pork carnitas tacos

I still remember the first time I tried my aunt’s famous pork carnitas tacos. It was a warm summer evening, and we were all gathered around the dinner table, eager to taste the delicious meal she had prepared. The aroma of slow-cooked pork and spices wafted through the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. As soon as I took a bite, I knew I was hooked. The tender, juicy pork, the crispy tortillas, and the tangy slaw all came together to create a flavor combination that left me wanting more. From that day on, I made it a point to learn the recipe from my aunt and share it with my own family and friends. And now, I’m excited to share it with you!

What is Pork Carnitas Tacos?

Pork carnitas tacos are essentially a Mexican dish made with slow-cooked pork, typically served in a taco shell with various toppings. The name “carnitas” literally translates to “little meats” in Spanish, which refers to the tender and juicy texture of the pork after it’s been cooked. In this recipe, we’ll be using a mixture of pork shoulder and belly to create a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for salads or grilled meats. Think of it as a Mexican pulled pork, but with a more nuanced and complex flavor profile.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why you’ll love this recipe, but here are a few that stand out to me:

* **Flavor**: The combination of slow-cooked pork, spices, and citrus is absolute perfection. The pork is tender and juicy, with a depth of flavor that’s hard to find in other recipes.
* **Simplicity**: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for a busy weeknight dinner. Simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
* **Cost-efficiency**: Pork shoulder and belly are relatively inexpensive cuts of meat, making this recipe a budget-friendly option for large gatherings or family meals.
* **Versatility**: This recipe is perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or even as a topping for grilled meats. You can also customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. The smell alone brings everyone to the kitchen, and the taste is always a hit. What I love most about this recipe is the way it brings people together – whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, pork carnitas tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

How do I make Pork Carnitas Tacos?

Quick Overview

To make this recipe, you’ll need to slow-cook the pork in a mixture of spices, citrus, and broth. Once the pork is tender, you can shred it and serve it in tacos with your favorite toppings. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

* Step 1: Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
* Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the pork, spices, citrus, and broth.
* Step 3: Add the mixture to the slow cooker and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
* Step 4: Shred the pork with two forks and serve it in tacos with your favorite toppings.

Simple, right? Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for this recipe.

Ingredients

What do you need to make this recipe?For the Main Batter:
* 2 pounds pork shoulder and belly, cut into large pieces
* 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1/4 cup lime juice
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* For the Filling:
* 4 corn tortillas
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1/4 cup diced onion
* 1/4 cup diced tomato
* For the Glaze:
* 1/4 cup orange marmalade
* 2 tablespoons lime juice

Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can also add other toppings, such as diced avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese, to make the dish even more delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your slow cooker to low heat. While the slow cooker is heating up, prepare the pan by adding the lard or vegetable oil and heating it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork and cook until it’s browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, including the oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the garlic and mix well.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients, including the orange and lime juices. Add the mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Step 4: Combine

Add the pork back into the bowl and mix everything together until the pork is well coated with the spice mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

When you’re ready to cook the pork, remove it from the refrigerator and add it to the slow cooker. Cook the pork on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until it’s tender and falls apart easily. While the pork is cooking, prepare the filling by chopping the cilantro, onion, and tomato.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Once the pork is cooked, shred it with two forks and add it to the filling mixture. Mix everything together until the pork is well coated with the filling. Serve the pork in tacos with your favorite toppings.

Step 7: Bake

This step is optional, but it’s a great way to add some extra flavor to the dish. Simply place the tacos under the broiler for a few seconds, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to burn the tortillas!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once the tacos are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. While the tacos are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing together the orange marmalade and lime juice. Drizzle the glaze over the tacos and serve.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Finally, slice the tacos in half and serve them with your favorite toppings. I like to add diced avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese to make the dish even more delicious.

### What to Serve It With

Pork carnitas tacos are perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to special events like birthdays and holidays. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with this recipe:

* For Breakfast: Serve the tacos with scrambled eggs, diced avocado, and sour cream for a delicious breakfast dish.
* For Brunch: Add some diced ham or chorizo to the tacos and serve them with a side of fried eggs and hash browns.
* As Dessert: Top the tacos with some diced strawberries and whipped cream for a sweet and indulgent treat.
* For Cozy Snacks: Serve the tacos with some crispy tortilla chips and a side of spicy salsa for a delicious snack.

The possibilities are endless, and I love experimenting with new toppings and serving ideas. What’s your favorite way to serve pork carnitas tacos?

### Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pork Carnitas Tacos

Here are a few tips for perfecting your pork carnitas tacos:

* Zucchini Prep: Make sure to remove the seeds and pulp from the zucchini before grating it. This will help to reduce the water content and make the dish more flavorful.
* Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the pork and filling mixture. This can result in a tough and dense texture.
* Swirl Customization: Experiment with different swirl patterns and toppings to make the dish more visually appealing.
* Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap out the pork shoulder and belly for other cuts of meat, such as beef or chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.
* Baking Tips: If you’re baking the tacos, make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
* Glaze Variations: Experiment with different glaze flavors and ingredients to add some extra depth and complexity to the dish.

I hope these tips are helpful in perfecting your pork carnitas tacos recipe!

### Storing and Reheating Tips

Here are a few tips for storing and reheating your pork carnitas tacos:

* Room Temperature: Let the tacos cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. This will help to prevent bacteria growth and keep the dish fresh for longer.
* Refrigerator Storage: Store the tacos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container and label them with the date.
* Freezer Instructions: Freeze the tacos in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the microwave or oven.
* Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re reheating the tacos, make sure to add the glaze just before serving. This will help to prevent the glaze from getting soggy and losing its flavor.

I hope these tips are helpful in storing and reheating your pork carnitas tacos!

### Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions about pork carnitas tacos:

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I hope these FAQs are helpful in answering your questions about pork carnitas tacos!

### Final Thoughts & Conclusion

Pork carnitas tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or as a snack, this recipe is sure to please. I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and will continue to experiment with new toppings and serving ideas. Don’t forget to share your own variations and tips in the comments below! Happy baking!

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Pineapple Ginger Smoothie

A refreshing and invigorating smoothie packed with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and a zesty kick of ginger. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 0.5 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, to taste

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Combine all ingredients in a blender.
• Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency.
• Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra creamy smoothie, you can add half a banana. If you don't have frozen pineapple, use fresh pineapple and add a handful of ice cubes.