The Ultimate Everyday Shredded Pork and Avocado Burritos: Simple, Flavorful, and a Family Favorite
Discover how to make incredibly easy and delicious shredded pork and avocado burritos, featuring tender pork, creamy avocado, zesty mayo, and crisp fresh vegetables. Perfect for any day of the week!
Every family has those few cherished recipes that become staple dishes, requested time and time again. For my husband, Matt, and I, these Everyday Shredded Pork and Avocado Burritos hold that special place. It’s a dish so simple yet bursting with flavor, reminding us of good times and comforting meals shared with loved ones.
The story of these burritos begins over 16 years ago, during my college days. I vividly recall a weekend visit to my parents’ house when I received a phone call from Matt, my then-boyfriend. He was also home for the weekend, and a significant portion of his conversation revolved around a newfound obsession: my mom’s incredible pork and avocado burritos. He had tasted them at our house a few months prior and had been completely captivated by their deliciousness.
At that point in my life, cooking was not exactly my forte, so it was my mom who graciously shared her secret. Matt, ever eager to replicate the magic, carefully jotted down the steps over the phone. I could hear the excitement in his voice, the anticipation of creating this beloved meal for his own family. That very weekend, he successfully delighted his loved ones by preparing his newfound favorite burritos for dinner. It was a proud moment for him, and a testament to the simple yet profound appeal of this recipe. Even today, all these years later, these Everyday Shredded Pork and Avocado Burritos remain one of Matt’s all-time favorite meals, a true testament to their enduring appeal and delicious flavor.
Why These Shredded Pork and Avocado Burritos Are a Must-Try
There’s a reason these burritos have stood the test of time in our household. They strike the perfect balance between comfort food and fresh, vibrant flavors. Here’s what makes them truly special and a guaranteed hit for your next meal:
- The Star Ingredient: Everyday Shredded Pork. A couple of weeks ago, I shared my recipe for Everyday Shredded Pork, which is incredibly easy to make and yields exceptionally juicy, tender, and flavorful meat. This pork is not just an ingredient; it’s the heart and soul of these burritos. Its rich, savory notes provide a robust foundation that elevates the entire dish. You can prepare it ahead of time in an Instant Pot or slow cooker, making your burrito assembly quick and stress-free.
- Versatile Tortillas for Every Preference. The beauty of these burritos lies in their adaptability. While I typically opt for standard store-bought flour tortillas for convenience, you have plenty of choices. Feel free to use gluten-free options like Siete tortillas if you have dietary restrictions. For those who enjoy a culinary challenge and an unparalleled fresh taste, delicious homemade tortillas are always a fantastic choice. The key is to warm them properly so they are soft and pliable, ready to embrace all the wonderful fillings.
- Customizable Heat Level. We love a little kick in our food, which is why we always include diced jalapeño. However, this is entirely optional and easily omitted if you or your children prefer a milder flavor. For a nuanced approach, you can even sauté a portion of the meat with just onion for the kids, then add jalapeño to the adult portions. This ensures everyone at the table can enjoy these burritos exactly to their liking.
- Perfect for Leftovers (and Beyond!). If you find yourself with any leftover sautéed shredded pork from this recipe, do not let it go to waste! It’s incredibly versatile. One of our favorite ways to enjoy it the next morning is by scrambling some eggs with the pork for a hearty and flavorful breakfast. Beyond breakfast, leftover shredded pork can be transformed into amazing tacos, quesadillas, nachos, or even added to a quick salad for a protein boost.
- Simple Ingredients, Sophisticated Flavors. What truly sets these burritos apart is how seemingly simple ingredients come together to create a complex and gourmet experience. The tender, seasoned pork, the creamy richness of mayo and mashed avocado, and the crisp freshness of diced lettuce and tomato create a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. It’s a testament to how quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation can transform an everyday meal into something truly special.
- Nutritional Benefits. Beyond their incredible taste, these burritos also offer a good balance of nutrients. Lean shredded pork provides protein, while avocado delivers healthy monounsaturated fats. The fresh vegetables contribute essential vitamins and fiber, making this a satisfying and relatively wholesome meal that fuels your body.
- Serving Suggestions. These burritos are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or some tortilla chips and your favorite salsa for added crunch and flavor. They’re fantastic for weeknight dinners, weekend lunches, or even as a make-ahead option for busy days.
Now that you know what makes these burritos so special, let me guide you through the simple steps to create them in your own kitchen.
How to Make Everyday Shredded Pork and Avocado Burritos: Step-by-Step
Making these burritos is straightforward, but the little details make all the difference. Here’s how to bring this family favorite to your table:
- Prepare Your Shredded Pork: The foundation of these burritos is excellent shredded pork. You will need 4-5 cups of my Everyday Shredded Pork recipe. I highly recommend making this ahead of time, as it’s the most time-consuming component. Whether you use an Instant Pot or a slow cooker, follow the recipe instructions to get that perfectly tender, flavorful meat. Having it ready means these burritos can come together in minutes!
