Adobada Tacos Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals
Let’s face it, we all love tacos. They’re versatile, fun to make, and downright delicious. But if you haven’t tried tacos adobada, you’re truly missing out. This dish is more than just tacos; it’s an experience. With marinated pork bursting with flavor, complemented by fresh toppings, it’s no wonder this recipe is gaining traction in homes everywhere.
I remember the first time I tasted tacos adobada. It was during a summer trip to Mexico. Bitten by the taco bug, I embarked on a flavorful journey. Each bite transported me back to that sunny day. Now, I can recreate that moment anytime I want, right in my own kitchen! Let’s dive into the delicious world of tacos adobada.
What Are Adobada Tacos?
In simpler terms, tacos adobada are soft corn tortillas stuffed with marinated pork. The pork is seasoned with a combination of spices and chilies, giving it that signature flavor. The word "adobada" comes from "adobo," which refers to a marinade made from a blend of spices, vinegar, and sometimes citrus. This marinade is where the magic happens. When the pork soaks in these flavors, it becomes tender and utterly delicious.
Traditionally, tacos adobada uses various types of chiles, creating a unique depth of flavor and a vibrant color. When slathered in chopped onions, fresh cilantro, or jalapeño slices, your tacos gain a fresh, spicy kick that excites the palate.
Why You'll Love Tacos Adobada
You might be wondering what makes tacos adobada so special. Let me tell you: it’s all about the flavor profile. The combination of savory, spicy, and tangy creates a true delight. Let’s break it down:
1. Marinated Goodness: The pork shoulder or butt, marinated in an assortment of spices, is the star of the show. The marinade not only flavors the meat but also helps tenderize it. Whenever it cooks, the aroma fills your kitchen—an irresistible invitation to gather around the table.
2. Versatile Toppings: The beauty of tacos is the endless variety of toppings. With tacos adobada, fresh cilantro, white onions, and a squeeze of lime can completely elevate the dish. These elements provide freshness that cuts through the richness of the pork.
3. Colorful Presentation: Just imagine a platter of soft corn tortillas laid out, filled with vibrant, spiced pork, topped with green cilantro and white onion. It’s a feast for the eyes, as well as the belly.
4. It’s All About the Experience: Eating tacos adobada is not just about filling your stomach; it’s about the joy of connecting with others over food. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or a summer barbecue, these tacos bring people together.
5. Healthier Option: While hearty and delicious, tacos adobada can still fit into a balanced diet, especially when paired with fresh veggies and homemade toppings.
The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Adobada Tacos
Creating tacos adobada at home takes just a handful of ingredients. Here’s a complete list:
- Pork Butt or Shoulder: 3 pounds, diced
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 8 cloves, peeled
- Onion: 1 small, chopped
- Shawarma Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (you can also make your own)
- Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 2 teaspoons
- Corn Tortillas: 16
- Dried California Chiles: 4
- Dried New Mexico Chiles: 2
- Dried Guajillo Chiles: 2
- Dried Hatch Chiles: 1
- Dried Chipotle Pepper: 1
- Dried Arbol Chiles: 5
- Boiling Water: 2 cups
- Red Wine Vinegar: 3 tablespoons (apple cider vinegar works too)
- Sea Salt: 3/4 teaspoon
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground Coriander: 1/2 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon
Directions
Making tacos adobada can be straightforward and satisfying. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by rehydrating the dried chiles. Place them in a bowl, pour over the boiling water, and let them soak for about 15 minutes. Once softened, remove the stems and seeds, and toss them into a blender.
Step 2: Blend It Up
Add the garlic, onion, red wine vinegar, salt, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and lime juice to the blender. Blend until smooth to create your marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Pork
In a large bowl, combine the diced pork with your freshly blended marinade. Make sure every piece of meat is coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, but ideally overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets!
Step 4: Cook the Pork
Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your marinated pork and cook until browned, about 10–12 minutes. Pour in any remaining marinade, cover, and let it simmer for roughly 45 minutes to an hour. You want the pork to be tender and juicy.
Step 5: Prepare the Tortillas
While the pork cooks, warm your corn tortillas on a skillet or grill for a minute on each side. A lightly toasted tortilla makes all the difference!
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Once your pork is done, it's time to build those tacos. Use two tortillas per taco for extra durability. Divide the pork evenly among the tortillas. Add your favorite toppings—cilantro, onions, salsa, or even avocado!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate up your tacos and serve them immediately with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing. Now, gather your family or friends and enjoy each bite together.
Notes
Here are some tips to ensure your tacos adobada are a hit:
- Bite-Size Pieces: For even cooking, ensure the pork pieces are uniformly diced.
