Coogirl Candy Glazed Pork And Pickled Slaw Tacos

Coogirl Candy Glazed Pork And Pickled Slaw Tacos

Recipe #1 will feature Coogirl Candy (position 1 of 7 in rotation) https://coomoojams.com/product/cowgirl-candy/

Recipe Overview

These bright tacos pair tender pan seared pork shoulder with a sticky Coogirl Candy glaze and a quick tangy pickled slaw that balances sweet heat. Coogirl Candy is used twice: chopped jalapeños are folded into the slaw for crunchy pops of flavor and the syrup is reduced into a glossy glaze to finish the pork.

Ingredients

For the Pork

• 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Coogirl Candy Glaze

• 1/3 cup Coogirl Candy syrup from the jar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon water, if needed to loosen

Quick Pickled Slaw

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 3 tablespoons chopped Coogirl Candy jalapeños, drained well
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

To Assemble

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prep the slaw
   1. In a medium bowl combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, sliced red onion, and chopped Coogirl Candy jalapeños.
   2. In a small bowl whisk rice vinegar, lime juice, sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves.
   3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, toss, and set aside to pickle while you cook the pork, at least 10 minutes.
2. Make the glaze
   1. In a small saucepan combine Coogirl Candy syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger.
   2. Warm over low heat, stirring, until the mixture loosens and becomes glossy, about 2 to 3 minutes. If too thick, add 1 teaspoon water to reach a spoonable glaze.
   3. Keep warm and off the heat.
3. Cook the pork
   1. Season the pork cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
   2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
   3. Add pork in a single layer and sear without moving for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Stir and continue to cook until pork is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes total depending on size.
   4. Reduce heat to low and pour half of the warm Coogirl Candy glaze over the pork. Toss to coat and heat through for 1 minute so the glaze clings to the meat.
   5. Remove from heat and transfer pork to a bowl. Reserve remaining glaze for finishing the tacos and for the table.
4. Warm tortillas
   1. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 20 to 30 seconds per side or wrap in a damp towel and microwave 30 seconds until pliable.
5. Assemble the tacos
   1. Place a spoonful of glazed pork in the center of each warmed tortilla.
   2. Top with a generous pinch of quick pickled slaw, a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or cotija, and chopped cilantro.
   3. Drizzle a little of the reserved Coogirl Candy glaze over the top for extra shine and flavor, and serve with lime wedges.

Tips

• To advance prep, make the pickled slaw up to one day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator.
• Use the jar of Coogirl Candy on the table for guests who want extra candied jalapeños or syrup.
• For a smoky char, finish the glazed pork under a hot broiler for 1 minute per side before tossing in glaze, watching closely so it does not burn.