Pulled Pork Tostada Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for sharing with friends at a weekend gathering. The tender, juicy pork with its citrusy kick, combined with the crunchy tostada and creamy avocado, makes every bite an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that I just can’t get enough of!

Putting together a Pulled Pork Tostada allows you to enjoy a delightful combination of flavors and textures. I love to use tender, well-seasoned pork shoulder or butt, flavored with a mix of spices like smoked paprika and cumin.

The fresh ingredients—lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy avocado—make this a really vibrant meal, and its combination of protein and fiber makes it satisfyingly filling.

Ingredients

Pork shoulder or pork butt: Protein-rich, provides delicious flavor, tender texture.

Juice of the orange: Contributes a sweet, tangy tang, which is loaded with vitamin C, and boosts juiciness.

Lime juice adds fresh acidity and a vitamin C punch that makes this dish sing.

Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy notes, is a potent antioxidant, is a fragrant spice.

Paprika that has been smoked.

Elucidates smoky depth, mild heat, vivid hues, and is a veritable treasure trove of antioxidants.

Avocado: Creamy consistency, abundant in nourishing lipids, affords dietary fiber and must-have nutrients.

Beans that have been cooked, mashed, and fried again: They are dense in protein and fiber; they create a creamy, base layer for all kinds of Mexican dishes; and they’re good for your heart.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 8 tostada shells
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Hot sauce, to taste

Instructions

1. Your oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C). Salt, black pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder should be mixed in a small bowl. This spice mix should then be rubbed all over the pork shoulder.

2. In a spacious Dutch oven or a pot that can be safely used in the oven, pour in the vegetable oil and place it over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork shoulder. Sear it on all of its sides, allowing it to brown nicely, for about 8 minutes.

3. Take the pork out of the pot and set it aside. To the pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until they are softened.

4. In the pot, combine the orange juice and lime juice, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the pork back to the pot, cover it, and place in the preheated oven.

5. Prepare the pork for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until tender and easily pulled into shreds with a fork. Check the pork periodically to verify that there is an adequate level of liquid. If the liquid appears too low, add a little water to make sure the cooking process continues smoothly.

6. After it is cooked, take the pork out of the pot and use two forks to pull it apart into shreds.

7. The tostadas are assembled by taking a spoonful of refried beans and spreading it over each tostada shell.

8. Begin with a base of beans, and layer over them a portion of shredded pork. Then, top the dish with a little bit of shredded lettuce and a handful of diced tomatoes.

9. Cover the top with shredded cheese, then add sour cream, in approximately the same position as a dollop on a normal taco. Lastly, on top of the sour cream and as near to the center as possible, place two to four slices of avocado.

10. Top with chopped fresh cilantro and present with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a little more heat. That’s it! Simple enough, right? Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Dutch oven or oven-safe pot
3. Small bowl
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Tongs
9. Wooden spoon or spatula
10. Two forks
11. Spoon (for spreading refried beans)
12. Serving platter or plates

FAQ

• Q: Can I make the pulled pork in advance?You can prepare the pork a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just warm it back up before you serve.
• Q: What can I use instead of pork shoulder?A pork butt is an ideal substitute because it presents nearly the same flavor and texture.
• Q: Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?A: You can switch the pulled pork for jackfruit that has been pulled apart or seasoned tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Q: Can I use store-bought tostada shells?Convenience is king, so using store-bought tostada shells is a fine solution and works perfectly for this recipe.
• Q: How should I store leftovers?B: Keep any remaining pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, assemble the tostadas fresh.
• Q: Is there a substitute for refried beans?Using black beans or pinto beans, mashed and lightly seasoned, can fill in for the conventional version this recipe calls for.
• Q: Can I adjust the spice level?Certainly! For more heat, add hot sauce or a chopped jalapeño, or eliminate these for a milder dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Pork shoulder or pork butt: For a leaner option, substitute with 2 lbs of chicken thighs.
Cooking oil: Use olive or canola oil instead of the alternative.
Mashed black beans or pinto beans can be used as substitutes for refried beans.
Lettuce, shredded: Substitute with shredded cabbage for great, crunchy texture.
Sour cream: For a healthier alternative, use Greek yogurt.

Pro Tips

1. Marinating Time For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork with the spice mix overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply.

2. Browning the Meat Ensure the pork shoulder is very dry before searing to achieve a beautiful crust. Pat it with paper towels if necessary. Proper browning enhances flavor significantly.

3. Juice Substitution If fresh orange and lime juice aren’t available, you can use a high-quality store-bought juice. However, fresh juice will provide a fresher and more vibrant taste.

4. Cheese Melting To achieve perfectly melted cheese, you can briefly place the assembled tostadas under a broiler just before serving. This step will melt the cheese and slightly crisp the edges of the tostada shells.

5. Flavor Enhancements Adjust the level of spices or add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. You can also include chopped jalapeños or pickled onions as additional toppings for varied textures and flavors.