Remember last week how we chatted about that lemon herb crusted pork tenderloin and this whole mashups thing that’s taking over as the newest trend? Well, as promised I’ve brought our bbq pulled pork tacos to share with all of you, and a neighbor or two of my own that benefited from a day of recipe testing for the National Pork Board. If you’re more of a beef person, try these authentic carne asada tacos!
Tip: To shake things up a bit, try making these bbq pulled pork tacos with our Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce!
I don’t really remember a time in my life that I didn’t enjoy pulled pork, but you may be totally shocked to learn that I hated bacon until I was married and had our first daughter. Oh gosh, should I even be admitting to that? As a little girl I remember going on a huge ward campout in Washington and someone made bacon for breakfast and slapped a piece on my plate. I seriously must have only been like 5 at the time, but it was so under cooked I could not get it down and then forever I refused to touch bacon. As the years went by I really just never made it myself so I didn’t think about it but then the world fell in love with bacon and so did I.
I loved reading this infographic and press release about what American’s are thinking and talking about in regards to pork. Here’s a few of my favorite facts. For example, check out that first fact in the infographic. Is that what you would have guessed? That fact totally surprised me!
- Food is an evening affair. More than six in 10 individuals posting about a specific meal are posting about dinner – but it’s just as likely to be about a great meal at a restaurant as it is about one that is home-cooked. 26% of posts were about a restaurant meal while 28% featured a home-cooked meal.
I was so surprised to hear that a higher percentage were from home than a restaurant! Maybe people really are starting to cook at home more often!
- Americans like it smoked, hot and spicy. The top flavors shared on social media associated with pork are hot (28%), spicy (18%) and smoked (16%) – and the most popular cuisines across all proteins include Cajun, Mexican, Italian and Asian.
- Side dishes remain standard, not sophisticated. While the American palate may have become more diverse over the last decade, when it comes to #foodporn Americans are still all about the meat and potatoes. Over one in three (38%) of all sides mentioned were about the potato – largely split between fries (16 percent) and other varieties of baked, mashed, sweet or gratin potatoes (22%). But vegetables have their share of the love as well. Almost a third (32%) of posts that mentioned a side mentioned a vegetable.
- You are where you eat. When it comes to conversations about food, geography matters. For example, New Yorkers lead all food conversations about protein and seven western states pair pork most frequently with eggs.
Can Pulled Pork Be Made in a Slow Cooker?
Pulled Pork is a perfect meal to make in a slow cooker. Place pork in the cooker with BBQ sauce and any other spices you desire. Cook on low for 8 hours or until pork shreds easily.
read more: Love these pulled pork tacos? Then you’ll love our Oven Roasted Pulled Pork as well!
Can Pulled Pork Be Cooked in the Oven?
To prepare pulled pork in the oven, place pork and seasonings in an oven safe pan and cover. Bake at 225 degrees until tender and easy to shred (about 8-10 hours, or even overnight).
Are Crisp Taco Shells Gluten Free?
Crisp taco shells are typically made with 100% corn tortillas, so they are gluten free.
BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
Ingredients
- 3.5 Pound Pork Butt, boneless
- 1 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Cayenne
- 2 Teaspoons Smoked Paprika, regular is fine
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
Tacos
- 10 Slices Bacon, cooked
- BBQ Sauce
- Prepared Coleslaw, with dressing
- Corn Tortillas
- Canola Oil, for frying
- Cilantro , for garnish
Instructions
For the pork
- In a small bowl combine all of the seasonings.
- Rub generously over all sides of the pork and place in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
- Do not cook on high or for less time or more time.
- 8 hours is perfect and the meat will just fall apart.
To assemble
- Heat a skillet with 1/2" of oil over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in at a time, using tongs to flip over after 1-3 seconds, then gently, using the tongs, fold one side over, not touching the other side of the tortilla, and allow to cook for a few seconds and then flip and do the same to the other side to make a taco shell.
- Set upside down over a paper towel lined plate, do not lay down on its side.
- Continue until all have been fried and sprinkle with a little sea salt.
- Fill each taco with pork, bacon, and coleslaw then drizzle with bbq sauce and top with cilantro.
- Enjoy!
Heather
These tacos were so good. The rub made the pork taste amazing. I loved the combo of bacon, slaw, and bbq sauce. I used a 6 lb bone in shoulder and it cooked perfectly in 8.5 hours. Can’t wait to make it again. My picky kid loved it too.
Sweet Basil
You’ve made my day, Heather! Seriously! Thank you so much!
Kevin @ Closet Cooking
I so want a plate of those tacos right now!
Sweet Basil
Well get on over here!
Lisa
We’ve been experimenting with a lot of pulled pork recipes this winter. It’s so easy for special “viewing” events like the Super Bowl. This recipe looks like a great blend of spices, can’t wait to try them during March Madness! Especially when the slow cooker does most of the work! Yum, Yum!
Sweet Basil
Exactly how I feel! If the slow cooker can do most of the work I’m in!
Deborah
You know I love a good taco, and these look mouthwatering delicious!! Great mash-up!
Sweet Basil
I just want a Mexican night like your family does! Maybe if I brought these to share… 😉
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
I could eat pork tacos every single day! These photos are gorgeous Carrian!
Sweet Basil
Same here. Pork is one of my favorites!
Megan {Country Cleaver}
Ohhh, have mercy!! I could devour a whole plate of these with no shame!
Sweet Basil
If we eat them together calories don’t count 😉
Gaby
These tacos look ridiculously delicious!!! Great recipe!
Peabody (Culinary Concoctions by Peabody)
You can never go wrong with pulled pork…love it in tacos!
Sweet Basil
Right? Always a delicious choice.
Lori @ RecipeGirl
This is the kind of dinner my family would go crazy for. Amazing flavor combinations!
Sweet Basil
Thanks Lori! It’s one of our favorites!
Paula – bell’alimento
Hello good lookin. I’m thinking this is going on our Tuesday Taco menu!
Sweet Basil
Hello sweet friend! Can I come to dinner? 😉
Matt
What an awesome idea, these look incredible!
Sweet Basil
Thanks so much Matt! Your philly bread was mouth watering!
Ally’s Sweet & Savory Eats
Wow! Looks delicious!
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much!
Liz
I need to put these on our menu ASAP! My youngest is home for spring break and that boy can eat—he, along with the rest of us, would love your pulled pork tacos!
Sweet Basil
Oh, I would almost love to have another boy to feed. These little girls of ours are such board I always have too much! lol
Jennie @themessybakerblog
These tacos stopped me right in my tracks. Now I’m just sitting here staring at the screen in awe. Absolutely amazing. Pinned.
Sweet Basil
Awww, thanks so much! I don’t know why but tacos are just so yummy to me!