Crunchy Shredded Pork Tacos

This is one of my FAVORITE crunchy taco recipes.  

There is a local Mexican Restaurant that makes the best crunchy tacos that I have been eating since I was a little girl.  This is my version of those tacos and they really do taste like they came straight from a Mexican Restaurant. 

The pork is tender and juicy and perfectly spiced.  The Italian dressing coated shredded lettuce is what makes these unique and gives them that special touch.  Don't skip that part.  

Serve with a side of one of these rice dishes and you are good to go.

 Mexican Green Rice 

South of the Border Mexican Rice

Couldn't be Easier Mexican Rice

Crunchy Shredded Pork Tacos

From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner

(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

1 1/2 - 2 Lbs. pork loin 

   or pork shoulder, trimmed of fat

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/4 c. light brown sugar

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 onion, finely chopped

   plus a few onion chunks for cooking

1-2 Tbl. extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbl. cider vinegar

Combine the chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, minced garlic and finely chopped onion.  Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil and cider vinegar and stir together to form a paste.  If it is too thick, add a little more olive oil.  Rub the paste all over the pork, covering every last bit.  Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.  Place the pork into a medium-large, oven-safe, pot and add enough water or chicken broth to cover the pork not quite half way (about 1-2 cups).  Place some onion chunks right on top of the pork.  

Cover with lid and roast in a 300 degree oven until the pork is falling apart, about 2 1/2 - 3 hours, turning once every hour.  Remove from oven and allow to rest about 15 minutes.  Shred the pork, adding some of the juice from the pan to prevent from being dry.  You could also cook this in a slow-cooker, but it will take a lot longer.   

To serve:

crunchy taco shells

fresh pico de gallo

shredded lettuce

Italian Dressing 

Feta cheese, opt.

Toss the shredded lettuce with a little Italian Dressing.  You want just enough to coat the lettuce (you don't want it dripping in dressing).  Add some shredded pork to your taco shell, top with lettuce, fresh pico and Feta cheese, if desired.  Serves 4.

Jenn's Notes:  I buy a head of iceberg lettuce and cut it into small strips.  I don't have measurements for the pico de gallo.  I dice a few tomatoes and add some finely chopped onion, finely chopped jalapeno, chopped green onion (if I have), chopped cilantro and some fresh lime juice.