Beer braised pork tacos

Juicy, beer-braised pork tacos wrapped in warm tortillas burst with smoky, spicy flavour and fall-apart tenderness. Paired with vibrant toppings, each bite offers a fiesta of textures and aromas.

By Matt Tebbutt
From Saturday Kitchen

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This dish earns a Nutri-Score of C. While it offers rich protein from the pork and vitamins from fresh toppings, the fat content from the pork shoulder and sodium from the seasoning base slightly lower the score. The result is a flavour-packed, moderately healthy meal ideal for occasional indulgence.

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Ingredients

For the beer braised pork

• olive oil 2 tbsp
• pork shoulder ½, cut into 2–3cm cubes
• onion 1, peeled and sliced
• garlic cloves 2, peeled and left whole
• red pepper 1, deseeded and chopped into 2–3cm chunks
• yellow pepper 1, deseeded and chopped into 2–3cm chunks
• smoked paprika 1 tsp
• ground cumin 1 tsp
• chilli powder 1 tsp
• fresh oregano 1 tsp, chopped
• fresh thyme leaves 1 tsp
• bay leaf 1
• dried ancho chilli 1, left whole
• chipotle chilli paste 2 tbsp
• beer 400ml
• chicken stock 250ml
• sherry vinegar 50ml

To serve

• small tortillas 8, warmed
• avocado 1, finely chopped
• iceberg lettuce ½, shredded
• red chilli 1, sliced
• pickled red onion 100g
• fresh coriander 2 tbsp, chopped
• lime 1, cut into wedges

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5.
2. Heat the oil in an ovenproof casserole pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and sear until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5–8 minutes until softened. Stir in the red and yellow peppers and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, chilli powder, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
5. Drop in the ancho chilli, then pour in the beer and chicken stock. Stir to combine. Return the pork to the pot and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and place in the oven. Braise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
7. Remove from the oven and stir in the sherry vinegar. Simmer on the hob over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes to balance the flavour.
8. If the sauce is too thin, take out the pork and simmer the liquid until it thickens. Return the pork and gently shred if desired.
9. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave for about 1 minute per side.
10. Combine the chopped avocado, red chilli, coriander, and a squeeze of lime in a bowl.
11. To assemble, lay shredded lettuce over each tortilla, top with braised pork, then spoon over the avocado mix and garnish with pickled red onion. Serve with lime wedges.

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Suggested Wine Pairing

Majestic: Beefsteak Club Mendoza Malbec

This bold Malbec bursts with blackberry and plum, standing up beautifully to the smoky depth and spice of the beer-braised pork. Its soft tannins and peppery edge complement the chipotle and cumin notes in these pork tacos.

Tesco: The Best Chilean Merlot

Soft and medium-bodied with ripe cherry and chocolate hints, this Merlot matches the pork’s richness while mellowing the chilli heat. Its smoothness makes it a great taco night choice.

Sainsbury’s: Taste the Difference Côtes du Rhône Villages

With dark fruit and spice, this Rhône red balances earthy ancho chilli and tender pork. The blend’s herbal undertones echo the oregano and thyme, tying the dish together deliciously.

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What can you serve with this

1. Mexican-style rice – Lightly spiced rice with tomatoes and garlic makes a perfect side, absorbing the sauce from the pork tacos.
2. Refried beans – Creamy and savoury, they add richness and contrast to the fresh toppings.
3. Charred corn on the cob – Sweet, smoky and crunchy, it pairs beautifully with the juicy pork.

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Nutri-score Health Check

The Nutri-Score for this recipe has been automatically calculated from the ingredients and is intended as a guide only.

Positive Factors

• peppers and onion offer vitamin C and fibre.
• avocado adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• fresh herbs and lettuce provide micronutrients without added calories.

Negative Factors

• pork shoulder is high in saturated fat, contributing to a lower health rating.
• beer and chicken stock introduce extra sodium and calories.
• chipotle paste and sherry vinegar may increase sodium levels.

Overall, the recipe balances fresh and flavourful ingredients with richer elements, making it a moderately healthy option best enjoyed as part of a varied diet.