Pork Tacos: Which Cheeses Complement The Flavor?

Tacos are a traditional combination of meat and vegetables in a fresh flour or corn tortilla. Cheese is also a popular ingredient, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. When it comes to pork tacos, there are several types of cheese that pair well with the meat. For example, pulled pork carnitas tacos often feature cheese, and carnitas are a Mexican dish made of slow-cooked pork that is shredded or chopped and then fried or grilled. So, what cheese goes well with pork tacos?

Popular cheese options for pork tacos

Cheese is a popular ingredient for tacos, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. There are several types of cheese that go well with pork tacos, each bringing a different flavour to the dish. Here are some of the most popular options:

Cotija

Cotija cheese is a popular choice for pork tacos. It is a Mexican cheese that is often grated or crumbled over the top of the taco. Cotija has a salty, tangy flavour with a hint of sweetness and a dry and crumbly texture. It is similar to feta cheese but with a milder flavour. Cotija cheese pairs well with other typical taco toppings such as raw onion, cilantro, and lime.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is a sharp and pungent cheese with a slight earthy flavour. It is a good choice for pork tacos as it adds a boost of flavour and saltiness. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different types of dishes.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is another popular cheese option for pork tacos. It has a mild and mellow flavour that pairs well with the pork. It also melts well, making it a good choice for tacos.

Queso Blanco

Queso blanco is a versatile cheese that can be incorporated into many different types of dishes. It has a light and mellow flavour, making it a good choice for seasoning tacos. It pairs well with pork, as well as other typical taco ingredients such as avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella cheese is a delicate and slightly sour cheese with a milk-like freshness. It pairs well with pork and other Mexican-inspired toppings. Mozzarella is a good choice for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese has a mild, sweet taste with a slight tang. It adds extra sweetness and tang to the taco, which complements the smoky flavour of the pork. It also works well with other toppings such as avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.

How to make the perfect crispy cheese taco

Ingredients

• Cheese: Cheddar, Manchego, Parmesan, Pepper Jack, or any other hard or semi-hard cheese.
• Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas.
• Toppings: Pork carnitas, crunchy cabbage, red onion, cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, salsa, etc.

Instructions

• Prepare your workstation: Set up a shaping station by placing two jars, glasses, or cans of equal height (at least 4 inches) on a counter. Balance a spatula or wooden spoon with a long handle across the tops of the jars/glasses/cans.
• Melt the cheese: Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add shredded or grated cheese to the pan and form a circle, leaving space around the edges. Let the cheese melt until it is uniformly melty and slightly golden brown.
• Add the tortilla: Once the cheese is almost completely melted, place a tortilla on top, covering roughly half of the melted cheese.
• Cook the cheese and tortilla: Continue cooking over medium-low heat until the cheese is evenly browned. Be careful not to burn the cheese. Remove the pan from the heat once the cheese is browned and allow it to cool slightly.
• Shape the taco shell: Using a spatula, carefully lift the cheese taco and drape it over the suspended wooden spoon handle, hanging it upside down. This will form the signature taco shell shape as the cheese cools.
• Assemble the taco: Place the crispy cheese shell inside a flour tortilla to create a double-decker taco. Fill it with your desired toppings, such as pork carnitas, shredded cabbage, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your perfect crispy cheese taco!

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite. For example, orange cheddar creates bright shells with a sharp, tangy flavor, while Pepper Jack adds a kick of spice.
• You can also add various toppings to your crispy cheese taco, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or any combination of your choice.
• If you want to make the tacos ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat them in a skillet to crisp them up again.

Best cheese for tacos: Tex-Mex style

Tacos are a traditional combination of meat and vegetables in a fresh flour or corn tortilla. Cheese is also a popular ingredient for tacos, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. There are many different types of cheese that go well with tacos, and the best cheese for you will depend on your taste preferences.

Some popular cheeses to use in tacos include:

• Cotija
• Cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• Queso blanco
• Panela
• Asadero
• Oaxaca
• Feta
• Mozzarella
• Cream cheese
• Roquefort
• Swiss cheese
• Blue cheese
• Provolone
• Brie
• Gouda

Each of these cheeses will bring a different flavour and texture to your taco, so it's important to choose the right one for your taste preferences. For example, if you're looking for a cheese that will add a tangy, rich, and slightly salty flavour to your taco, you might choose feta cheese. If you're looking for a cheese to add sweetness and tang, you might choose cream cheese. If you want a nutty and caramelly taste, gouda is a great option.

When preparing your taco, you can simply add your chosen cheese as an ingredient inside the tortilla. Alternatively, you can make a "crispy cheese taco" by placing a thin layer of shredded cheese in a circle the size of your tortilla in a non-stick skillet and cooking it until it becomes bubbly and the bottom is caramelized brown. You can then place your tortilla on top of the cheese and press down firmly, using a spatula to remove the caramelized cheese from the pan. This method creates an intense cheese flavour and a crunchy texture.

Carnitas: the ideal taco filling?

Carnitas, a Mexican dish of slow-cooked pork, is a popular choice for tacos. The meat is shredded or chopped and then fried or grilled, resulting in a tender and intensely flavorful filling. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to feed a crowd make it an excellent option for taco night.

The Perfect Combination of Flavors and Textures

Carnitas tacos offer a delightful contrast of tastes and sensations. The pork is crispy and spicy, yet also rich and fatty, with a hint of sweetness. This combination pairs well with the soft, mild flavor and creamy texture of cheese. The crispiness of the meat and the juiciness of the toppings are also preserved by the cheese layer in the tortilla, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

A Variety of Toppings to Choose From

When it comes to toppings, carnitas tacos provide endless possibilities. Traditional Mexican street-style carnitas tacos often feature corn tortillas, raw onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. For a more substantial meal, you can add shredded cheese, such as cotija, jack, or cheddar, and toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or refried beans.

A Hearty and Satisfying Option

Carnitas tacos are a filling and satisfying option for any meal. The slow-cooked pork is tender and flavorful, making it a crowd-pleaser. The variety of toppings and the ability to customize each taco also make carnitas tacos a fun and interactive dining experience for family and friends.

A Versatile and Convenient Choice

Carnitas are a convenient choice for taco fillings, as they can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. They are also versatile, pairing well with various cheeses and toppings. For those short on time, pre-cooked carnitas are available at grocery stores, or you can use a pressure cooker or slow cooker for a quick and easy meal.

In conclusion, carnitas make an excellent taco filling due to their flavorful and tender texture, versatility in pairings, and convenience in preparation. The variety of toppings and ability to customize make carnitas tacos a fun and interactive dining experience, perfect for any occasion. So, the next time you're planning taco night, consider carnitas as your ideal filling!

Creative toppings for pork carnitas tacos

Pork carnitas tacos are a delicious meal, and there are endless options for toppings! Here are some creative ideas to elevate your taco game:

Cheeses

Cheese is a popular taco topping, and for good reason. It adds flavour, richness, and texture to the dish. Here are some cheeses that go well with pork carnitas:

• Queso blanco or queso fresco: These cheeses have a light and mellow flavour and pair well with pork. Queso blanco also goes well with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.
• Pepper jack: This cheese has a mild flavour and melts well. It pairs nicely with avocado and cilantro.
• Cheddar: A sharp and pungent cheese that adds a salty kick to your taco.
• Mozzarella: Delicate and slightly sour, mozzarella has a fresh milkiness that pairs well with carnitas and other Mexican-inspired toppings.
• Cream cheese: Its mild sweetness and tang complement the smokiness of the meat. It also goes well with avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
• Roquefort: A pungent blue cheese that adds serious flavour to your taco. It pairs well with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
• Swiss cheese: Sweet, mild, and nutty, Swiss cheese can be melted to add a gooey and fatty layer to your taco.
• Provolone: This cheese has a low melting point, so it won't get too gooey. It pairs well with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
• Brie: Brie has a creamy texture and a strong earthy aroma, making it a luxurious yet affordable choice.

Other Toppings

While cheese is a great option, there are also many other creative toppings you can use to elevate your pork carnitas tacos:

• Cabbage or lettuce: Adds a nice crunch and freshness to your taco.
• Red or white onion: Finely chop some raw onion for a sharp bite.
• Jalapeno: Thinly slice some jalapenos for a spicy kick.
• Cilantro: Fresh and flavourful, cilantro is a classic taco herb.
• Lime: A squeeze of lime juice adds a citrusy zing to your taco.
• Sour cream or crema: A creamy addition that can help balance the spice.
• Guacamole or avocado: Creamy and rich, these toppings go well with many different cheeses.
• Pico de gallo: A fresh and flavourful salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
• Refried beans: A hearty addition to your taco that can be added to the bottom of the tortilla or served on the side.

Frequently asked questions