Authentic Mexican Pork Flautas Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound of pork shoulder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon of cumin
1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
12 small flour tortillas
1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup of vegetable oil for frying
2 cups of lettuce, shredded
1/2 cup of salsa
1/2 cup of sour cream

Steps and instructions

Season the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, garlic, and onion.
Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Once the pork is fully cooked, shred it using two forks and mix in the cumin and chili powder.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On each tortilla, place a portion of the shredded pork and top with a sprinkling of the Monterey Jack cheese.
Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Brush the rolled tortillas with vegetable oil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
While the flautas are baking, prepare the garnish by shredding the lettuce.
Once the flautas are ready, serve them on a plate garnished with the shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.

Tools for making

Slow cooker - Used to cook the pork shoulder slowly and evenly.
Baking sheet - Used to bake the flautas in the oven.
Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the flautas from sticking.
Forks - Used to shred the cooked pork shoulder.
Brush - Used to brush vegetable oil onto the flautas before baking.
Plate - Used to serve the flautas.
Grater - Used to shred the lettuce for garnishing.

Recipe variations

Use chicken instead of pork for a different flavor.
Replace flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Add diced green chilies or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack.
Add diced bell peppers or corn kernels for added texture and flavor.
Include chopped cilantro or fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
Make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with black beans or sautéed vegetables.
Serve with guacamole or queso dip for dipping.
Add a squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle of lime zest for a citrusy twist.
Try baking the flautas instead of frying them for a healthier option.

Recipe overview

Enjoy the flavors of Mexico with these delicious Pork Flautas. A flauta, Spanish for 'flute', is a rolled-up tortilla filled with meat and cheese, then baked until crispy. This recipe uses a slow-cooked, seasoned pork shoulder and melty Monterey Jack cheese as the filling, providing a hearty and savory bite. The flautas are then garnished with fresh, shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream for a refreshing contrast. Cooking the pork in a slow cooker ensures it's tender and flavorful, while baking the tortillas gives them that irresistible crunch. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering - everyone will love these satisfying, crunchy, and flavorful Pork Flautas!

Common questions

Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork shoulder? Yes, you can use pork tenderloin or pork loin as alternatives to pork shoulder.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. However, they may be more delicate and prone to breaking, so handle them carefully.
Can I make these flautas ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the flautas in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, bake them in the oven until they are heated through and crispy.
Can I freeze the flautas? Yes, you can freeze the flautas before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with the flautas? Flautas are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with guacamole, pico de gallo, or a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use other types of shredded cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack if you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - Used to bake the flautas in the oven.
Parchment paper - Lined on the baking sheet to prevent the flautas from sticking.
Slow cooker - Used to cook the pork shoulder until it is tender and easy to shred.
Forks - Used to shred the cooked pork shoulder.
Brush - Used to brush vegetable oil on the rolled tortillas before baking.

Origin stories

Flautas, meaning 'flutes' in Spanish, are a popular dish in various regions of Mexico, and their name comes from their long, thin, flute-like shape. The dish is versatile and can be filled with various ingredients including beef, chicken, cheese, and in our case, pork. They are known for their crispy exterior and flavorful filling. Legend says that flautas were created by a resourceful Mexican housewife who needed to feed her large family with limited ingredients. She filled tortillas with leftover meat, rolled them up, and fried them to crispy perfection. This economical and delicious dish soon spread across the country, becoming a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine. In various regions, they're also known as "taquitos", depending on the size and preparation method. This culinary gem truly demonstrates the resourcefulness and creativity in traditional Mexican cooking.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.