Tacos is a Mexican street food and appetizer which most Pinoys come to love the taste. There are also many version of tacos, depending on the kind of meat or veggies that you will put into it. This pork taco recipe I have here has ground pork sauteed until brown, seasoned with taco seasoning mix, then mixed with veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, green pepper, onion and cucumber then topped with shredded cheese.
Taco seasoning mix can be found in supermarkets usually Mc Cormick is selling them but just in case you can’t find it, you can also make your own. Just mix 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp cayene pepper.
Pork Taco: A Filipino Twist on a Mexican Classic
When I think of pork taco, I’m instantly transported to a Sunday afternoon at my cousin Arnel’s house. He’s always been the family’s experimental cook, blending flavors and techniques he picks up from his travels. It was during one of our reunions that he introduced us to this taco, and since then, it has become a staple at family gatherings.
Tacos might be a Mexican street food by origin, but it’s no wonder why Filipinos have embraced them wholeheartedly. There’s something about the crispy shells filled with savory, spiced meat and a medley of fresh toppings that feels both foreign and familiar. Let me walk you through this recipe, share a few tips I learned along the way, and tell you why it works so well for beginners.
The Art of Perfectly Seasoned Pork
The star of this taco is the ground pork, sautéed until browned and aromatic. My Tita Lina always said, “Don’t rush browning the meat—it’s where the flavor begins!” She was right. Cooking the pork over medium-high heat allows it to caramelize slightly, locking in a rich, savory depth that serves as the perfect base.
To elevate the flavor, we use a taco seasoning mix. You can easily find brands like McCormick in most supermarkets, but making your own is just as easy and cost-effective. A blend of chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and a hint of cayenne pepper creates a punchy seasoning that pairs beautifully with the pork. The cornstarch in the mix thickens the juices, helping the flavors cling to every morsel of meat.
Simmering the pork with a splash of water ensures the seasoning fully coats each piece. This step also softens the meat, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy taco shell.
Why Fresh Toppings Matter on Pork Taco
As much as I love the savory richness of the pork, it’s the toppings that make every bite of these tacos a vibrant experience. Lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, cucumbers, and shredded cheese add layers of crunch, freshness, and a hint of creaminess. My niece Mia likes to add a little more cucumber for a crisp, cooling effect that balances the spices in the pork.
For a Filipino twist, you can even toss in some diced mango for a sweet and tangy kick. It’s a little nod to our love of mixing sweet and savory flavors.
A Brief History of Tacos
Did you know that tacos have a history as rich as their flavor? The word “taco” dates back to 18th-century Mexico, where it originally referred to gunpowder-wrapped paper used in silver mines. Eventually, the term evolved to describe the handheld tortilla meals we know and love today. While the traditional Mexican taco uses soft corn tortillas, the crunchy taco shell was popularized in the United States in the 20th century, making it the convenient, portable option we often enjoy now.
It’s fascinating how food travels and transforms across cultures, adapting to local tastes. In the Philippines, tacos have found their place in school fairs, potluck parties, and even merienda menus.
How to Get Those Crunchy Shells Just Right
One of the secrets to making this pork taco unforgettable lies in the taco shells. Heating them in the oven for a few minutes makes them crispier and brings out a subtle toasty flavor. It’s a trick I learned from my brother-in-law, Ramon, who insists that “a good taco starts with a good crunch.” He’s not wrong!
Pro tip: If you don’t have an oven, you can toast the shells in a dry skillet over low heat. It’s a bit more effort but works just as well in a pinch.
A Meal for Any Occasion
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but festive enough for special occasions. Whenever we have family over, I like setting up a taco bar, letting everyone customize their toppings. It’s a fun and interactive way to bring people together over food.
And if you have leftovers, they make for great rice bowl toppings—Filipino ingenuity at its finest! Just spoon the seasoned pork over steamed rice, add your favorite veggies, and drizzle with taco sauce for a quick, satisfying meal.
Why This Pork Taco Recipe Works
This pork taco hits all the marks for beginner cooks. The ingredients are straightforward, the steps are easy to follow, and the flavors are hard to mess up. By browning the pork, simmering it with spices, and pairing it with fresh, crunchy toppings, you get a well-balanced dish that’s equal parts satisfying and refreshing.
Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or whipping it up for yourself, these pork tacos are sure to impress. After all, food is more than just sustenance—it’s a way to create memories and share a piece of yourself with those you love.
So why not try this pork taco recipe today? As my cousin Arnel says, “A good meal isn’t just about taste—it’s about the stories you share along with it.”
How to Make Pork Taco Feast
Ingredients
- 3/4 kilo lean ground pork
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. Taco Seasoning mix
- 12 ready to serve taco shells
- 3/4 cup shredded lettuce
- 3/4 cup chopped tomatoes
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup chopped cucumber
- 3/4 shredded cheddar cheese
Taco sauce ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp. cumin
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 tsp. cocoa
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. red crushed chilies
- 1/4 tsp. oregano
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
Instructions
How to make Pork Taco Feast:
- Cook and stir ground pork in a large skillet until brown. Drain off fat.
- Stir taco seasoning mix, salt and water. Heat until it boils.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the meat simmers, heat taco shells in an ungreased baking sheet in 350 °F oven for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Spoon 1/4 cup meat mixture into each taco shell. Add 1 tablespoon each of lettuce, tomato, green pepper, onion, cucumber and cheese.
- Top with taco sauce and serve.
Notes
Cooking Tips:
Perfect the Browning Process
When cooking the ground pork, let it brown thoroughly before adding the seasoning. Browning enhances the meat’s natural flavors and creates a savory base for your pork tacos. Use a wide skillet to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding, as this helps achieve a nice caramelized texture.Balance the Seasoning
If you’re making your own taco seasoning, taste as you go to ensure a balance of spices. Too much cayenne can overpower the dish, while too little cumin might leave it tasting flat. Simmering the seasoned pork with a splash of water allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat for a perfectly seasoned taco filling.Keep Your Toppings Fresh
Chop your vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers just before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant. Fresh toppings not only add texture but also balance the rich, spiced pork with a refreshing bite. To save time, prepare your veggies in advance and store them in the fridge, but always assemble your tacos just before eating for the best results.
