Discover a delicious and hearty meal with these Hillbilly Tacos. Combining tender pulled pork with a tangy and creamy coleslaw, these tacos are perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Serve them in warm tortillas and drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering experience. Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated easily. Enjoy these tacos with sides like baked beans, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.
Hillbilly Tacos combine the rich flavors of tender pulled pork with a fresh, tangy coleslaw, all wrapped up in warm tortillas. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious tacos.
INGREDIENTS
- Pulled Pork Ingredients:
- 4-6 pounds pork shoulder roast
- ¼ cup store bought or homemade pork rub
- 12 ounce can Dr Pepper (Coca Cola or root beer work too)
- 1 tablespoon hickory liquid smoke
- Coleslaw Ingredients:
- 2 (14 ounce) bags coleslaw mix
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated onion (or ½ teaspoon onion powder)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For Taco Assembly:
- Corn or flour tortillas (enough for serving; you may need more for doubling up if using corn tortillas)
- 1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- For the Pulled Pork: Rinse the pork shoulder under running water and pat it dry. Generously massage the pork rub onto every inch of the shoulder, ensuring it is evenly coated. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper (optional), then place it in the slow cooker. Add a can of Dr. Pepper to the slow cooker and evenly distribute the liquid smoke along the sides of the pork. Cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is very tender. Once finished cooking, remove the pork from the slow cooker and discard the leftover liquid (you can keep some to keep the shredded pork warm). Remove the bone and shred the pork using two forks or shredding claws. Remove any excess fat as you shred the meat.
- Step 2:
- For the Coleslaw: Add both bags of coleslaw mix to a large mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the white sugar, milk, mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, grated onion, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour the whisked mixture over the coleslaw mix and stir well to combine. Let it sit for about an hour before serving (if possible). Stir before serving.
- Step 3:
- To Assemble: Warm or char tortillas in a dry skillet. Add pulled pork to the tortillas, then top with coleslaw. Drizzle with BBQ sauce, to taste.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the Hillbilly Tacos warm, with the pulled pork and coleslaw freshly assembled in the tortillas. These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of baked beans, cornbread, or a simple green salad. If you have leftovers, store the pulled pork and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pulled pork can be kept for up to 3 days, while the coleslaw is best consumed within 1-2 days. To reheat the pork, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Helpful Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the tacos. If you prefer a smokier taste, use smoked paprika in the pork rub. For a bit of sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the coleslaw dressing. You can also use any leftover pulled pork for sandwiches, nachos, or pizza toppings.
Tips from well-known chefs
Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using fresh, high-quality pork for the best flavor and texture.
Chef Ina Garten suggests letting the coleslaw sit for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Chef Jamie Oliver advises charring the tortillas slightly for an added depth of flavor and texture.