Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to transform your weeknight meals into an extraordinary experience: Instant Pot Sweet Pulled Pork. This recipe redefines the traditional pulled pork by infusing it with a delightful sweetness and an undeniable ease, all thanks to the magic of your pressure cooker. Forget long hours simmering on the stove or smoking in a pit; our method delivers tender, flavorful pork in a fraction of the time, making gourmet a possibility even on your busiest evenings. By combining the zesty depth of enchilada sauce with the rich sweetness of barbecue sauce, we’ve crafted a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting, guaranteed to become a family favorite.
This isn’t just another pulled pork recipe; it’s a versatile culinary staple designed for convenience and incredible taste. Whether nestled in soft sandwiches, wrapped in warm burritos, tossed into vibrant salads, or serving as the star of hearty burrito bowls, this sweet pulled pork adapts effortlessly to countless meal ideas. Its robust flavor and succulent texture make it an ideal choice for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week with minimal effort. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it took all day to make, but only took minutes of active cooking.
Discover the Ultimate Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Experience
Prepare to elevate your home cooking with what we confidently call the best Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe you’ll ever try. This pressure-cooked delight draws inspiration from the legendary sweetness of Cafe Rio sweet pork, delivering a similar depth of flavor with unparalleled ease. The secret lies in a harmonious blend of tangy enchilada sauce and your favorite sweet barbecue sauce, creating a complex, crave-worthy taste that stands out from any other pulled pork dish. This unique combination ensures every bite is juicy, tender, and bursting with a sweet and savory symphony.
Beyond its incredible taste, this recipe shines in its practicality. It’s perfectly tailored for busy weeknight meals, allowing you to put a wholesome, homemade dinner on the table without the stress. The Instant Pot drastically cuts down cooking time, transforming tough cuts of pork into fork-tender perfection in under an hour of active pressure cooking. Furthermore, this recipe is a meal prepper’s dream. Cook a larger batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a versatile protein ready to go for lunches and dinners throughout the week. It freezes beautifully too, ensuring you always have a delicious option just a thaw away. From classic pulled pork sandwiches to creative enchiladas, quesadillas, and taquitos, this sweet pulled pork pairs exceptionally well with a multitude of dishes, promising endless culinary possibilities.
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
Crafting this mouthwatering Instant Pot Sweet Pulled Pork begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tender. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Boneless Pork Shoulder Roast: This is the cornerstone of our pulled pork. A boneless pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt) is ideal for shredding due to its rich marbling, which breaks down beautifully under pressure, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat. A typical 3-4 pound roast works wonderfully for this recipe, easily fitting into most Instant Pot models.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple yet crucial for seasoning. We recommend coarse kosher salt and freshly coarse-ground black pepper to create a flavorful crust during searing and enhance the pork’s natural taste. These provide a foundational layer of seasoning that permeates the meat.
- Avocado Oil: Chosen for its virtually flavorless profile and high smoke point, avocado oil is excellent for searing the pork. It allows you to achieve that desirable golden-brown exterior without imparting any unwanted flavors, ensuring the sauce’s distinct taste remains prominent. Other neutral oils like grapeseed or canola can also be used.
- Broth (Chicken or Vegetable): A small amount of liquid is essential for pressure cooking and deglazing the pot. Vegetable broth is preferred in this recipe as it complements the sweet and savory notes without overpowering them, but chicken broth also works remarkably well, adding another layer of savory depth to the sauce.
- Brown Sugar: This ingredient is key to the “sweet” in our sweet pulled pork. Measured unpacked, both dark and light brown sugar are suitable. Dark brown sugar will impart a deeper molasses flavor, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness. Choose based on your preference for intensity.
- Green Enchilada Sauce: This is the secret ingredient that lends a unique tang and a subtle hint of spice. We typically use a mild green enchilada sauce to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking. Store-bought sauces are convenient, but homemade varieties can add an extra layer of freshness.
