Crispy Pork Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Tender, seasoned pork transforms into golden, crispy tacos topped with fresh accompaniments and a silky chipotle crema. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
- Total time
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 38g
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ medium onion, diced
- ½ tsp salt and black pepper
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 12 count corn tortillas
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 2 whole lime wedges
Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps it brown properly. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder, tossing to coat evenly.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Working in batches, sear the pork for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate—don't overcrowd the pan.
- 3
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- 4
Return the pork to the skillet and reduce heat to low, then add 0.5 cup water to create a light sauce. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the pork is tender and the liquid reduces slightly.
- 5
While the pork cooks, blend sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, and lime juice in a blender until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- 6
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable, or wrap in a damp towel and microwave for 45 seconds. This prevents them from cracking when filling.
- 7
Assemble each taco by placing 2-3 tablespoons of seasoned pork on a warm tortilla, then top with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, red onion, and cabbage. Drizzle generously with the creamy chipotle sauce.
- 8
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. Any remaining sauce can be served as a dipping condiment or dolloped on top.
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