Authentic Street-Style Tacos with Spicy Pork and Cabbage Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder meets zesty cabbage slaw in warm corn tortillas, seasoned with smoky paprika and fresh cilantro. This mexican (vegetarian option) ready in about 135 minutes pairs pork shoulder, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup water, 1/2 cup lime juice, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hours on low heat until pork shreds easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss with 1/2 head shredded cabbage and 1/3 cup chopped cilantro until well coated.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Top each with 1/3 cup pork mixture, 2 tbsp cabbage slaw, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Street-Style Tacos with Spicy Pork and Cabbage Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Street-Style Tacos with Spicy Pork and Cabbage Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Street-Style Tacos with Spicy Pork and Cabbage Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Street-Style Tacos with Spicy Pork and Cabbage Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Street-Style Tacos with Spicy Pork and Cabbage Slaw vegetarian option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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