- Barbecue Sauce: The second powerhouse in our flavor fusion. Our personal favorite is Sweet Baby Ray’s for its balanced sweetness and thickness, which contributes beautifully to the final sauce. However, feel free to use any sweet barbecue sauce that your family loves. Experimenting with different brands and flavor profiles can lead to exciting new variations.
Customizing Your Sweet Pulled Pork: Substitutions and Alterations
One of the beauties of this Instant Pot Sweet Pulled Pork recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to customize it to your family’s preferences or based on what you have available. Here are some smart substitutions and alterations:
- Pork Cut Alternatives: While boneless pork shoulder roast is our top recommendation for its ideal fat content and tender results, you have other excellent options. A boneless pork butt or even a pork loin roast can be used. Pork loin roast will yield a leaner pulled pork with less saturated fat, which might be preferable for some. Just be mindful that leaner cuts can dry out more easily if overcooked, so ensure you stick to the specified cooking times. Your local grocery store might also carry a picnic roast (which is part of the pork shoulder), and it works just as well.
- Brown Sugar Substitutes: If you’re looking to reduce calories or manage sugar intake, a brown sugar substitute (like erythritol-based or stevia-based brown sugar alternatives) can be used. Be sure to follow the conversion rates specified by the particular brand you choose, as sweetness levels can vary. This allows you to enjoy the sweet flavor without the added sugar.
- Barbecue Sauce Choices: Our recipe highlights Sweet Baby Ray’s due to its crowd-pleasing sweetness and rich consistency, which creates an ideal sauce for the pulled pork. However, the world of BBQ sauces is vast and delicious! Don’t hesitate to use your absolute favorite brand and flavor. Whether you prefer a smoky, spicy, or even fruit-based BBQ sauce, it will impart its unique character to the dish. Just ensure it has a good balance of sweetness to complement the enchilada sauce.
- Experimenting with Soda (Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola): A popular trick among some pulled pork aficionados is to add a can of Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola to the cooking liquid. The carbonation and sugars are said to contribute extra sweetness and help break down the meat even further, resulting in exceptionally tender pork. While we haven’t personally tried this variation in this specific recipe, it’s a widely appreciated method for enhancing flavor and tenderness. If you decide to experiment, you might reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
- Avocado Oil Swaps: The main purpose of avocado oil here is its high smoke point and neutral flavor, perfect for searing. If you don’t have avocado oil, any other mild-tasting, high smoke point oil will work equally well. Options include grapeseed oil, canola oil, or even vegetable oil. The goal is to achieve a beautiful sear on the pork without burning the oil, contributing to a deeper flavor profile.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Instant Pot Sweet Pulled Pork
Making delicious Instant Pot Sweet Pulled Pork requires only a few standard kitchen tools, making it accessible for any home cook. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth cooking process:
- Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker): The star of this recipe! Any model of Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker will work wonders, drastically reducing cooking time while delivering incredibly tender results.
- Tongs: Indispensable for handling the hot pork, especially during searing and when transferring it in and out of the Instant Pot. Long-handled tongs are recommended for safety.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like salt, pepper, and cornstarch (if thickening the sauce).
- Measuring Cups: Essential for precise measurements of broth, brown sugar, enchilada sauce, and barbecue sauce, ensuring the perfect flavor balance.
- Whisk: To effectively combine the sauce ingredients and create a smooth slurry if you choose to thicken the cooking liquid.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For safely cutting the pork shoulder into sections before searing.
- Two Forks (or a Stand Mixer): For shredding the tender pork once it’s cooked. Two forks make quick work of it, but a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can shred a large batch in seconds.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pulled Pork in an Instant Pot with Sweet Baby Ray’s Sauce
Creating this irresistible Instant Pot Sweet Pulled Pork is surprisingly simple and straightforward. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve a perfectly tender and flavorful dish that your family will adore. For precise measurements and nutritional information, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card towards the end of this article.
