Pork Tacos

Cut the pork shoulder into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking - this size ensures the meat cooks quickly while staying tender. In a small bowl, combine all the dry seasonings: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create your taco seasoning blend. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced pork to the hot oil in a single layer - don't overcrowd the pan or the meat will steam instead of brown. Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to develop a nice sear, then stir and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the pork and stir to coat evenly, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the spices are toasted.

Push the seasoned pork to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion to the empty space. Cook the onion for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant - be careful not to burn the garlic. Mix the onion and garlic with the pork, then add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a spatula. These browned bits add incredible flavor to the dish. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until the pork is fully cooked through and tender, and most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if needed.

While the pork finishes cooking, prepare all your fresh toppings for easy taco assembly. Shred the lettuce into thin strips, dice the tomatoes and remove excess seeds and juice, finely dice the red onion, and chop the fresh cilantro. Slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Arrange all toppings in small bowls for a beautiful taco bar setup. To warm the tortillas, you can either wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or heat them individually in a dry skillet over medium heat for 15-20 seconds per side until warm and pliable. Keep the warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to maintain heat and moisture. Set up your taco assembly station with the warm tortillas, seasoned pork, and all the fresh toppings within easy reach.

Now for the fun part - assembling your perfect pork tacos! Take a warm tortilla and add about 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoned pork mixture down the center, leaving space at the edges for easy folding. Top with your desired combination of fresh ingredients: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro. Add a dollop of sour cream and a few avocado slices for creaminess. Don't overfill the tacos or they'll be difficult to eat. Fold the tortilla gently around the filling and serve immediately on individual plates. Provide lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their tacos for extra brightness and flavor. Each person can customize their tacos with their preferred toppings, making this a perfect family-friendly meal. The combination of perfectly seasoned pork, fresh vegetables, and creamy toppings creates an authentic and satisfying taco experience.