- Sauté the Pork and Aromatics: In a medium cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Cast iron is excellent for achieving a nice crisp on the pork. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the shredded pork. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork begins to crisp up and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. This adds an incredible texture contrast to the creamy fillings.
- Infuse with Flavor: Next, add ¼ cup of diced onion and 1 diced jalapeño (if using, see kid-friendly tip below) to the skillet with the pork. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring regularly, until the onion softens and becomes fragrant. The aroma will be incredible! Taste the mixture and adjust salt if needed, remembering that the pork is already seasoned.
Kid-Friendly/Non-Spicy Tip: If you’re making these for little ones or those sensitive to spice, simply add the onion to the pork, sauté it, and then separate a portion of the meat for them before adding the jalapeño to the rest of your portion. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the deliciousness!
- Prepare Your Fresh Fillings: While the pork is cooking, quickly dice 2 cups of fresh lettuce and 1 tomato. Mash 1 ripe avocado with a fork until creamy. Set these fresh ingredients aside, ready for assembly.
- Warm Your Tortillas: This step is crucial for perfect burritos! Heat a comal or a griddle over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla on the hot surface and warm it for about 15-30 seconds per side, flipping until it’s soft, pliable, and slightly puffy. A warm tortilla is essential for easy folding and prevents tearing.
- Assemble Your Burrito: Transfer the warmed tortilla to a plate. Spread about 1 ½ teaspoons of mayonnaise evenly over the tortilla. Then, layer 1 ½ teaspoons of the mashed avocado on top of the mayo. These creamy layers act as a delicious base and help bind the other ingredients.
- Add the Hearty Fillings: Spoon 4-5 tablespoons (or as much as you desire!) of the prepared crispy shredded pork mixture onto the center of the tortilla, over the creamy layers. Top this with a generous amount of diced lettuce and tomato. Finish with a light sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavors of the fresh vegetables.
- Fold and Serve:
Carefully fold your burrito, tucking in the sides first, then rolling tightly from the bottom up. If you need a little help with the technique, here is a quick video that may assist you in achieving a perfect fold. Repeat the entire assembly process with the remaining ingredients to make as many delicious burritos as your heart desires!
That’s all there is to it! This simple and satisfying meal is so incredibly delicious that it often graces our dinner table two days in a row. It’s a testament to its ease of preparation and irresistible flavors.
I genuinely hope you enjoy making and savoring these wonderful burritos as much as my family does!
If you try this recipe, please share your experience! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @everydaylatina. I love seeing your culinary creations!
Looking for more ways to use shredded pork? Don’t miss this other fantastic recipe: Chile Colorado with Shredded Pork. Click here to check it out!
Recipe
Everyday Shredded Pork and Avocado Burritos
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups Everyday Shredded Pork (see recipe notes for link)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ¼ diced onion
- 1 diced jalapeño (optional, see notes for kid-friendly tip)
- 2 cups diced or shredded lettuce
- 1 diced tomato
- 1 mashed avocado
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 8-10 flour tortillas (or as many as needed)
- salt to taste
Instructions
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First, ensure you have 4-5 cups of my Everyday Shredded Pork prepared. This is the foundation of your delicious burritos.
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In a medium cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the shredded pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat begins to crisp up and become golden brown.
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Add the ¼ cup of diced onion and 1 diced jalapeño (if using) to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring, until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
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Heat a comal or a griddle on medium heat. Place a flour tortilla on the comal and flip it until it is warm and soft, about 15-30 seconds per side.
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Place the warmed tortilla on a plate. Spread 1 ½ teaspoons of mayonnaise on the tortilla, followed by 1 ½ teaspoons of the mashed avocado on top of the mayo.
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Add 4-5 tablespoons (or as much as you like) of the prepared crispy pork mixture. Top with diced lettuce, diced tomato, and season with a sprinkle of salt.
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Fold your burrito by tucking in the sides and rolling it tightly from the bottom. Serve immediately. Repeat this process for as many burritos as you wish to make. If you need assistance with folding, here is a quick video that may help you.
Notes
- My Everyday Shredded Pork is absolutely essential for these burritos. For optimal flavor and to save time, consider cooking the pork the night before or in the morning.
- Kid-Friendly/Non-Spicy Tip: For children or those who prefer no spice, add the onion to the pork and sauté. Once cooked, separate a portion of the meat for them. Then, add the jalapeño to the remaining portion for the adults and finish sautéing. You can also leave out the jalapeño entirely for a completely mild version.
- Customization: Feel free to add other favorite toppings like a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Leftover Pork Ideas: Beyond burritos, leftover shredded pork is fantastic in scrambled eggs, tacos, quesadillas, or as a topping for nachos.
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