Pulled pork tacos are a tasty and easy meal that just about everyone loves. While the juicy, tender pulled pork is certainly the star, piling on delicious toppings and fillings takes these tacos to the next level. From zesty salsas to cooling cremas, crunchy vegetables to gooey cheese, there are so many options for customizing pulled pork tacos to suit your tastes.
In this article, we’ll explore many sensational toppings and fillings to elevate your pulled pork tacos. We’ll also offer serving suggestions to help you build the perfect taco for any occasion.
Why Toppings Are Key for Pulled Pork Tacos
Pulled pork on its own has a rich, smokey flavor from cooking for hours in a slow cooker, instant pot, oven, or smoker. While delicious on its own, it can use a little help in the flavor department. Plus what is a taco without tons of tasty fillings and toppings?
Toppings provide contrasting textures like crunch and creaminess. They add bright acidic flavors and fresh herbs to balance the pork. Toppings bring spice tang and heat to keep things exciting. Basically, toppings make pulled pork tacos even more crave-worthy!
With endless possibilities, part of the fun is customizing tacos to please your palate. Mix and match toppings to create your ideal flavor and texture combo.
Best Toppings for Pulled Pork Tacos
Salsas and Sauces
A flavorful salsa or sauce adds a punch of brightness and acidity. Try:
- Pico de gallo
- Tomatillo salsa
- Pineapple salsa
- Peach salsa
- Mango salsa
- Chimichurri sauce
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Lime crema
Cheeses
Melty cheese is a must for many taco lovers. Good options include:
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Queso fresco
- Cotija
- Pepper jack
Veggies and Herbs
Fresh vegetables and herbs provide crunch and bold, refreshing flavors. Excellent choices:
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Diced onions
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Coleslaw or cabbage
- Pickled jalapeños
- Cilantro
Avocado
Creamy, buttery avocado is taco perfection. Use slices, chunks, or mashed avocado.
Beans and Rice
For heartiness, add protein-packed beans or rice:
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
- Refried beans
- Cilantro lime rice
- Mexican rice
Putting Together the Perfect Pulled Pork Taco
Now that you’ve got endless topping options, it’s time to build your perfect pulled pork taco creation. While preferences vary, here are some serving suggestions for sensational tacos:
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For a classic taco – Start with pulled pork, cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado slices. Finish with a squirt of lime.
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For a tropical taco – Layer pulled pork with mango salsa, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a lime crema.
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For a Southwestern taco – Heap on pulled pork, black beans, roasted corn, tomatillo salsa, and cilantro.
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For a luxe taco – Pile on pulled pork, guacamole, cotija cheese, cabbage slaw, and pickled onions.
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For an easy taco – Simply stuff the tortilla with juicy pulled pork, sharp cheddar, and your favorite store-bought salsa.
The possibilities are endless, so unleash your inner taco artist! Start with warm tortillas and luscious pulled pork. From there, choose fun combinations of salsas, cheeses, veggies, herbs, and other toppings to make the ultimate stuffed taco.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pulled Pork Taco Toppings
What is the best sauce for pulled pork tacos?
It’s hard to beat a simple tomato-based salsa like pico de gallo. The acidity and fresh tomato flavor complement the pork wonderfully. Other great options include tomatillo salsa, guacamole, chimichurri, and lime crema.
Do you need cheese on pulled pork tacos?
While optional, cheese adds delicious creaminess and binds all the flavors together. Cheddar, pepper jack, and cotija are excellent melty choices.
What kind of lettuce is best for tacos?
Crisp iceberg lettuce provides nice crunch and its mild flavor doesn’t overpower. Shredded romaine is also a good option. Cabbage works great too, either raw shredded or quick-pickled.
How do you keep tacos from getting soggy?
Wait to add juicy toppings like salsa and avocado until right before eating so the shells don’t get soggy. You can also fry the tortillas in oil briefly to make them more rigid.
How can I add heat to my pulled pork tacos?
Spice-lovers can add hot sauce directly to the pork or use spicy salsas. Pickled jalapeños, chili powder, and cayenne are other ways to turn up the heat.
Preparing Amazing Pulled Pork for Tacos
While toppings might steal the show, you need delicious pulled pork to build those tacos upon. For flavorful, fall-apart tender pork, turn to tried-and-true cooking methods:
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Slow cooker – Season a pork shoulder and let it cook on low 8+ hours until shreddable.
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Oven – Roast a pork shoulder at 300°F for 4-6 hours until it pulls apart easily.
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Instant Pot – Cook pork shoulder with spices and broth for 45-60 minutes under pressure.
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Smoker – For authentic barbecue flavor, smoke a pork butt ‘low and slow’ for up to 12 hours.
No matter which cooking method you use, the pork should be extremely tender and infused with spices, smoke, or sauce. After cooking, let it rest before pulling or shredding by hand into juicy, tasty morsels ready to star in tacos.
Satisfy Your Taco Craving with Pulled Pork
Pulled pork tacos are a crowd-pleasing meal suitable for casual dinners, game days, or celebrations like Cinco de Mayo. With the endless topping possibilities, you can customize them to satisfy any taste or craving.
Start with succulent slow-cooked pork nestled in warm tortillas. From there, let your imagination run wild piling on salsas, cheeses, veggies, avocados and more until you’ve built the perfect taco creation. With all the contrasting textures, bright flavors, and tasty fillings, these tacos take your taste buds on a fiesta.