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Puebla Tacos Árabes with Shaved Pork - Close-up of three Puebla Tacos Árabes with shaved pork, topped with chipotle salsa, onions, and cilantro, on a wooden board.

Puebla Tacos Árabes with Shaved Pork

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Experience the authentic flavors of Puebla with these Tacos Árabes, featuring thinly shaved, cumin-spiced pork served in a soft, pita-style tortilla with a fiery chipotle salsa.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: 8-10 tacos (4-5 servings) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless pork loin or shoulder, partially frozen
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp white vinegar
8-10 large flour tortillas (pita-style or thick flour tortillas)
For the Chipotle Salsa:
3-4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (and 1-2 tbsp adobo sauce)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup white onion, roughly chopped
2 tbsp lime juice
1/4 cup water (or as needed to blend)
Salt to taste
Optional Garnish:
Thinly sliced white onion
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Sliced cucumber

Instructions

Step 1: Partially freeze the pork loin or shoulder for 30-60 minutes. This makes it much easier to slice thinly. Once slightly firm, slice the pork against the grain into very thin, almost paper-thin pieces. The thinner, the better for authentic Puebla Tacos Árabes with Shaved Pork.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the sliced pork with olive oil, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, and white vinegar. Mix well to ensure every piece of pork is coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours, for the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for delicious Puebla Tacos Árabes with Shaved Pork.
Step 3: Prepare the Chipotle Salsa: In a small blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers (and adobo sauce), fresh cilantro, white onion, lime juice, and water. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed. If too thick, add a little more water. Set aside.
Step 4: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a single layer of marinated pork (do not overcrowd the pan). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until beautifully caramelized and cooked through. The thin slices will cook quickly. Remove cooked pork and keep warm. Repeat with remaining pork until all is cooked. You want delicious crispy edges on your Puebla Tacos Árabes with Shaved Pork.
Step 5: Warm the tortillas on the same skillet or griddle for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, until soft and pliable.
Step 6: To assemble your Puebla Tacos Árabes with Shaved Pork, place a generous amount of cooked pork onto a warm tortilla. Drizzle generously with the chipotle salsa. Garnish with thinly sliced white onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Some people also add a few slices of cucumber for crunch and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your authentic Puebla Tacos Árabes with Shaved Pork!

Notes

For best results, really focus on getting the pork thinly sliced. This makes a huge difference in texture and flavor absorption. Don't be afraid to adjust the heat of the chipotle salsa to your preference!

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
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