- Prepare the Pork: Begin by cutting your boneless pork shoulder roast into 4 large, manageable sections. This helps ensure even searing and more efficient pressure cooking, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Optional Searing for Enhanced Flavor: Searing the pork before pressure cooking is an optional but highly recommended step. It adds a crucial layer of rich, caramelized flavor (the Maillard reaction) that significantly enhances the final dish. To do this, turn your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers.
- Sear the Pork: Once the oil is hot, lightly sprinkle the pork roast sections with salt and pepper. Carefully place them into the hot Instant Pot. Sear each side for approximately one minute, just until a beautiful golden-brown exterior develops. Remember, you’re not cooking the pork through at this stage; you’re simply building flavor.
- Remove the Pork: After searing, press the CANCEL button on your Instant Pot to turn off the SAUTE function. Carefully remove the seared pork shoulder sections from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in 1/4 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. This crucial step, known as deglazing, not only incorporates those rich flavors into your sauce but also prevents your Instant Pot from triggering a “burn” warning, especially if it’s sensitive.
- Whisk in the Sauce Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of unpacked brown sugar, 15 ounces of green enchilada sauce, and 1/4 cup of your favorite sweet barbecue sauce (like Sweet Baby Ray’s) to the Instant Pot. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved, creating a wonderfully aromatic sauce.
- Return the Pork: Carefully place the seared pork sections back into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are nestled comfortably in the sauce. Turn the pork pieces gently to coat them evenly with the flavorful liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place. Set the steam release handle to the SEALING position. Select the HIGH PRESSURE cooking function and set the timer for 60 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Press CANCEL. Immediately perform a QUICK RELEASE of the pressure by carefully turning the steam release handle to the VENTING position. Be cautious of the hot steam escaping.
- Shred and Thicken (Optional): Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve drops, open the lid. The pork should be incredibly tender and ready to shred. You can serve it as is at this point, or if you prefer a thicker sauce, carefully remove the shredded pork from the pot. Turn the Instant Pot back to the SAUTE function. In a small bowl, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/2 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Add this slurry to the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Return the shredded pork to the thickened sauce (if you chose to thicken it) and stir to combine. Serve this delicious sweet pulled pork in whatever way your family loves most! Popular options include sandwiches, burritos, taquitos, salads, and burrito bowls. We particularly adore ours served on a soft brioche bun, often topped with a refreshing coleslaw and a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce. The serving possibilities are truly endless!
Optimal Instant Pot Cooking Time for Pulled Pork
To achieve perfectly tender, shreddable pulled pork in your Instant Pot, the ideal cooking time on high pressure is 60 minutes. This duration is specifically calibrated for a 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder roast that has been cut into approximately four equal sections, allowing the meat to break down thoroughly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Serve Sweet Baby Ray’s Pulled Pork
The beauty of this Instant Pot Sweet Pulled Pork is its incredible versatility. Once shredded and coated in its rich, sweet, and tangy sauce, it’s ready to transform into countless delicious meals. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve this adaptable dish:
- Classic Sandwiches: The most popular choice! Pile the warm pulled pork high on soft brioche buns or kaiser rolls. Add a dollop of creamy coleslaw for a delightful crunch and tang, and a drizzle of extra Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce for good measure. Pickles and thinly sliced red onion are also excellent additions.
- Hearty Burritos & Tacos: Wrap the flavorful pork in warm flour tortillas with your favorite fillings. Think rice, black beans, corn salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice for a satisfying meal. For tacos, serve in smaller corn or flour tortillas with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, onions, and avocado.
- Nutritious Salads & Burrito Bowls: For a lighter option, create vibrant salads with a bed of crisp mixed greens, avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, and a generous scoop of pulled pork. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. For a burrito bowl, combine the pork with rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Cheesy Quesadillas & Enchiladas: Take your Tex-Mex night to the next level. Layer the pulled pork with plenty of shredded cheese between two tortillas for crispy quesadillas. For enchiladas, roll the pork and cheese in tortillas, cover with more enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Crispy Taquitos: A fantastic appetizer or fun dinner! Roll small amounts of pulled pork tightly in corn tortillas, secure with a toothpick, then bake or fry until golden and crisp. Serve with a side of guacamole or a cooling sour cream dip.
