Smoky Chipotle Pork Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Smoky Chipotle Pork Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped, plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Avocado Salsa
- 2 avocados, ripe, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
- 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For Serving
- 8 corn tortillas, warmed
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 4 lime wedges
Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine the pork cubes with chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to ensure the pork is evenly coated.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Sear the pork on all sides until nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 min•🌡️ 375
- 3
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
⏱️ 30 min•🌡️ 300
- 4
While the pork is simmering, prepare the avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, minced jalapeno (if using), and salt. Stir carefully to avoid mashing the avocados.
⏱️ 5 min
- 5
Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the pot with the sauce and stir to combine.
⏱️ 3 min
- 6
Warm the corn tortillas according to package directions (e.g., in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven).
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
Assemble the tacos: Spoon a generous portion of the smoky chipotle pork onto each warm tortilla. Top with the avocado salsa, crumbled cotija cheese (if desired), and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
⏱️ 3 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Smoky Chipotle Pork Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped, plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Avocado Salsa
- 2 avocados, ripe, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
- 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For Serving
- 8 corn tortillas, warmed
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 4 lime wedges
Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine the pork cubes with chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to ensure the pork is evenly coated.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Sear the pork on all sides until nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 min•🌡️ 375 - 3
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
⏱️ 30 min•🌡️ 300 - 4
While the pork is simmering, prepare the avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, minced jalapeno (if using), and salt. Stir carefully to avoid mashing the avocados.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the pot with the sauce and stir to combine.
⏱️ 3 min - 6
Warm the corn tortillas according to package directions (e.g., in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven).
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Assemble the tacos: Spoon a generous portion of the smoky chipotle pork onto each warm tortilla. Top with the avocado salsa, crumbled cotija cheese (if desired), and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
⏱️ 3 min