Smoky Carolina BBQ Tacos – A Twisted Street Food Classic

Experience the explosion of flavors and aromas from this Smoky Carolina BBQ Tacos recipe, perfect for your next street food adventure! Inspired by Southern cooking, our easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through creating a sensational twist on a classic. Find more delicious recipes like this one in our Street Food Dinner section.

🕒 Prep: 15 minutes - Cook: 2 hours 45 minutes (including resting time) - Total: 3 hours

🍽 Servings: 6

🔥 Difficulty: Intermediate

🌎 Cuisine: American, Street Food

Allergens

Dairy (Cotija cheese), Gluten (if using store-bought barbecue sauce containing gluten)

Ingredients

1. 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder 2. 8 corn tortillas 3. 2 cups barbecue sauce (Carolina
style) 4. 1 cup coleslaw mix 5. 1/4 cup pickled red onions 6. 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves 7. 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese 8. Salt and pepper, to taste 9. Olive oil, for brushing

Instructions

Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium high heat. Grill the seasoned pork shoulder until well browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the pork shoulder in aluminum foil, and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 2
5 hours or until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
Meanwhile, heat the barbecue sauce in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once the pork is done, shred it using two forks and add it to the sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop for about 30 seconds per side. Assemble the tacos with pulled pork, coleslaw mix, pickled red onions, cilantro leaves, and cotija cheese. Serve immediately.

Chef’s Insight

To create the perfect Carolina-style barbecue sauce, mix apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, tomato paste, brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop depth and flavor.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, add a touch of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce. Serve with a side of cornbread for a true Southern experience.

Substitutions

For a gluten-free option, make your own Carolina-style barbecue sauce or choose a gluten-free store-bought alternative.

Alternative Preparations

You can use a slow cooker for the pork shoulder instead of an oven. Cook it on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours, then shred and add to the sauce as described above.

Alternative Methods

If you don't have access to a grill, you can sear the pork shoulder in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat before baking it in the oven.

Best Storage Practice

Store leftover pulled pork and sauce separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Shelf Life

3 days in the refrigerator, 3 months in the freezer.

Plating Tips

Arrange the tacos on a colorful plate with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and cilantro leaves, garnished with a pickled red onion or lime wedge.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving) Calories: 530 kcal, Fat: 21g, Carbohydrates: 62g, Protein: 30g, Sodium: 890mg