- Pulled Pork Nachos: A perfect game-day snack! Layer tortilla chips with sweet pulled pork, melted cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho toppings.
- Sweet Potato Topping: For a simple yet satisfying meal, spoon the warm pulled pork over baked sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the potato perfectly complements the pork.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Sweet Baby Ray’s Pulled Pork promises a meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, making it a regular fixture in your meal rotation.
Instant Pot Sweet Pork: Expert Tips, Smart Tricks, and Common FAQs
Mastering your Instant Pot Sweet Pulled Pork is easy with these helpful tips and answers to frequently asked questions:
- Pork Doneness Check: The true test of perfectly cooked pulled pork is its ability to shred effortlessly. If you find the pork tough or resistant when you try to shred it, it hasn’t been cooked long enough. This often happens if you use a larger pork roast than the 3-4 lb specified in the recipe. In such cases, simply return the lid, seal it, and pressure cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, followed by a quick release. It should literally be falling apart when it’s done.
- Shredding Perfection: Once cooked, the pork should be so tender that it practically shreds itself. You can easily do this with two forks, pulling the meat in opposite directions until it’s all shredded. For larger batches or if you prefer an even faster method, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment can shred the entire roast in seconds.
- The Flavorful Cooking Liquid: Don’t discard the cooking liquid from the Instant Pot! While thickening it is optional, this liquid is packed with incredible sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It makes an outstanding sauce to pour generously over your shredded pork, keeping it moist and adding an extra burst of taste. It’s too delicious to waste.
- Searing is Key for Flavor: While the recipe states searing is optional, it truly makes a difference. The caramelization created during searing (the Maillard reaction) adds a deep, complex flavor to the pork that you won’t get otherwise. If you have the extra few minutes, it’s a step worth taking. If you’re really pressed for time, you can skip it, but expect a slightly less rich flavor profile.
- Preventing the “Burn” Message: Deglazing the pot after searing is crucial. Scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot insert with broth prevents them from burning during pressure cooking, which can trigger a “burn” warning on your machine. Ensure the bottom is clean before adding the rest of your ingredients.
- Batch Cooking and Freezing: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Double the recipe if your Instant Pot size allows (ensure you don’t overfill past the max fill line). Cooked and shredded pork freezes exceptionally well, making future meal prep a breeze.
- Adjusting Sweetness: The sweetness level can be adjusted. If you prefer a less sweet profile, reduce the brown sugar by a quarter. If you like it extra sweet, you can add another tablespoon or two, or try the Dr. Pepper/Coca-Cola trick mentioned earlier.
Can this be made in the slow cooker? Yes, absolutely! While this recipe focuses on the speed of the Instant Pot, you can certainly adapt it for a slow cooker. You would typically sear the pork (optional) and then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is easily shreddable.
Does pressure cooking pulled pork taste different than slow cooking? There can be subtle differences. Slow cooking allows flavors to meld over a much longer period, sometimes resulting in a deeper, more integrated flavor. However, pressure cooking infuses flavors rapidly and can achieve very similar, excellent results in a fraction of the time. Many people find the taste very comparable, with the Instant Pot offering significant time-saving benefits.
What cut of pork is best for pulled pork? We prefer to use boneless pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt) for its excellent fat marbling, which yields incredibly tender and moist shredded pork. Pork loin roast and picnic roast also work great, with pork loin being a leaner option.
Do I have to sear the pork? It’s not strictly required for the pork to cook through, but it is highly recommended. Searing adds a rich, caramelized layer of flavor (the Maillard reaction) to the pork that significantly enhances the final taste profile. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but you’ll miss out on that extra depth of flavor.
