Barbecue Pork Tacos with Honey Mustard Slaw

My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Barbecue Pork Tacos with Honey Mustard Slaw

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities leaves me with little energy, but I refuse to compromise on quality family time or nutritious meals. That's why I've developed a go-to recipe that's both quick, easy, and a crowd-pleaser: Barbecue Pork Tacos with Honey Mustard Slaw.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the pork to become incredibly tender and infused with smoky barbecue flavor. While the pork simmers away, I can focus on other things – prepping the slaw, catching up on emails, or even just enjoying a quiet moment. The slaw itself is a vibrant and tangy contrast to the rich pork, adding a refreshing crunch and a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes. I love the convenience of using a pre-made slaw mix, but feel free to chop your own cabbage, carrots, and red onion for an even more personalized touch.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its adaptability. Leftover pork can be used in countless ways – salads, quesadillas, or even just a simple sandwich. The slaw is equally versatile and pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a side dish for burgers. The preparation time is minimal, and the cooking time is largely hands-off thanks to the slow cooker. I typically start the pork in the morning before heading to work, ensuring that a delicious and comforting dinner awaits us when we return home.

The process of assembling the tacos is a fun family activity, too. My kids love helping me warm the tortillas and adding their favorite toppings. We often have a taco bar, with options like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and a variety of hot sauces. This transforms a simple weeknight meal into a celebratory event, bringing everyone together around the table to share a meal and stories. The cheesy, melty tortillas are a fun twist, adding a wonderful textural element and ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. The sweetness of the honey mustard slaw perfectly complements the smoky barbecue pork, creating a truly unforgettable flavor combination. It's a recipe that consistently receives rave reviews and is a regular fixture in our meal rotation. It's more than just a dinner; it's a family tradition in the making.

Beyond the convenience and deliciousness, this recipe also provides a healthy and balanced meal. The pork is a great source of protein, while the slaw offers a substantial dose of vitamins and fiber. Adjusting the amount of barbecue sauce allows you to control the overall sodium content. The corn tortillas provide a good source of carbohydrates for sustained energy. It’s a meal that nourishes both body and soul, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy solution that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

This recipe is truly a testament to the idea that delicious, healthy meals don't have to be complicated. With a little planning and a dash of creativity, even the busiest schedules can accommodate delicious, home-cooked meals that bring families together. This isn't just a recipe; it's a symbol of making the most of precious family time, one delicious taco at a time.

So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal that's sure to impress your family and friends, give my Barbecue Pork Tacos with Honey Mustard Slaw a try. You won't be disappointed!

Step-by-step

• Generously season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper and garlic powder, and rub pork shoulder with your favorite barbecue sauce (I used a pastry brush to help me do this).
• Place in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
• Once cooked, remove pork shoulder and slightly shred - discard any fatty parts. Careful not to shred the pork too much - you want nice chunks of pork in your tacos.
• Add about ½ cup to 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce depending on how big your pork shoulder was.
• To make the slaw, whisk the mayo, dijon, honey, milk, salt and pepper in a bowl.
• Add the slaw to the honey mustard dressing and mix.
• To prepare tacos, place a skillet over medium heat.
• Add one corn tortilla to the skillet then place a handful of cheese on top of it, then place another corn tortilla on top of the cheese so the tortillas are "glued" together with cheese.
• Warm through for about a minute or two then flip and warm through on the other side.
• Add pork to the tortillas then top with slaw and any additional toppings as you wish.