These Leftover Pulled Pork Tacos are sure to be your new favorite way to use up leftover shredded pork. The best part is they are ready in less than thirty minutes.
We love smoking pork shoulder or pork roast in our electric smoker. But it typically creates lots of leftover smoked pulled pork. These tacos are the perfect easy way to use some of them up.
Here are a few more ways to use up left over pulled pork: Leftover Pulled Pork Casserole with Tater Tots and Leftover Roast Pork Stroganoff.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Leftover pork tacos can be on the table ready to eat in less than 30 minutes. This is my favorite quick meal.
- Easy to customize: Start with tender juicy pork and top it with a variety of vibrant toppings. You can experiment with different textures and flavors, making each bite a unique and exciting experience.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This pork taco recipe is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for a party. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, a game night with friends, or a festive celebration, serving up a platter of pulled pork tacos is sure to impress your guests.
- Leftover Magic: Pulled pork tacos are a delicious way to repurpose pulled pork leftovers. If you have some leftover pulled pork from a previous meal, turning it into tacos is an opportunity to get creative and enjoy a fresh meal without letting anything go to waste.
Recipe Ingredients
Soft Tortilla Shells: You can use either corn tortillas or flour tortillas. You can also make your own homemade tortillas. If you have a sourdough starter, I have a recipe for Sourdough Flour Tortillas.
If you like crunchy tacos you could also use crunchy taco shells. Follow the directions on the box to heat them before serving.
To limit carbs you could use lettuce instead of the tortilla shells to create pulled pork lettuce wraps.
Toppings: This is where you can really get creative. There are so many possible toppings to choose from. For a full list see the topping section below.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
Tacos are a great way to use up a variety of leftovers. Create tacos using shredded chicken, smoked tofu, pulled jackfruit, beef brisket, lentils, roasted vegetables, shrimp, or fish.
You can also use leftover pulled pork to make quesadilla, nachos, and burritos.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Begin by gently reheating your leftover pulled pork. You can do this in a microwave, on the stovetop in a large skillet, or in the oven. Add a splash of chicken broth or chicken stock to keep the meat moist. For more detailed instructions check out this post: How to Store and Reheat Pulled Pork.
Note: Depending on how your shredded pork was originally prepared you may want to add some additional seasoning. Try adding some chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin to the pork as it reheats. You could also stir in a little salsa.
Step 2: While the pulled pork is warming, take the opportunity to prepare your desired toppings. Slice some freshly Pickled Red Onions, chopped fresh cilantro, and gather any additional toppings you love, such as salsa or avocado crema.
Step 3: Next, warm the tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for a few seconds or heating them on a dry skillet until they become pliable and warm.
Step 4: Now it's time to bring everything together. I like to set up a taco bar and let everyone choose their own toppings.
Take a warm tortilla and fill it generously with the reheated pulled pork. Add your desired toppings, such as pickled onions, chopped cilantro, and any optional additions like coleslaw or pineapple salsa. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations!
Tip: If you get frustrated by tacos that fall over and spill out all of their toppings pickup some of these taco holders.
Pair your pulled pork tacos with one of these side dishes.
Toppings
Choosing your favorite toppings, with their diverse flavors and textures, allow you to customize your pulled pork tacos according to your taste preferences. Mix and match them to create variety in every bite.
Top your tacos with: pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, avocado crema, jalapenos, salsa, coleslaw, chipotle sauce, lime juice, guacamole, bbq sauce, sour cream, cheese, or pico de gallo.
Storage
When it comes to storing shredded pork tacos, it's important to handle the ingredients properly to maintain their quality and freshness. Here's some storage information to keep in mind:
Pulled Pork: If you have leftover meat, allow it to cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. Pulled pork can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bags for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen pulled pork in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tortillas: Store any unused tortillas in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but if you want to prolong their freshness, refrigerate them.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze tortillas for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before using them.
Toppings: Toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or pickled onions should be stored in separate airtight containers. Keep them refrigerated and consume them within a few days for optimal freshness.
If the toppings have been sitting out at room temperature for an extended period, it's best to discard them to avoid any food safety concerns.
Recipe FAQs
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the pulled pork.
Cumin: Provides earthy and warm notes that complement the richness of the meat.
Chili Powder: Offers a mild to moderate level of heat and imparts a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: If you prefer a spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for some heat.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory and aromatic element to the pulled pork.
Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a touch of sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Balances out the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust.
Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance the overall taste and bring out the flavors of the meat.
Remember, the amounts of each spice will depend on personal preference, the amount of pulled pork, and the desired flavor profile. It's always a good idea to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed while cooking to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
You can reheat shredded pork in a microwave, on the stovetop in a large skillet, or in the oven. Add a splash of chicken broth or chicken stock to keep the meat moist.
If you have leftover meat, allow it to cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. Pulled pork can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bags for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen pulled pork in the refrigerator before reheating.
Expert Tips
- Choose fresh and flavorful toppings: Select a variety of toppings that complement the pulled pork, such as tangy pickled onions, fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or spicy jalapeños. These toppings add contrasting textures and flavors to the tacos.
- Warm the tortillas: To enhance the taco-eating experience, warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos. You can heat them in a dry skillet, on a griddle, or wrapped in foil in a low oven.
- Build and garnish your tacos: Assemble the pulled pork tacos by placing a generous amount of pulled pork onto each warm tortilla. Add your desired toppings and garnishes, such as salsa, guacamole, or crumbled cheese. Don't forget a squeeze of lime for a final touch of freshness.
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📖 Recipe
Leftover Pulled Pork Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover pulled pork
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Begin by gently reheating your 2 cups leftover pulled pork. You can do this in a microwave, on the stovetop in a large skillet, or in the oven. Add a splash of chicken broth or chicken stock to keep the meat moist.
- Note: Depending on how your shredded pork was originally prepared you may want to add some additional seasoning. Try adding some chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin to the pork as it reheats. You could also stir in a little salsa.
- While the pulled pork is warming, take the opportunity to prepare your desired toppings. Slice some freshly pickled onions, chopped fresh cilantro, and gather any additional toppings you love, such as salsa or avocado crema.
- Next, warm the 8 small corn or flour tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for a few seconds or heating them on a dry skillet until they become pliable and warm.
- Now it's time to bring everything together. I like to set up a taco bar and let everyone choose their own toppings. Take a warm tortilla and fill it generously with the reheated pulled pork. Add your desired toppings, such as pickled onions, chopped cilantro, and any optional additions like coleslaw or pineapple salsa. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations!
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