Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
two soft tacos with shredded pork green bowl of guacamole white bowl sour cream white bowl salsa cilantro garnish on wood board
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe

Smoked pulled pork is tender and juicy shredded meat with flavors from citrus, spices, and all the best taco toppings.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time1 hour
Total Time9 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: pulled pork, smoked
Servings: 14
Calories: 310kcal

Equipment

  • Pellet Smoker
  • Aluminum Tray or dutch oven with lid
  • Fat Separator

Ingredients

  • 7 pound Pork butt
  • 2 tablespoon Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic powder or granulated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
  • ½ tablespoon Cumin
  • ½ tablespoon Chili powder

Spritz for Initial Smoked

  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoon apple juice

Braising Liquid

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 bay leaves

Instructions

  • Prepare the pork- in a small bowl mix your seasoning blend. Generously season the pork butt. You can also use a binder like olive oil or yellow mustard to help the spices adhere to the meat.
  • Set your smoker to 225F. Lay the pork shoulder directly on the grates with the fat cap facing up. Insert a wireless meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature hits 165F. This should take about 4-5 hours.
  • In a spray bottle or squeeze bottle, combine the apple cider vinegar and apple juice. During the smoke when the pork butt is uncovered, spray the pork with the apple solution every 45-60 minutes.
  • When the pork butt reaches 165F, transfer the pork to a disposable aluminum pan or cast iron dutch oven. Add your cooking liquid including orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaves. Cover the tray with aluminum foil. Increase the temperature to 275F and cook until the internal temperature reaches 204F.
  • Allow the pork to rest for 30-60 minutes before shredding. Pour excess cooking liquid into a fat separator and set aside.
  • Shred the pork using whichever method you prefer. Taste the pulled the pork and check for seasoning. Pour some of the cooking liquid back over the pulled pork and add salt or spices as needed.
  • Serve with tortillas, shredded cheese, and favorite taco fixings.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 1150mg | Potassium: 813mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 109IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 3mg