Chipotle Pork Tacos with Roasted Scallions
This flavorful recipe for Chipotle Pork Tacos, enhanced by the smokiness of chipotle peppers and the sweetness of mango salsa, has quickly become a family favorite. Ideal for a cozy weeknight meal or for entertaining guests, these tacos are a delightful mix of tender shredded pork, zesty lime, and perfectly roasted scallions—all wrapped up in warm tortillas. If you’re looking for a dish with a good balance of savory and smoky flavors, this one is sure to please.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 6 cups |
| Boneless pork shoulder | 2 lbs |
| Spanish onion (sliced) | 1 |
| Cider vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Chipotle chiles in adobo (mashed) | 1 |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Tortillas | 16 small |
| Salsa (mango preferred) | 2 cups |
| Scallions (for roasting) | 16 stalks |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for scallions) | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh lime juice | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 786 kcal |
| Total Fat | 36.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 80.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1418.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 80.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.1 g |
| Sugars | 6.1 g |
| Protein | 31.9 g |
Instructions
Pork Preparation
- In a Dutch oven, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the pork shoulder, sliced Spanish onion, 3 tablespoons of cider vinegar, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Return the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover the pot, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the pork becomes tender.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot using a slotted spoon and allow it to cool slightly. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid for later use.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Making the Pork Mixture
6. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
7. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 15 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance.
8. Stir in the tomato sauce, mashed chipotle chiles, ground cumin, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar.
9. Add the shredded pork and reserved cooking water. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, just to heat the mixture thoroughly.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat and cover it. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Roasting the Scallions
11. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
12. Place the scallions on a baking sheet and drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss gently to coat the scallions evenly in the oil.
13. Arrange the scallions in a single layer and roast them in the oven for 10 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly charred.
14. Once roasted, remove the scallions from the oven and season them with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Set aside.
Assembling the Tacos
15. To assemble each taco, warm the tortillas either on a skillet or in the microwave.
16. Place a heaping 1/4 cup of the pork mixture on each tortilla.
17. Top with 1 roasted scallion and a spoonful of salsa. If you like, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or an extra drizzle of lime juice to finish.
Tips for Success
- Pork Stock Preparation: If you have time, you can make the pork stock the night before. Let it simmer all day to develop the flavors for an even richer taco filling.
- Taco Fillings: While the roasted scallions and mango salsa are traditional, feel free to swap in other toppings like avocado slices, shredded lettuce, or a dash of hot sauce to add your own personal touch.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! You can prepare the pork mixture ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when ready to serve. It stays delicious for a few days.
Enjoy these Chipotle Pork Tacos with Roasted Scallions for a hearty, flavorful dinner that brings the perfect balance of spice, smokiness, and freshness. Whether for a quick family meal or a casual get-together with friends, these tacos are sure to be a hit!
