Beer braised smoked pork tacos are the ultimate fusion of smoky and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more. The combination of tender pork shoulder, beer, and a blend of aromatic spices creates a mouth-watering dish that is perfect for any occasion.
One of the greatest benefits of using beer as a braising liquid is that it imparts a unique flavor to the meat. The beer infuses the pork with a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the smoky, spicy flavors of the chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.
Smoking the pork shoulder before braising adds another layer of depth to the flavor profile, resulting in tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth. And when you pile that delicious pork on top of warm corn tortillas and add your favorite toppings, you have a recipe that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
But the goodness of beer braised smoked pork tacos isn’t just about taste. This recipe is also packed with protein, making it a great option for anyone looking to increase their protein intake. Plus, the use of fresh toppings such as shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado adds a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins to the dish.
In summary, beer braised smoked pork tacos are a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any summer barbecue or get-together. The unique blend of flavors, combined with the nutritional benefits, makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. So fire up the smoker, grab a cold beer, and get ready to savor the goodness of beer braised smoked pork tacos.
Beer Braised Smoked Pork Tacos
Equipment
- Charcoal or wood pellet smoker
- Heavy Pot or Dutch Oven
- Heavy Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. pork shoulder, Trimmed of excess fat
- 1 Bottle Beer dark or amber ale
- 1 med onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- juice of one lime
- 8-10 corn tortillas
Toppings
- shredded cabbage
- diced tomatoes
- cilantro
- lime wedges
- avocado
- sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Ina small bowl, mix the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make a rub.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Place the pork shoulder in the smoker and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker and transfer it to a large Dutch oven or heavy pot.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and beer to the pot. The liquid should come up to about halfway up the side of the pork shoulder
- Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the oven at 325°F for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
- Once the pork is done, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks.
- Strain the liquid from the pot and reserve it
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and warm up the shredded pork in the skillet. Pour some of the reserved liquid over the pork and cook until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the pork
- Serve the pork on warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, and sour cream
- Enjoy your delicious and flavorful beer braised smoked pork tacos!
