Pork Tacos Recipe
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 4
Ingredients:
For the Pork:
– 1 lb. pork shoulder, cut into small pieces
– 1 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 tsp. chili powder
– 1 tsp. cumin
– 1 tsp. garlic powder
– 1 tsp. onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
– 8-10 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
– Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the pork pieces and toss to coat.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Transfer the pork to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While the pork is cooking, prepare the toppings. Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side.
6. To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of pork on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco. Squeeze a lime wedge over each taco and add hot sauce if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious pork tacos!
Note: You can also add other toppings like avocado, sour cream, or salsa to your tacos. Feel free to customize them to your liking!
History:
Pork tacos date back to the early 16th century in Mexico. The Aztecs used to make tortillas from corn and fill them with meat. With the arrival of Spanish explorers in Mexico, horses, and cattle were introduced, and new variations of tacos emerged. Pork tacos soon became famous as pigs were raised in large numbers in Mexico. The dish eventually made its way to the United States and has since become a popular American dish.
Tips:
1. Choose the right cut of meat: The best cuts for pork tacos are pork shoulder, pork loin, or pork tenderloin.
2. Marinate the meat: Marinating the pork overnight helps to infuse it with flavor and tenderize it.
3. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients like cilantro, lime, tomato, and onion will enhance the taste of your pork tacos.
4. Cook the meat slowly: Cook the pork low and slow either on a grill or in a crockpot. This will help to keep the meat tender and juicy.
5. Choose the right tortillas: Choose small corn tortillas for the most authentic taste.
Techniques:
1. Season the pork: Use a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt to season the pork.
2. Sear the meat: Sear the pork on high heat for a few minutes on each side to get a nice crispy crust.
3. Slow cook the meat: Cook the pork on low heat in a crockpot or on the grill for several hours until it’s tender.
4. Shred the pork: Once the pork is cooked, shred it into small pieces.
5. Assemble the tacos: Warm the tortillas, and fill them with the shredded pork, fresh cilantro, lime juice, diced tomato, and onion.
6. Serve: Serve the tacos with additional toppings like avocado, salsa, and sour cream, if desired.