Pulled Pork Fajita Nachos 🌮

Published May 26, 2016 by
Scott Groth
| Post updated: December 10, 2024 |
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Get ready for a mouthwatering mashup of tender pulled pork fajitas and loaded nachos in my Fajita Nachos recipe. This dish combines cheesy goodness, crunchy chips, and vibrant Mexican flavors.

Fajita nachos are versatile and fit for any occasion, whether it's a casual get-together, game night, or a cozy evening meal. Enhance the experience by pairing them with your favorite beverages, sharing with friends, or enjoying solo; these nachos are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings! So, let's make some homemade nachos with tender pulled pork!

5 Reasons to Love This Recipe

Looking for reasons to dive into these Mexican pulled pork nachos recipe? Here are five:

Delicious crunch in every bite!
The perfect plate of nachos for any occasion!
Amazing combination of fajita and chips!
Layer upon layer of flavor in every bite!
Perfect party dish or game day treat!

Gluten-Free Chips For Nachos

Although I've always had a soft spot for nachos, lately, I've been falling head over heels for Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Chips. These crispy tortilla chips are seriously addictive and bring an extra layer of deliciousness to my fajita nachos. The combination is divine, whether paired with a slice of white cheddar, Manchego, or Jarlsberg. I used multigrain and blue corn chips for the nachos, each offering unique flavors that excite every bite. Who knew a basic nacho recipe could become such elite?

Food Should Taste Good generously supplied me with a variety of their chip flavors for this post. While running a catering company, we relied on their products for their consistently delicious taste and, importantly for me, their gluten-free nature. What sets these chips apart is their ability to maintain their crispiness even when loaded with toppings like cheese, meat, and veggies. It's a rare find in chips; too often, you end up with soggy nachos, but these chips stay crispy, enhancing the dish's overall flavor.

Are Fajita Nachos Low Carb?

Yes, fajita nachos can be low-carb if you use low-carb base options like lettuce wraps or pork rinds. As for this recipe, it is not low-carb because it includes traditional tortilla chips. However, you can customize it by substituting traditional tortilla chips with homemade low-carb tortillas or vegetable-based chips. Focus on lean proteins and abundant fresh vegetables, to further reduce the carb count without compromising the flavors.

Fajita Nachos Ingredient List

You'll need the following ingredients for this pulled pork nachos with authentic Mexican flavors:

For the Shredded Pork

2-3 tablespoons cooking fat (clarified butter, rendered bacon fat, duck fat)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1.5 pounds country-style pork ribs, boneless
1 teaspoon kosher salt
⅓ cup pickled jalapeno slices
⅓ cup pickled jalapeno juice
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

For the Fajita Nachos:

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pinches of kosher salt
1 red onion, peeled and sliced
1 bell pepper, seeded and sliced (red, yellow, or orange for sweetness)
1 bag of blue tortilla chips
1 bag of yellow tortilla chips
1 can sliced olives
1 tomato (seeded, cored, and diced)
Fresh cilantro for garnish
½ cup sour cream

Ingredients Substitutions

Here are some handy substitutions if you want to swap something from the main list:

Cajun seasoning: If you don't have pre-made Cajun seasoning, mix equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Add half parts of pepper and ground chipotle.
Pickled jalapeno: I've used pepperoncini (pickled banana peppers) and got excellent results when making pulled pork.
Olive oil: Use clarified butter, ghee, avocado, or coconut oil.
Tortilla chips: Make tortilla chips yourself with low-carb or zero-carb tortilla shells.
Sour cream: Swap this for crème fraiche; it is lighter and adds a creamy flavor. Full-fat Greek yogurt is another perfect alternative.
Shredded cheese: Shredding cheese yourself is a great way to reduce the dish's carb count. Processed shredded cheeses usually have starch added to prevent clumping.

Additional Ingredients

Looking to enhance your crunchy Mexican fajita nachos? Here are some additional ingredients that pair well with the main flavors:

Pickled onions: The tangy, deliciousness of homemade pickled onion will elevate the dish.
Avocado additions: A Mexican dish can always use some avocado. Try my famous delicious guacamole recipe. It's ready in minutes and creates the ultimate nachos! My avocado lime dressing is another fantastic option to bring tangy flavors!
Citrus zest: Sprinkle lemon or lime zest over the nachos for fresh, briny flavors. A squeeze of fresh lemon on the pulled pork fajitas will lend a bright tang.
Smoked paprika: To enjoy classic BBQ flavor, add some smoked paprika to create a smoked pulled pork for nachos!

Note: These additions are not part of the recipe or the nutrition value on the recipe card. Use them to customize the nachos to get balanced flavors and textures

Cooking Tools

To make the best fajita nachos recipe with pulled pork, you will need the following cooking tools:

Heavy-bottom pan
Baking dish
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Knife and chopping board
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs and spatula

How to Make Fajita Nachos: A Complete Guide

Cooking Method

Baking
Sautee

Preparation Steps

Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C) for the pork.
Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for the nachos.
Peel, wash, and slice or dice the vegetables.

Cooking Instructions

For the Pork

Add the pork to an oven-safe baking dish.
Coat all sides with the salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning.
Add the jalapeno juice and water to the dish.
Top the meat with the sliced jalapeno rings. Cover with foil and bake for 2 hours.
Remove the pork from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees.
Remove the cooked jalapenos and set aside. Use two forks to carefully shred the meat in the baking dish.
Heat the heavy-bottom pan, add cooking fat, and wait for it to shimmer.
Use tongs to add the pork to the pan. Cook over high heat for 4-5 minutes without moving the pork for searing. Add the remaining braising liquid to deglaze the pan.

For the Nachos

While the pork is cooking, heat the olive oil in a heavy bottom pan over high heat.
Add the sliced onions and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
Add the peppers and another pinch of salt. Cook for 10-12 minutes until soft. Set aside until the pork is cooked.

Assemble the Fajita Nachos

Assemble the nachos with layers of chips, cheese, and pork mixture on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Bake each layer in the 400F oven for 2-4 minutes until the cheese melts.
Top with sour cream, olives, tomato, and cilantro. Serve hot.

Step 1: Season the pork with cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Add ⅓ cup jalapeno juice and the jalapenos on top.

Step 2: Shred the boneless country pork ribs with two forks, leaving it in the braising liquid.

Step 3: Heat a cast iron or other heavy skillet and sear the pork to get it nice and crispy. It is absolutely divine!

Step 4: Make a base layer of just chips and cheese. The cheesier the better!

Step 5: Add another layer of chips, more cheese, the pork and some peppers and onions. Back into the oven then!

Step 6: Add another layer of chips, more cheese and the remaining pork, peppers and onions. Back in the oven one last time!

💡 My Pro Tip

Budget-friendly tip: For budget-friendly yet flavorful pork, use boneless country pork ribs—they are more affordable than pork butt or shoulder and braise to perfection in under 2 hours. After braising, sear the meat in a hot pan without moving it for at least five minutes. This step intensifies the flavors and adds a delicious crispiness to the edges, elevating the dish's overall taste.
Perfect meat alternative tip: I've made this recipe countless times, and when looking for a quick and easy alternative to pulled pork, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. For a speedy option, try grilled chicken seasoned with Cajun spices. Just grill boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then slice thinly for your nachos. Thinly sliced beef works well too. Another tasty choice? Shrimp! They make a fantastic protein option for cheesy nachos.

⏲️ Time-Saving Tips

Use my pressure cooker pulled pork recipe to save a lot of time. It's one of the best pulled pork recipe and gets ready in minutes!
Use pre-sliced olives. Although they are costlier than regular olives, you will save about 10 minutes in prep time.
Make the peppers and onions ahead of time. Cook the peppers and onions, and allow them to cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge; they will remain fresh for a few days until you are ready to make the recipe. Add them to the top and heat in the oven while the cheese is melting.
If you are making your version of low carb homemade tortilla chips, make them ahead of time to save plenty of time!

What to Serve with Pulled Pork Fajita Nachos?

Looking for low-carb or gluten-free pairings for this homemade nachos recipe? Here are some options:

Salsa: Fresh salsa, whether it's mild or spicy, adds a refreshing and tangy kick to fajita nachos. It's a classic accompaniment that enhances the overall flavor.
BBQ Sauce: My homemade bbq sauce recipe will blow your mind! To enhance the flavors of this cheese nachos recipe, add a drizzle of bbq sauce and see how hot sauce combines well with this healthy snack! You're not going to regret it!
Paleo Mayo: Dip your nachos in this healthy, homemade paleo mayo for an intense burst of flavors.
Queso Dip: Cheese for nachos? Count me in! A warm, cheesy queso dip is a perfect addition to fajita nachos. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness take the nachos to the next level
Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a burst of freshness and acidity to fajita nachos, balancing the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

Nachos with fajita do not store well. The chips get soggy, and there is no way to refresh them. If you have any leftover nachos, separate the chips from the pork fajita mixture, cool to room temperature and store in the fridge for 2 or 3 days.

Freezing

The recipe does not love longer refrigeration as it loses moisture and the texture changes significantly.

Reheating

Reheat the fajita mixture in a pan over medium heat on the stove. It is the best method because it is easy and allows you to add water if the mixture is thick or cook off any extra moisture that was released during storage.

Recipe Conclusion

Wrap up your gluten-free Fajita Nachos with pulled pork by celebrating their Tex-Mex flavors! With each chip loaded with tender pork, melted cheese, and zesty toppings, these nachos are perfect for any occasion, whether sharing with friends or enjoying a cozy night in. Add your favorite nacho topping or condiment to dip - a taste sensation that'll keep you coming back for more!

Did you make these best fajita nachos? Did your crowd love them? Share your results with me on social media! You can find me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook as well!

Other Pulled Pork Recipes to Try:

If you're looking to try more pulled pork recipes, here are a few amazing options:

FAQs

What is the best pork cut for pulled pork fajita nachos?

Pork shoulder is the best for pulling purposes because its high fat content yields tender meat that melts in the mouth if cooked properly.

Can I use chicken or steak instead of pulled pork for this fajita recipe?

Yes, you can make steak fajita nachos or chicken fajita nachos if you don't have any pork.

How many layers should nachos be?

The number of layers to have on your nachos is a matter of personal preference. However, typical nachos have 2 to 3 layers with well-distributed toppings on each chip.

Pulled Pork Fajita Nachos 🌮

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 2

Total Time: 2 10

Servings: servings

Calories: 391kcal

Author: Scott Groth