Grilled Pork Tacos Recipe

Pork shoulder: Thinly sliced for quick and even grilling.

Tortillas: Can be either corn or flour, depending on your preference.

Salsa: Adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the tacos.

Lettuce: Shredded for a crisp and refreshing topping.

Tomatoes: Diced to add a juicy and sweet element.

Cheese: Shredded to melt perfectly over the warm pork.

Olive oil: Used to coat the pork and help the spices adhere.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pork.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor to the pork.

Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet taste to the seasoning.

To ensure the pork shoulder is tender and flavorful, consider marinating it for at least 30 minutes to an hour before grilling. This allows the olive oil and spices to penetrate the meat more deeply. Additionally, when grilling, avoid flipping the pork slices too frequently; let them sear properly on each side to develop a nice crust. For the tortillas, warming them on the grill not only makes them pliable but also adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the grilled pork.

• sliced thin pork shoulder - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs have a similar texture and flavor profile when grilled, making them a suitable alternative.

• corn or flour tortillas - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps provide a low-carb option and add a fresh, crunchy texture to the tacos.

• salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo offers a fresher, chunkier alternative to salsa, enhancing the overall flavor.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with cabbage slaw: Cabbage slaw adds a crunchy texture and can be more flavorful, especially if lightly dressed.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a smoky, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with crumbled feta: Feta cheese offers a tangy, creamy alternative that pairs well with the other taco ingredients.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for grilling.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a depth of umami flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, adding complexity.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other spices.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit more heat and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor of the tacos.

• Allow the grilled pork to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.

• Place the cooled pork slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will keep the meat fresh and prevent it from drying out.

• Store the tortillas separately from the other ingredients. You can keep them in their original packaging or transfer them to a resealable plastic bag to maintain their softness.

• Keep the salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese in separate airtight containers. This ensures that each ingredient retains its texture and flavor.

• For freezing, place the grilled pork slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. This prevents the slices from sticking together.

• Label each container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness. The grilled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months, while the other ingredients are best used fresh.

• When ready to use, thaw the grilled pork in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the pork slices in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.

• Warm the tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave just before assembling the tacos to ensure they are soft and pliable.

• Assemble the tacos with the reheated grilled pork and fresh toppings for a delicious meal that tastes just as good as when first prepared.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the grilled pork slices in aluminum foil to keep them moist. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place the grilled pork slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
• To reheat the tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm them on a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and reheat the grilled pork slices for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• For a crispy texture, reheat the grilled pork slices in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. This will give them a nice, slightly crispy exterior.
• To reheat the assembled tacos, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the assembled tacos on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

• Grill: Used to cook the pork slices and warm the tortillas, providing a smoky flavor and char.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika for the pork rub.

• Tongs: Essential for flipping the pork slices and tortillas on the grill without burning yourself.

• Basting brush: Useful for applying the spice rub evenly onto the pork slices.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures the pork is cooked to the proper internal temperature for safety.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to rest the grilled pork before slicing it for the tacos.

• Knife: Used to dice the tomatoes and slice the grilled pork if needed.

• Serving platter: Ideal for arranging the tortillas and toppings for easy assembly.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of spices and olive oil for the pork rub.

• Spoon: Useful for spreading salsa onto the tacos.

• Cheese grater: If you need to shred cheese fresh for the tacos.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the pork with the spice rub the night before and let it marinate in the fridge.

Pre-chop toppings: Dice the tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and cheese ahead of time and store them in separate containers.

Use store-bought salsa: Opt for a high-quality, pre-made salsa to save time on preparation.

Batch grill: Grill all the pork slices at once and keep them warm in a low oven until ready to assemble.

Warm tortillas together: Stack and wrap the tortillas in foil, then warm them all at once on the grill.