Can you overcook pulled pork in a pressure cooker? Yes, it is possible to overcook pork in a pressure cooker. While the Instant Pot is forgiving, cooking pork for too long can lead to a drier texture and sometimes a slightly mushy or stringy consistency that isn’t ideal for pulled pork. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
Can you use pork loin for pulled pork? Yes, pork loin is an excellent choice for making pulled pork, especially if you prefer a leaner result. Keep in mind that pork loin is not the same as pork tenderloin; tenderloin is much smaller and cooks much faster, making it less suitable for traditional pulled pork. When using pork loin, watch your cooking time closely to prevent it from drying out.
How long does pulled pork cook in the Instant Pot? For this recipe, pulled pork cooks in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 60 minutes. This timing ensures a 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder roast is perfectly tender and ready to be shredded.
Storing Your Instant Pot Sweet Pulled Pork
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Instant Pot Sweet Pulled Pork for days to come, whether you’re planning for leftovers or meal prepping. Follow these guidelines to maintain its moisture and flavor:
How to Store Sweet Pork in the Refrigerator
When storing your sweet pulled pork in the refrigerator, it’s crucial to keep it moist and flavorful. Transfer the shredded pork along with all the delicious cooking liquid from the Instant Pot into an airtight container. The liquid will act as a protective barrier, preventing the pork from drying out and ensuring it retains its savory-sweet taste. Stored correctly, the pulled pork will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
How to Store Sweet Pork in the Freezer
For longer storage, the sweet pulled pork freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. First, allow the shredded pork to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer both the pork and its cooking liquid into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight freezer container. For zip-top bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing, and then lay the bag flat to freeze. Freezing it flat saves space and allows for quicker thawing. The pulled pork will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How to Reheat Sweet Pulled Pork
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored pulled pork, reheating it “low and slow” is generally the best approach to preserve its tenderness and moisture. If you’re reheating from the freezer, make sure to thaw the pork completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat your pulled pork using a few methods:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the thawed pulled pork and its liquid in an oven-safe dish, cover it tightly with foil, and heat until it is warmed through, typically 20-30 minutes for a single serving. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop Method: Transfer the thawed pulled pork and its liquid to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cover and simmer gently, stirring frequently, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if it appears too dry.
- Microwave Method: For quick reheating, place a single serving of pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish with a little extra liquid (if available). Cover loosely and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir, then continue heating in 30-second increments until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the pork.
Other Delicious Pork Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Easy Baked Ranch Pork Chops
- How to Make Carnitas
- Crispy Fried Pork Chops with Gravy
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Instant Pot Sweet Baby Ray’s Pulled Pork
This pulled pork recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. It goes great in sandwiches, burritos, salads, and burrito bowls.
Equipment
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Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
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measuring cups
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measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 4- pound boneless pork shoulder roast
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
- 15 ounces green enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup sweet barbecue sauce
Instructions
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Cut the pork shoulder roast into 4 large sections.
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Searing your pork roast is optional, and not required. It adds flavor, but you can skip this part if you prefer. Turn the Instant Pot on to SAUTE. Add avocado oil.
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Once the oil is hot and shimmering, sprinkle the pork roast with salt and pepper and add to the Instant Pot. Sear on each side for about a minute. Just until it develops a nice golden brown exterior. You are not cooking it through.
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Press CANCEL. Remove the pork shoulder and set it aside.
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Pour in the broth and deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot insert by scraping the browned bits from the bottom. This will help prevent your Instant Pot from giving a burn warning if it’s sensitive.
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Add the brown sugar, enchilada sauce, and bbq sauce to the Instant Pot. Whisk to combine.
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Add the pork back to the Instant Pot turning to coat in the sauce.
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Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to SEALING. Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 60 minutes.
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Press CANCEL and QUICK RELEASE the pressure.
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Open the lid and shred the pork. It is ready to serve at this point, but you can also thicken the cooking liquid if you would like. If you want to thicken it, remove the pork, turn the Instant Pot to SAUTE. Add a corn starch slurry (½ tablespoon cornstarch mixed with ½ tablespoon of cold water) to the liquid and whisk until thickened.
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Serve in whatever way your family loves. You can serve it in sandwiches, burritos, taquitos, salads, and burrito bowls. The options are endless. We love ours served on a brioche bun.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.