Pulled Mutton Tacos
Tender, fall-apart mutton slow-cooked with smoky chipotle, cumin, and Mexican oregano until it shreds effortlessly. Piled into warm corn tortillas with quick-pickled onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. A street-food-inspired meal that tastes like it simmered all day but comes together with mostly hands-off cooking.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Quick-pickle the red onions.
1.Place thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl.2.Add white vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt.3.Toss well and set aside for at least 30 minutes. - fry · ~15 min
Brown the mutton.
1.Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.2.Season mutton chunks with black pepper.3.Sear mutton in batches until deeply browned on all sides (3-4 min per side).4.Transfer browned mutton to a plate.TIPDon't crowd the pot — browning in batches builds the foundation of flavor. - saute · ~11 min
Build the aromatic base.
1.Add chopped onion to the same pot and cook until softened (5 min).2.Add minced garlic, cumin seeds, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir until fragrant (1 min).3.Add chopped chipotle chilies with adobo sauce and tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes break down (5 min).TIPScrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot — that's pure flavor. - simmer · ~150 min
Braise until fork-tender.
1.Return mutton to the pot along with any accumulated juices.2.Add water, bay leaves, and salt.3.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.4.Cover and simmer gently until meat pulls apart easily (2 to 2.5 hours).TIPCheck liquid level halfway through; add a splash of water if it looks dry. - prep · ~10 min
Shred the mutton.
1.Remove mutton chunks from the pot and transfer to a cutting board.2.Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding bones and bay leaves.3.Return shredded meat to the pot and stir into the reduced cooking liquid.4.Simmer uncovered until liquid thickens slightly and coats the meat (10 min). - grill · ~8 min
Warm the corn tortillas.
1.Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.2.Warm each tortilla for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.3.Keep warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. - assemble · ~5 min
Assemble the tacos.
1.Spoon a generous portion of pulled mutton onto each warm tortilla.2.Top with drained pickled onions.3.Scatter fresh cilantro over the top.4.Finish with a squeeze of lime juice.TIPDouble up the tortillas per taco if they're thin — street-style tacos use two.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Bone-in mutton shoulder adds more flavour and moisture during the long braise.
- 2Don't skip browning the mutton in batches — it creates the deep, savoury base.
- 3Scrape up the browned bits (fond) after searing; they enrich the braising liquid.
- 4Check liquid level halfway through braising; add a splash of water if needed.
- 5For extra char, warm tortillas directly over a gas flame until lightly blistered.
- 6Let the pickled onions sit for at least 30 minutes for best tang and colour.
- 7Taste the shredded mutton before serving and adjust salt or lime for balance.
Adapt it for your goals.
Beef Barbacoa
Replace mutton with beef chuck or brisket for a classic barbacoa-style taco. Beef takes a similar braising time and pairs beautifully with the chipotle-cumin base.
Slow CookerSlow Cooker
After browning the meat and aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, then shred and simmer to thicken.
No Pickle ToppingNo-Pickle Topping
Skip the quick-pickled onions and top with fresh diced white onion and a drizzle of crema (sour cream thinned with lime juice) for a creamier texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Mutton is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which supports muscle maintenance and repair.
Iron Source
Mutton provides heme iron, a form that is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anaemia.
Low-Carb Base
Using corn tortillas keeps this meal naturally gluten-free and lower in refined carbohydrates than flour tortillas.
Antioxidant Spices
Cumin, oregano, and chipotle contain antioxidants that may help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Lamb shoulder works well, though it may cook slightly faster. Check for tenderness at 1.5 hours and adjust as needed.
