Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Mexico? Look no further than these incredible Pork Street Tacos! This easy-to-follow recipe promises an explosion of authentic Mexican flavors, combining succulent, tender pulled pork with crisp, tangy pickled slaw, all nestled in warm corn tortillas. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking a delicious adventure, these grab-and-go tacos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or a quick, satisfying weeknight treat.
Our pork street tacos recipe is a masterpiece of textures and tastes, offering a perfect harmony of savory, juicy, and crispy elements in every bite. The star of the show is the rich, slow-cooked pork, which serves as a robust and deeply flavorful base. When combined with perfectly warmed corn tortillas and an array of fresh, vibrant toppings, each taco delivers an unforgettable taste of genuine Mexican culinary tradition.
One of the many reasons to fall in love with these pulled pork street tacos is their incredible versatility. You can keep things elegantly simple, honoring the traditional street food style with just a sprinkle of diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Or, for those who love to experiment, elevate your tacos with our signature quick-pickled slaw, zesty salsas, creamy guacamole, or a crumble of Cotija cheese. This recipe is also wonderfully freezer-friendly, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Prepare a larger batch of the seasoned pork, store the extra, and enjoy delicious tacos whenever the craving strikes.
Why We Adore These Pork Street Tacos
It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Experience Authentic Mexican Flavors at Home: This recipe isn’t just about assembling ingredients; it’s about recreating the vibrant, complex flavors found in the best street food stalls. The rich spices, the tender pork, the zesty slaw—each component contributes to a truly authentic taste that will make your taco nights something to really look forward to.
- A Brilliant Way to Utilize Leftover Meat: Don’t let delicious pulled pork go to waste! While our homemade Dutch oven carnitas recipe is our absolute favorite for its unmatched depth of flavor and crispy edges, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Any leftover shredded pork can be transformed into these delightful tacos, making meal planning effortless and economical.
- The Irresistible Crunch of Pickled Taco Slaw: This isn’t just any topping. The quick-pickled slaw adds a critical element of freshness and a vibrant crunch that perfectly contrasts the savory, tender meat. Its sharp, spicy, and tangy notes cut through the richness of the pork, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for more.
Mastering the Ingredients: Notes and Substitutions
Every great dish begins with quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how to make the most of each component for your perfect pork street tacos:
- Shredded Red Cabbage: The backbone of our quick-pickled slaw, red cabbage brings a vibrant color and a delightful crisp texture. Its slightly peppery flavor holds up beautifully to pickling. While green cabbage can be used as a substitute, red cabbage offers a bolder taste and more striking visual appeal that truly makes the slaw pop.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This is key to the pickling process, infusing the slaw with its characteristic hot and fruity tang. For substitutes, apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar (though it will change the color and flavor profile slightly) can work effectively. Choose a vinegar that complements the overall richness of your pork.
- Mexican Pulled Pork (Carnitas): This is the soul of your street tacos. Ideally, you’ll want tender, juicy, and richly spiced pork that has been slow-cooked to perfection. While buying pre-made shredded pork or carnitas can be a time-saver, nothing quite compares to the depth of flavor and customizable tenderness of homemade carnitas. If making from scratch, consider pork shoulder or Boston butt for the best results, as these cuts yield incredibly succulent meat when slow-cooked.
- Corn Tortillas: The authentic choice for street tacos. These small, versatile tortillas are designed for easy, one-handed eating, making them ideal for a true grab-and-go experience. It’s common practice to double up on tortillas for each taco. This not only provides extra structural integrity to hold all the delicious fillings but also helps absorb any excess grease from the meat, keeping your hands clean and your tacos intact.
- Tajín Chile Lime Seasoning: This beloved Mexican seasoning blend adds a unique zesty, spicy, and savory kick to the pork. It’s a perfect balance of chili peppers, sea salt, and dehydrated lime juice. For those monitoring their sodium intake, a low-sodium version of Tajín is available, ensuring everyone can enjoy this flavorful addition.
Elevate Your Tacos: Recipe Variations
While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to experiment and customize your pork street tacos to fit your taste and dietary preferences:
- Pork Carnitas Tacos: For that signature crispy texture, take an extra step! After shredding your cooked pork, spread it on a baking sheet and broil or pan-fry until the edges are beautifully browned and slightly crispy. This caramelization adds an incredible layer of flavor and crunch.
- Burrito Bowls: Transform your street tacos into a hearty and healthy burrito bowl. Serve the flavorful pulled pork over a bed of warm cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fresh avocado slices, corn salsa, and your favorite salsa.
- Flour Tortillas: While corn tortillas are traditional for street tacos, feel free to swap them for soft flour tortillas for a different texture experience. Smaller flour tortillas can still evoke the street taco feel, offering a milder flavor profile that some prefer.
- Slow Cooker Method: Achieve effortlessly tender pulled pork by cooking it low and slow in a slow cooker. This method is perfect for busy days, allowing you to set it and forget it, resulting in juicy meat with minimal effort, ideal for meal prepping.