- Marinate: If you have time, letting it marinate overnight enhances the flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Slow cooking yields more tender meat. Don’t be tempted to rush the process.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Feel Free to Experiment: Mix and match with your favorite toppings for unique flavor combinations.
Storage Tips
Once you’ve whipped up your delicious tacos adobada, you may have some leftovers. Store any extra pork in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It can last up to four days.
For longer storage, consider freezing it in portion-sized containers. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
Nutrition Information
While details can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients, a taco filled with pork and basic toppings can provide beneficial nutrients. Each taco could roughly contain:
- Calories: 350–450
- Protein: 20–25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30–35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3–4 grams
- Total Fat: 15–20 grams
Serving Suggestions
Want to kick your taco night up a notch? Here are five suggestions:
- Serve with a Zesty Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in lime juice and apple cider vinegar adds a fresh crunch.
- Add Spicy Salsa: A fiery salsa can add another layer of flavor. Try a pineapple salsa for a sweet twist!
- Include Pickled Onions: Quick-pickled red onions are a game-changer, bringing sweetness and tang.
- Offer a Variety of Salsas: Create a salsa bar with red, green, and mango salsas to please everyone's palate.
- Complement with Rice and Beans: A side of cilantro lime rice and black beans rounds out the meal perfectly.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Adobada Tacos?
If pork isn’t your thing or you want to switch it up, you can consider these substitutes:
- Chicken: Grilled or shredded chicken takes on a lovely flavor with the same marinade. Use boneless thighs for tenderness.
- Beef: For a richer flavor, try using beef chuck. Just adjust cooking times to ensure tenderness.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu. Press it to remove moisture and marinate it well.
- Seitan: A great protein-rich option for vegans. Season and cook it similar to pork for satisfying results.
- Jackfruit: When shredded, jackfruit mimics pulled pork. With the right seasoning, it can satisfy barbecue cravings.
Conclusion
Embarking on a taco night adventure with tacos adobada is a flavorful journey worth taking. Each step—from marinating the pork to building the perfect taco—creates a meal that is not only delicious but deeply satisfying. With the right ingredients, tips, and techniques, you can transform everyday meals into culinary masterpieces.
Next time you’re planning a gathering or just a family dinner, remember this recipe. It’s more than just food; it’s about crafting experiences and enjoying moments with those you care about. Dive into the delightful flavors of tacos adobada; you won't regret it!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
When it comes to taco night, you want to impress your friends and family with flavors that jump off the plate. Tacos adobada is the secret ingredient to take your gatherings to the next level.
Pair them with a crisp slaw, a side of zesty beans, or even a refreshing guacamole, and you’ll have a meal that everyone is sure to rave about.
- 3 pounds pork butt or shoulder, diced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon shawarma seasoning (see recipe)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 16 corn tortillas
- 4 dried California chiles
- 3 dried New Mexico chiles
- 2 dried Guajillo chiles
- 2 dried Hatch chiles
- 1 dried Chipotle pepper
- 5 dried Arbol chiles
- 2 cups boiling water
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or substitute with apple cider vinegar)
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for added brightness)
- Start by rehydrating the dried chiles. Place them in a bowl, pour over the boiling water, and let them soak for about 15 minutes. Once softened, remove the stems and seeds, and toss them into a blender.
- Add the garlic, onion, red wine vinegar, salt, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and lime juice to the blender. Blend until smooth to create your marinade.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced pork with your freshly blended marinade. Make sure every piece of meat is coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, but ideally overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets!
- Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your marinated pork and cook until browned, about 10–12 minutes. Pour in any remaining marinade, cover, and let it simmer for roughly 45 minutes to an hour. You want the pork to be tender and juicy.
- While the pork cooks, warm your corn tortillas on a skillet or grill for a minute on each side. A lightly toasted tortilla makes all the difference!
- Once your pork is done, it's time to build those tacos. Use two tortillas per taco for extra durability. Divide the pork evenly among the tortillas. Add your favorite toppings—cilantro, onions, salsa, or even avocado!
- Plate up your tacos and serve them immediately with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing. Now, gather your family or friends and enjoy each bite together.
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Bite-Size Pieces: For even cooking, ensure the pork pieces are uniformly diced.
- Marinate: If you have time, letting it marinate overnight enhances the flavor.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: Slow cooking yields more tender meat. Don’t be tempted to rush the process.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Feel Free to Experiment: Mix and match with your favorite toppings for unique flavor combinations.
I'm Rachel Garland, a registered dietitian and passionate home cook from Fairfield, California. My goal is to help busy people create quick, flavorful, and nutritious meals that fit into their hectic lives. Through my blog, I share simple, delicious recipes that make healthy eating easy and enjoyable!