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Hello, hello! Lauren here from LaurenKelp.com & today is part two of our Cuban feast! Have no idea what I am talking about? Check out the most delicious plantain appetizer & wine pairing over here & then hop on back.
So, you’ve made your delicious plantains & they are a smashing success – what next? Cuban pulled pork tacos, of course! No one can say ‘no’ to a well-made taco & these about top the list. And, as always, these puppies are deceptively easy to prepare! Don’t believe me, I’ll show you…
Tacos are an absolute dream when entertaining. They are fantastically easy to plate, they are always a crowd-pleaser & easy to substitute things if you have a guest with dietary restrictions.
I have a particular fondness for these bad boys because you have to make the meat ahead of time! No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while all the fun is happening around the table, so why not plan ahead and let you food do the work for you!
Less time in the kitchen, more time with friends, and delicious food all around – who is the hostess with the most-ess now?!
Despite being relatively easy to cook, this dish packs a serious punch! Full of delicious citrus flavors (thanks to the lime & oranges), a bit of heat from the jalapeños, and a little cream from the cotija, this entree can hold it’s own! Plus, when you add in the flavors from your glass of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir, the whole evening just went up a level.
When I am in the kitchen prepping a dish, I always like to have a few sips of the wine I am serving to make sure everything mixes well. This way, if one flavor overpowers another, you can dial something back. To me, wine and food are the best of friends, so why not make sure they compliment each other?
For more food and wine pairing tips, visit the Entertaining section of our website.
Why You’ll Love These Cuban Pulled Pork Tacos
These Cuban pulled pork tacos bring together everything you want in a weeknight dinner or festive gathering dish. They’re juicy, flavorful, and packed with bright citrus notes that make every bite pop. The marinade—featuring lime, orange, garlic, and jalapeño—infuses the pork with bold flavor while keeping it tender and succulent after hours of slow cooking.
What makes them even better is how approachable they are. With simple prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy the rich taste of authentic Cuban-inspired tacos without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, tacos are endlessly customizable, so you can easily adjust toppings to suit your guests or your own cravings.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pulled Pork
Making Cuban pulled pork at home might sound intimidating, but with a slow cooker, it’s surprisingly simple. Here’s how to do it:
- Prep the Pork – Start by poking a few holes in the pork tenderloin so the marinade can penetrate deeply.
- Brown the Meat – A quick sear in a skillet locks in flavor and gives the pork a beautiful golden crust.
- Make the Marinade – Blend garlic, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and fragrant.
- Slow Cook – Place the pork in your slow cooker, pour over the marinade, and cook on low for 8 hours. The long, slow heat transforms the pork into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
- Shred & Finish – Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker with a little of the cooking liquid for extra juiciness.
Ingredients for Cuban Pulled Pork Tacos
These tacos come together with just a few pantry staples and fresh, vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:
- Pork tenderloin or shoulder (your choice of cut works)
- Fresh garlic and jalapeños for flavor and heat
- A big handful of cilantro
- Citrus juices like lime and orange for that signature brightness
- Olive oil and a splash of vinegar to pull the marinade together
- Warm corn tortillas to serve it all up
- Toppings like shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, extra cilantro, and lime wedges
Cuban Pulled Pork Tacos
Recipe Type:
Entree
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
660 minutes
Total Time:
680 minutes
Servings:
6
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs pork tenderloin
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1.5 jalapeños, minced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- kosher salt & fresh cracked black pepper
- 3-4 limes, juiced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, poke 4-5 homes in pork tenderloin.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add pork and brown on all sides.
- Using a blender or hand mixer, combine the garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, salt and pepper to make a paste.
- Add the lime juice, orange juice, vinegar and olive oil. Shake well to combine.
- Remove pork from skillet and place in slow cooker.
- Pour marinade over pork, an set slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
- When pork is finished cooking, remove form slow cooker and place on large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork.
- Remove all remaining liquid from slow cooker except for 1 cup and place shredded pork back into the pot. Cook on low for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve on warm corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, cotija cheese and lime.
Variations and Flavor Twists
One of the best parts about tacos is how easy they are to customize. Once you’ve mastered the classic Cuban pulled pork version, try mixing it up with these fun twists:
- Turn up the heat: Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for more spice.
- Switch up the citrus: Try grapefruit or blood orange juice for a different kind of brightness.
- Play with toppings: Pickled red onions, avocado slices, or a drizzle of crema can change the flavor profile.
- Change the base: Swap corn tortillas for flour, lettuce wraps, or even tostadas.
How to Pair Pulled Pork Tacos with Wine
Pulled pork tacos with citrus, spice, and a touch of creaminess pair beautifully with Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir. Its vibrant red fruit and silky texture cut through the richness of the pork while enhancing the dish’s fresh, zesty flavors.
But Pinot Noir isn’t the only great match here. A Cabernet Sauvignon brings bold structure that complements the savory depth of the pork, while a Chardonnay—especially a crisp, unoaked style—offers refreshing balance against the spice and citrus. But you can't go wrong with one of the best Chardonnays under $20, the Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay.
With such a wide portfolio of acclaimed wines, Kendall-Jackson makes it easy to find the perfect pairing for your table, whether you’re serving tacos or planning a full Cuban-inspired feast.
