Leftover Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms leftover pulled pork into the most incredible tacos that burst with flavor and freshness. Plus, it’s super easy to assemble, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend gathering with friends.

Turn your pulled pork leftovers into a stunning meal with these delightful tacos. The luscious pork works beautifully with the fresh flavors of shredded cabbage and tomatoes.

Add creamy sliced avocados, and you’re already crossing textures and flavors in a way that leads to pure taco delight. But wait!

There’s more. When you top your taco with crumbled queso fresco, and a sprinkle of cilantro, you’re taking this Mexican-street-food staple to another level.

Ingredients

Pulled pork that is left over: Adds protein, savory flavor, meaty depth and texture.

Tortillas: Supply carbs; adaptable, sturdy platform for toppings.

Lettuce, when shredded, is crunchy, hydrating, and very low in calories; it is a delightful vehicle for the dressings and toppings that make salads sing.

Tomatoes, Diced: Juicy, sweet-tart, vitamin C-rich and K-rich.

Red Onion: Offers antioxidants, is sharp and pungent, and provides color contrast.

Cilantro: Bright, aromatic, flavorful; a source of fresh, bright flavor; adds dietary fiber to the diet.

Sliced Avocados: Healthy, creamy fats, potassium and fiber—not to mention super delicious.

Queso Fresco: Salty and creamy, it is mild and crumbly.

Sour Cream: Rich and tangy and spicy and savory notes complement them.

Lime Wedges: Zesty, citrusy, enhances overall flavor balance.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups leftover pulled pork
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a skillet, set over medium heat, add olive oil. Add leftover pulled pork to the skillet. Season it with salt and pepper. Sauté until heated through, a tantalizing 5-7 minutes.

2. Heat the tortillas in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until they are warm and pliable.

3. Get your toppings ready by shredding the lettuce, dicing the tomatoes and red onion, and chopping the cilantro.

4. Cut the avocado into slices and crumble the queso fresco or feta cheese.

5. When the pork is done, take it off the heat and start putting the tacos together.

6. A warm tortilla is taken and then some shredded lettuce is layered onto the base.

7. Add a generous portion of absolutely delicious pulled pork heated to the perfect temperature right on top of the lettuce.

8. Dice tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro and sprinkle them over the pork.

9. Finish with sliced avocado and crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese.

10. Sour cream is what you need to drizzle over the top. And don’t forget the lime; it’s essential. Cut one into wedges and set them out for the lucky persons about to consume your tacos to squeeze over the top right before they dig in. Repeat as needed for all your assembled tortillas. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Skillet (2)
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Mixing spoon
7. Plate (for assembling tacos)

FAQ

• Can I use any type of tortilla?Certainly, you can opt for corn or flour tortillas; it all comes down to what you personally like. Both types will make excellent vehicles for these tacos.
• How should I reheat the leftover pulled pork?Warm up the pulled pork in a frying pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Stir and let the mixture sizzle and pop until it’s warmed through.
• Can I substitute the queso fresco with another cheese?Certainly! Feta cheese is a decent stand-in, but you could easily use cheddar or Monterey Jack instead if you wanted to.
• Is there a substitute for cilantro?Cilantro is not for everyone. If you do not care for it, you can substitute fresh parsley or simply leave it out.
• How do I store any leftover tacos?The ideal way to store the components of a taco is separately. Maintain the pulled pork and any toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and they should last you up to three days.
• How can I make this dish spicier?To give your tacos a little more heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

Pulled pork that is left over: Use cooked, shredded chicken or beef in its place.
If you would like to have a version of this dish that does not include any carbs whatsoever, substitute large lettuce leaves for the small corn or flour tortillas.
Fresh parsley or basil can be substituted for cilantro, yielding a different but delicious flavor.
Use crumbled goat cheese or cheddar cheese as substitutes for queso fresco or feta cheese.
Sour cream: Replace it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Pulled Pork If time permits, marinate the pulled pork in the fridge with lime juice and a pinch of cumin for an hour before reheating. This will infuse an extra layer of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the other toppings.

2. Crisp Up the Tortillas To add texture, lightly brush the tortillas with olive oil and grill them for a few seconds on each side until they get slightly crispy edges. This enhances both the flavor and the mouthfeel of your tacos.

3. Homemade Pico de Gallo Consider preparing a quick pico de gallo by mixing the diced tomatoes, red onion, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a touch of salt. Let it sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors before adding it to the tacos.

4. Extra Creamy Avocado Mash half of the avocado with a bit of lime juice and salt. Spread this creamy avocado mixture on the base of the tortilla before adding the shredded lettuce, which will act like a flavorful glue to hold everything in place.

5. Zesty Sour Cream Stir some lime zest and a pinch of smoked paprika into the sour cream for an added burst of citrusy, smoky flavor that complements the richness of the pork and avocado. Drizzle this over the assembled tacos for an elevated taste experience.