Slow Cooker Pork Tinga Flautas

These Slow Cooker Pork Tinga Flautas are a perfect combination of tender, flavorful pork wrapped in a crispy, golden tortilla. The smoky chipotle flavor pairs perfectly with the rich pork, making for a dish that is both savory and satisfying. Whether served as a meal or an appetizer, these flautas are sure to impress.

Serve them with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added brightness and a burst of flavor. The crispy edges and spicy pork filling make for an irresistible combination that everyone will enjoy. These flautas are a great option for a casual dinner, party snacks, or even meal prep for the week.

Full Recipe:

2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
1 onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (7 oz) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
10-12 corn tortillas

Vegetable oil for frying
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions:

Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Add sliced onion, minced garlic, chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
Once the pork is cooked, shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded pork with the sauce from the slow cooker.
Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side to soften them.

Spoon a generous amount of the shredded pork mixture into each tortilla and roll tightly into a flauta.
Heat more oil in the skillet and fry the flautas in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown.
Drain the flautas on paper towels and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 7-8 hours (slow cooker) | Total Time: 7-8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

History and Origin

Pork tinga has its roots in Mexico, where it has been a staple of Mexican cuisine for generations. The word “tinga” comes from the Spanish term “tingir,” meaning “to dye,” which refers to the vibrant red color imparted by the chipotle peppers in the dish. Pork tinga is traditionally made by simmering pork in a rich sauce made of tomatoes, chipotle peppers, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. The slow-cooked pork is then shredded and served in tacos, tamales, or as a filling for flautas, as in this recipe.

The dish originates from Puebla, a region in central Mexico, where the use of chipotle peppers and slow-cooked meats is common. Over time, it spread throughout Mexico, with each region adding its own unique twist, such as varying the level of heat or adding other vegetables or meats. Flautas, on the other hand, are a broader Mexican tradition, typically made with a variety of fillings and served as a snack or appetizer. Combining the flavors of pork tinga with flautas is a perfect fusion of regional Mexican cuisine, bringing together the satisfying taste of slow-cooked meat with the crisp texture of fried tortillas.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of pork tinga flautas is their versatility. While the base recipe uses pork shoulder, many variations exist across regions and personal tastes. In some parts of Mexico, chicken tinga is a popular alternative, using shredded chicken in place of pork. The slow cooking process and chipotle-based sauce remain the same, offering a rich and spicy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the crispy tortillas.

Another variation is the type of tortilla used. While traditional flautas are made with corn tortillas, some regions or home cooks prefer using flour tortillas for a softer, slightly chewy bite. If you’re looking to make the dish even more unique, you can add other ingredients such as black beans, cheese, or roasted vegetables inside the flautas before frying them.

The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are integral to the smoky, spicy depth of flavor in pork tinga. However, for those who prefer a milder version, you can reduce the number of chipotle peppers or substitute them with other types of chilies, such as ancho or pasilla, which are milder but still add a smoky flavor.

Nutritional Information

When preparing pork tinga flautas, it’s important to consider both the nutritional value and the indulgent nature of the dish. While flautas are undeniably delicious, they are fried, which means they carry a higher fat content. However, there are ways to balance this out and enjoy them as part of a healthy diet.

Each serving of these flautas typically provides around 350-400 calories. A serving includes protein from the pork, as well as fiber from the tortillas and any vegetables you add to the filling, such as onions and tomatoes. Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins, including B12 and niacin. It’s also rich in zinc, which is vital for immune function and cell repair.

While the dish is flavorful, the frying process can add a considerable amount of fat. To make the dish lighter, you can consider baking the flautas instead of frying them, reducing the overall fat content. Additionally, if you’re concerned about sodium levels, using homemade broth or reducing the amount of salt added can make this dish a little healthier without compromising on taste.

For those looking to make the dish more balanced, serving it with a side of fresh greens or a light salad can add fiber and nutrients while complementing the rich, smoky flavors of the pork tinga.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Slow Cooker Pork Tinga Flautas are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving suggestions. For a traditional Mexican experience, serve them with a side of tangy salsa, creamy guacamole, or a refreshing pico de gallo. These toppings not only add a burst of color but also elevate the flavors with their freshness and contrast to the rich, smoky pork filling.

Pairing flautas with a simple green salad dressed with a zesty lime vinaigrette offers a light counterbalance to the richness of the fried tortillas and the pork. If you’re serving these flautas as a main dish, a side of rice and beans would make for a hearty and satisfying meal. Mexican rice, with its subtle tomato flavor, complements the spiciness of the tinga, while black beans or refried beans offer a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy flautas.

For beverages, consider serving your flautas with a cold, refreshing Mexican drink like horchata or agua fresca. These drinks are sweet and slightly floral, providing a lovely contrast to the spiciness of the pork tinga. If you prefer alcoholic beverages, a crisp, cold cerveza (beer) or a margarita would be a great pairing, as they both provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heat.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Making perfect Slow Cooker Pork Tinga Flautas requires a few key steps to ensure the meat is tender and the tortillas fry up crisp and golden. Here are some expert tips to guarantee your dish turns out beautifully:

Use the right cut of meat: Pork shoulder is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and ability to become tender and flavorful after long cooking times. If you don’t have pork shoulder, you can substitute with pork loin, though it may not be as tender.
Don’t over-fry the tortillas: Fry the tortillas just enough to make them pliable, but not too crispy before filling them. This will ensure they don’t break apart when you roll them and fry them later.

Shred the pork finely: For the best texture, shred the pork into fine, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the meat is easy to stuff into the tortillas and that each bite has a balanced ratio of filling and tortilla.
Fry in batches: If you’re frying the flautas, don’t overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches will ensure that each flauta gets crispy and golden without becoming soggy or greasy.
Let the flautas rest: After frying, let the flautas rest on paper towels for a few minutes. This helps absorb any excess oil, leaving you with a crispier, less greasy bite.

Potential Health Benefits

While flautas are undeniably indulgent, they can offer some health benefits, especially when made with nutritious ingredients like pork and fresh vegetables. Pork is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The chipotle peppers used in the tinga sauce are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and promote overall health. Additionally, the tomatoes and onions in the tinga sauce provide vitamins C and A, which are important for immune health and skin.

For those who are mindful of their health, consider adjusting the recipe to suit your needs. You can reduce the amount of oil used in frying by baking the flautas, making them a lighter option. Also, serving the flautas with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad can increase the fiber content of the meal, making it more balanced.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pork Tinga Flautas are a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Mexican cuisine—smoky, tender pork and crispy tortillas. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a party, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. The combination of rich flavors and crispy textures makes this dish truly irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, get your slow cooker ready, and enjoy the vibrant, delicious taste of these crispy, smoky flautas!