Native American Pulled Pork Frybread Tacos

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we replace the Samoan Keke Pua'a with Native American frybread and transform it into a taco dish. The original dish is typically a sweet cake made with pork and coconut milk, while our version features savory pulled pork and frybread as the base. The spices used in the pulled pork are also different, reflecting the flavor profiles of Native American cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Keke pua'a, so you can check it out.

• For the pulled pork: For the pulled pork:
• 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, boneless 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, boneless
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15g) brown sugar 1 tablespoon (15g) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15g) paprika 1 tablespoon (15g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• For the frybread: For the frybread:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the toppings: For the toppings:
• Shredded lettuce Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes Diced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions Sliced red onions
• Chopped cilantro Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream Sour cream

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. 3.
   Push the onions and garlic to one side of the skillet and place the seasoned pork shoulder in the skillet. Sear the pork on all sides until browned.
4. 4.
   Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. 5.
   While the pork is cooking, prepare the frybread. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. 6.
   On a floured surface, knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them into discs.
7. 7.
   In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the dough discs until golden brown on both sides. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
9. 9.
   To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of pulled pork on each frybread disc. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
10. 10.
    Serve the Pulled Pork Frybread Tacos warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For the most tender and flavorful pulled pork, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder. Slow cooking is key to achieving the desired texture.
• Frybread — Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the dough discs to achieve a crispy and golden exterior. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to allow even cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a smoky flavor to the pulled pork, you can use smoked paprika or add a small amount of liquid smoke to the spice rub.
• Customize the toppings to your preference by adding sliced jalapenos, shredded cheese, or guacamole.
• Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in sandwiches or salads.

Serving advice

Serve the Pulled Pork Frybread Tacos as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany them with a side of salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Presentation advice

Arrange the frybread tacos on a platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves. Serve them alongside a colorful salad to create an appealing presentation.