- Custom Spice Mixture: Enhance the depth of flavor by creating your own unique spice blend. A classic combination for pork includes generous amounts of cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of chili powder or smoked paprika. Adjust to your desired spice level.
- Instant Pot Method: Short on time? The Instant Pot can significantly speed up the cooking process, yielding incredibly tender and juicy pulled pork in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. This is perfect for a quick weeknight meal without compromising on flavor.
- Spicier Kick: For heat lovers, consider leaving some seeds and membrane in the jalapeño, or add a dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the pork.
- Vegetable Boost: Integrate more vegetables by adding sautéed bell peppers, corn, or roasted sweet potatoes to your tacos.
Essential Equipment for Your Taco Journey
Making delicious pork street tacos doesn’t require a lot of specialized gear. Here are the basic tools you’ll need to get started:
- Large mixing bowl (for the slaw)
- Large spoon (for tossing ingredients)
- Plastic wrap or a lid (for chilling the slaw)
- Skillet (for heating the pork and tortillas)
- Microwave-safe plate and damp paper towels (for warming tortillas)
- Sharp chef’s knife, food processor with shredding disc, or mandoline slicer (for cabbage preparation)
Hungry for more taco inspiration?
Discover our acclaimed homemade chicken taco seasoning, far superior to any store-bought mix! Use it to create the most phenomenal chicken street tacos recipe you’ve ever tasted.
If you’re in the mood for appetizers, you absolutely must try our delightful taco wonton cups—they’re an instant party favorite!
Crafting the Perfect Pulled Pork Street Tacos: Step-by-Step
Follow these straightforward steps to assemble your unforgettable pork street tacos:
- Prepare the Zesty Quick-Pickled Slaw: This component is crucial for balancing the richness of the pork. For efficiency, consider using a food processor with a shredding disc or a mandoline slicer to thinly shred your cabbage. While a sharp chef’s knife will certainly get the job done, these tools can significantly cut down on prep time. Combine the shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced white onion, sugar, red wine vinegar, water, lime juice, and optional red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl. Toss everything thoroughly until well combined. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or ideally up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften beautifully.
- Cook Your Pulled Pork (or Reheat): The preparation of the pulled pork is key. If you’re using our beloved Dutch oven carnitas recipe, note that it takes just over 5 hours to achieve its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and crispy edges. While it’s a labor of love that’s absolutely worth it, we often recommend making the pork the day before to save time on taco day. Alternatively, if you’re using store-bought pulled pork, ensure it’s fully defrosted and ready to be heated.
- Sauté the Aromatic Pork Base: Heat one teaspoon of vegetable oil (or another neutral-flavored cooking oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and finely diced jalapeño (with seeds and membrane removed for less heat, or left in for a spicier kick). Sauté for about 4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
- Combine Pork and Seasoning: Add your cooked shredded pork to the skillet with the sautéed onions and jalapeños. Sprinkle two tablespoons of Tajín chile lime seasoning over the meat. Stir everything well to ensure the pork is evenly coated and thoroughly combined with the aromatics and seasoning. Continue to cook on medium-high heat for approximately 5 minutes, or until the pork is heated through and slightly caramelized, developing deeper flavors.
🎯 Expert Tip
Perfecting Your Tortillas: Soft or Crispy?
For soft, pliable tortillas that are easy to fold, stack them on a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel between each to prevent sticking. Cover the stack with another damp paper towel and microwave on high for about 30 seconds. This makes them warm and flexible.
If you prefer a delightful toasted flavor and slightly crispy edges, heat each tortilla briefly in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for just 10-30 seconds per side. This method adds a wonderful texture and enhances the corn flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
Once your pork street tacos are ready, the fun truly begins with serving! These tacos are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of classic Mexican sides and refreshing drinks. To assemble, take two warmed corn tortillas, add about 2 ounces of the seasoned shredded pork, and top generously with 2 tablespoons of your quick-pickled slaw. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and any additional desired toppings.
For an added layer of flavor, a spoonful of bright salsa verde introduces a tangy, vibrant kick that complements the rich pork. A simple squeeze of fresh lime juice is essential, as its acidity brightens and enhances all the savory notes. For a delightful citrusy twist, try mixing in a splash of orange juice directly into the pork while reheating, or serve the tacos alongside fresh orange slices for a refreshing contrast. The subtle sweetness of orange juice can beautifully cut through the richness of the pork.
To create a more substantial and satisfying meal, consider pairing these tacos with traditional Mexican sides. Fluffy Mexican rice, savory black beans, or smoky grilled corn on the cob (elote style) are all excellent choices. If you’re hosting a gathering, setting up a DIY taco bar is always a hit! Lay out bowls of various toppings—think crumbled Cotija cheese, fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, thinly sliced radishes, and different salsas—allowing guests to customize their perfect taco. To complete your authentic Mexican experience, sip on a chilled margarita, a refreshing agua fresca, or an ice-cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Street Tacos
Street tacos are characterized by their modest size and simplicity. They are typically served on small, palm-sized corn tortillas, making them easy to hold and eat on the go – perfect for a quick bite from a street vendor. Unlike larger Americanized tacos, authentic street tacos usually feature minimal toppings, often just a flavorful meat, a sprinkle of fresh onion, and cilantro, allowing the quality of the meat to truly shine.
