili Cheese Fries, Chipotle Sofritas, and Loaded Steak Nachos!
Why You’ll Love Our BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
- Perfect for Taco Night: Pulled pork tacos are a flavorful, easy-to-make option for Taco Tuesday or any weeknight. They’re perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
- Meal Prep Made Simple: Double or triple the recipe to enjoy effortless, flavorful dinners throughout the week. Leftovers transform into quick, delicious meals.
- Easy to Customize: Top your tacos with fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeños, or any of your favorite toppings!
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Opt for gluten-free tortillas to ensure this dish is safe and enjoyable for all.
How to Make Perfect BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
Cook the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook for 5-8 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add Pork Shoulder – Rub the pork shoulder with spices and place it on top of the softened onions. Stir in the BBQ sauce and beef broth.
Cook – Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let the pork cook for an hour. Flip it over and continue cooking for an additional 30-60 minutes, ensuring it becomes tender and juicy.
Shred the Meat – Check the pork with a fork to see if it’s tender enough to shred. Once ready, shred the meat and allow it to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, absorbing the delicious liquid.
Assemble the Tacos – Spoon the shredded pork onto warm tortillas. Add your choice of toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or shredded cheese. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
Choose the Right Cut: Opt for pork shoulder or pork butt for the best results. These cuts have the ideal meat-to-fat ratio, delivering tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork.
Sear for Extra Flavor: Before adding the pork to the pan with onion and garlic, give it a quick sear in hot olive oil, for extra flavor.
Be Patient: Resist the urge to assemble your tacos too soon. Let the pork cook slowly — the longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
Warm the Tortillas: Always warm your tortillas before adding the fillings. This simple step makes them softer, easier to fold, and less likely to tear.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pork Shoulder: Perfect for pulled pork tacos, though pork butt works just as well. Both cuts have ideal marbling for tender, juicy meat.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic are key for building flavor. Sautéing them in olive oil lets their essence infuse the meat, adding depth to the dish.
- Broth: Beef broth is ideal for maximum flavor. If you’re using low-sodium broth, add a pinch of salt to taste for the perfect balance.
- Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas both work well. Choose based on what you prefer or have on hand, as both make a great base for your tacos.
- Spices and Seasonings: Cumin, dried oregano, salt, and chili powder are essential for enhancing the pork and tying the flavors together.
- BBQ Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, BBQ sauce adds that classic smoky, tangy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store leftover BBQ pulled pork tacos
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the pulled pork, tortillas, and toppings separately in airtight containers. The pulled pork will stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days when sealed properly. Fresh toppings, like chopped veggies, can be grouped together in the fridge and should last for a few days as well. Tortillas can be stored either in the fridge or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
What goes well with pulled pork tacos?
Pulled pork tacos are packed with flavor on their own, but pairing them with sides can really elevate the meal. Try serving them with coleslaw, black beans, corn, or a crisp salad for a refreshing contrast.
For a heartier option, slow cooker Mexican rice and beans make a great addition, complementing the rich flavors of the pork.
What are the best toppings for BBQ pulled pork tacos?
The options for toppings are endless! Classic choices include salsa, fresh cilantro, and sweet onions. For a fun twist, add a squeeze of lime, a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, or sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco on top to enhance the flavor and texture.
Can the pulled pork be prepared ahead?
Yes, preparing pulled pork ahead of time is a great option and can actually enhance the flavor. You can cook it a day before, then simply reheat it over medium heat when you’re ready to assemble your tacos.
BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion sliced
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 2 lbs Pork Shoulder
- 1 tbsp Cumin
- 2 tsp Dry Oregano
- 2 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Chili Powder
- ⅓ cup BBQ Sauce
- 3 cups 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. Add sliced onion and sauté for 5-8 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Rub the pork shoulder with spices and salt, then place it on top of the onions. Add BBQ sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for one hour. Flip the pork and continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes. Check the meat with a fork — once it's tender and easily shreddable, shred the pork and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to soak up the remaining juices.
- Assemble your tacos with the warm pulled pork and your favorite toppings.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, use pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts offer the ideal balance of meat and fat, ensuring tender and flavorful pulled pork.
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Enhance the flavor by searing the pork in hot olive oil before adding it to the saucepan.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Patience is key. Cook the pork over low heat for a longer period to achieve maximum tenderness—resist turning up the heat.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm your flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable and enjoyable to eat.
- Get Creative with Fillings: Customize your tacos with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor.