Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing, look no further than this Pulled Pork Nachos recipe. Using a tender pork shoulder cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot, these nachos are loaded with toppings like black beans, pico de gallo, and a blend of cheeses. Perfect for game days, parties, or any gathering, this dish combines crispy tortilla chips with a savory pork topping that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 3-pound boneless pork shoulder, excess fat trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 12-ounce pilsner or lager beer
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
12 ounces tortilla chips
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
¾ cup pico de gallo, homemade or store-bought
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
½ cup guacamole
¼ cup pickled jalapeños
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 6-8
Enjoy crafting this indulgent dish that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Your next get-together will be a hit with these delicious Pulled Pork Nachos!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot® to the high sauté setting.
Step 2: Sauté the Pork
Heat canola oil in the Instant Pot. Season the pork chunks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Working in two batches, add the pork to the pot and cook until evenly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Stir in the pilsner or lager beer, minced garlic, chili powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Select the manual setting, adjust the pressure to high, and set the cooking time for 40 minutes. Once cooking is finished, perform a quick-release of pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
Remove the cooked pork shoulder from the Instant Pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Check for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Assemble the Nachos
Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Top the chips with 2 cups of the shredded pork (reserve the remaining pork for later use), drained and rinsed black beans, pico de gallo, and a combination of shredded cheddar cheese and Pepper Jack cheese.
Step 7: Bake the Nachos
Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake until everything is heated through and the cheeses have melted, approximately 10-12 minutes.
Step 8: Serve the Nachos
Remove the nachos from the oven and serve immediately. Top with guacamole, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro leaves.
Notes
Tip 1:
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder in the spices and beer for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
Tip 2:
Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Additional options such as diced avocados, corn, or sliced olives can enhance the nachos.
Tip 3:
The remaining shredded pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future use in other dishes.
Cook techniques
Searing Meat
Searing involves cooking the surface of the pork in hot oil, allowing it to caramelize and develop a rich flavor. This technique enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Pressure Cooking
Using an Instant Pot, the pressure cooking technique cooks the pork shoulder quickly while maintaining moisture and tenderness, breaking down tough fibers for a juicy result.
Layering Ingredients
When preparing the nachos, layering the shredded pork, black beans, pico de gallo, and cheeses ensures an even distribution of flavors and textures, enhancing the overall snacking experience.
Baking
Baking the dish helps to melt the cheese and heat through the ingredients without overcooking them, creating a deliciously gooey and cohesive topping for the tortilla chips.
Shredding Meat
Shredding the cooked pork into bite-sized pieces allows for better incorporation with the other toppings, making it easier to serve and enjoy each flavorful bite.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork shoulder?
Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder with chicken thighs or beef, but cooking times may vary.
What type of beer can I use if I don’t have pilsner or lager?
Any light beer can work as a substitute; just ensure it is not overly hoppy or dark.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add more chili powder or diced fresh chilies, or use spicy salsa in place of pico de gallo.
What can I do with leftover pork?
Leftover pork can be used in tacos, burritos, or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake the nachos when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
This hearty and flavorful dish showcases the versatility of pork shoulder, perfectly complemented by the crunch of tortilla chips and an array of delicious toppings. The blend of spices, beer, and fresh ingredients creates a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the bold flavors and customizable toppings for a true crowd-pleaser.
Cheesy Pulled Pork Nachos
Try using different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or feta, for a unique twist on your nachos.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Serve the shredded pork on slider buns, topped with coleslaw for a delicious BBQ experience.
Pork Tacos
Use the shredded pork as a filling for soft or hard taco shells, adding your favorite toppings like salsa, lettuce, and avocado.
Pork Burrito Bowls
Layer the shredded pork over rice or quinoa, adding black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and your choice of salsa and dressing.
Pork Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with shredded pork, cheese, and your favorite veggies, then grill until crispy and golden brown.
Pork Chili
Incorporate the shredded pork into a hearty chili recipe, adding beans, tomatoes, and your choice of spices for a warming meal.