While both carnitas and regular pulled pork involve slow-cooked, shredded pork, the key difference lies in the finishing process and the resulting texture. Carnitas, a Mexican culinary tradition, involves cooking the pork in its own fat (or lard) until it’s incredibly tender, then often crisping up the meat by roasting or frying it. This final step creates a distinct, deliciously browned and slightly crispy crust on the edges, adding a unique depth of flavor and texture that sets it apart from standard pulled pork, which is usually just tender and juicy.
To maintain optimal freshness, it’s best to store the components of your street tacos separately. The cooked pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The quick-pickled cabbage slaw will last a few days longer, but we recommend draining it from its pickling liquid before storing to prevent it from becoming overly soggy. When ready to enjoy, reheat the pork in a skillet on the stovetop with a bit of oil or broth over medium heat until it’s warmed through and slightly caramelized. Warm the tortillas as desired, and then assemble with the chilled slaw and fresh toppings.
Traditionally, pork street tacos are kept simple to highlight the meat, often garnished with just raw white onion and fresh cilantro. Our recipe elevates this with a delicious quick-pickled slaw for added crunch and tang. However, if you’re keen to explore more options beyond pure authenticity, consider adding crumbled Cotija cheese for a salty, creamy touch, or vibrant pico de gallo for fresh tomato, onion, and jalapeño flavor. For extra moisture and richness, a dollop of creamy guacamole or homemade avocado crema sauce is far more flavorful and interesting than plain sour cream!
Explore More Delicious Pork Recipes:
- Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin
- Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Sliders
- How to Cook a Pork Steak
- Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
If you tried this pork street tacos recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Pork Street Tacos
Renae Gerhardstein
These pork street tacos are packed with juicy, flavorful pulled pork! Try this pork street tacos recipe for an easy, delicious Mexican meal.
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Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- large spoon
- plastic cling wrap
- skillet
- microwave safe bowl
Ingredients
Pickled Taco Slaw
- 4 cups shredded red cabbage (approx. 1/2 head)
- 1 large white onion very thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar or other vinegar of choice
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice (approx. 1 small lime)
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Shredded Pork
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or other neutral flavor cooking oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 jalapeno seeds and membrane removed, finely diced
- 3 pounds Mexican pulled pork (1 batch of our Dutch oven carnitas recipe, or store bought pulled pork)
- 2 Tablespoons Tajín chile lime seasoning
For Serving
- 24 6-inch corn tortillas or other small taco-size tortillas
- 1 bunch cilantro or flat leaf parsley, chopped
- crumbled Cotija cheese (optional)
- Pico de Gallo (optional)
Instructions
- For Taco Slaw:
Place all slaw ingredients into a large mixing bowl; using a large spoon or clean hands, toss all ingredients well to combine.
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for at least 6 hours, and up to 24 hours.
Tacos
- Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add onion and jalapeno; sauté until onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add cooked shredded pork and Tajin to the skillet, and stir to combine. Cook on medium-high heat until meat is warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stack the tortillas on a microwave-safe plate. To prevent them from sticking together, place a paper towel between each.
Cover the plate with a damp paper towel, then microwave tortillas on high for about 30 seconds.
- Assemble each tortilla with 2 ounces of shredded pork, 2 tablespoons slaw, cilantro, and any other desired toppings.
Notes
Nutrition shown is for 2 pork street tacos served on 6-inch white corn tortillas, with 2 ounces of shredded/pulled meat and 2 tablespoons pickled taco slaw on each.
- Enjoy the tortillas soft or crispy. We like to microwave the tortillas for 30 seconds or so, to make them soft and malleable.
- But, another way to enjoy your street tacos is to briefly heat the tortillas in a skillet for just 10 – 30 seconds per side. This way, the tortillas become just a little bit crispy around the edges, which gives them a toasted flavor.
Recipe Variations:
- Pork carnitas tacos: Crisp up the pork for that signature carnitas texture.
- Burrito bowls: Serve the pork over rice with beans, avocado, and salsa.
- Flour tortillas: Swap corn for flour tortillas for a softer taco experience.
- Slow cooker method: Cook the pork low and slow for effortless meal prep.
Storing Instructions:
- The lifespan of leftover street tacos depends on when the pulled pork was initially made. Cooked meat will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- The cabbage slaw lasts a few days longer, but you may want to remove it from the pickling liquid to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
- Reheat the meat in a skillet on the stovetop with a bit of oil until it warms through.
Make Ahead Instructions:
- To save even more time, cook the meat ahead, too. There’s no reason why you can’t use fresh pulled pork to make these tacos, but our carnitas recipe takes just over 5 hours to make. It’s a labor of love and well worth it, but it might also be worth making it the day before. That’s what we do! It’s a great way to save time.