Imagine biting into a warm, crispy tortilla filled with succulent, smoky pulled pork, melted cheese, and a tangy BBQ sauce. Sound tempting? That's precisely the culinary journey the BBQ Pulled Pork Quesadilla invites you on. This dish is a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and classic American BBQ, making it a popular choice for both casual get-togethers and family dinners. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to prepare. All you need is a bit of patience while the pork slowly cooks to perfection, after which assembling the quesadilla is a breeze. This recipe will guide you step by step, ensuring you end up with a quesadilla that's just the right mix of crunchy, creamy, and flavor-packed.
Start by preparing the pulled pork. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring every bit is well-coated. Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker, pour in the BBQ sauce and water, and set to cook for about 6-8 hours on low heat.
Once the pork is tender and easily shreddable, remove it from the slow cooker, letting any excess liquid drip off. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Toss the pulled pork in some of the remaining BBQ sauce from the slow cooker to keep it moist and flavorful.
Now, onto the quesadillas. Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. On one half of each tortilla, evenly distribute the shredded cheese, pulled pork, diced onions, and chopped cilantro. Fold the tortillas in half, pressing gently to secure the filling inside.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. One at a time, cook the quesadillas for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Once cooked, transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and let them rest for a minute or two before slicing into wedges. Serve them hot, with a dollop of sour cream and a drizzle more BBQ sauce if desired.
If youre short on time, you can substitute the homemade pulled pork with store-bought, ready-made pulled pork. Just heat it up according to the package instructions, and youre good to go. Likewise, you could experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor twist. A smoked gouda or pepper jack would pair wonderfully with the BBQ pulled pork.
There you have it, your homemade BBQ Pulled Pork Quesadillas. Savor the symphony of flavors as you relish this delightful dish. Youll love the way the smoky pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese meld together inside the crispy tortilla. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to try our Mexican Street Corn Salad or Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos recipes. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family, and keep exploring our site for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!