Carnitas Tacos

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Carnitas Tacos

Carnitas Tacos—a classic Mexican dish! Carnitas, which means “little meats” in Spanish, originates from Michoacán, Mexico. This dish involves slow-cooking or braising pork (usually in lard) until it’s tender enough to be shredded. The cooking process gives the meat a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping it juicy inside.

Traditionally, carnitas are served in tacos with toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, salsa, and lime. The dish has deep cultural roots and is often prepared for celebrations and family gatherings. Would you like a recipe or more historical background?

Ingredients

For the Carnitas:

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder (cut into large chunks)
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium onion (quartered)
  • 1 orange (halved)
  • 1 lime (halved)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil

For the Pico de Gallo:

  • 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
  • ½ small red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 small jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste

For the Tacos:

  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Trader Joe’s Salsa Autentica

Instructions

Make the Carnitas:

  1. Season the Pork– In a bowl, rub the pork chunks with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, paprika, and garlic.
  2. Slow Cook– Place pork in a slow cooker with onion, orange halves (squeezed and added), lime halves, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
  3. Shred & Crisp Up– Remove pork from the cooker and shred with two forks. Heat lard or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shredded pork and let it crisp up for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally for crispy edges.

Make the Pico de Gallo:

  1. Mix diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl.
  2. Add lime juice and salt, stirring well. Let sit for at least 10 minutesfor flavors to meld.

Assemble the Tacos:

  1. Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until lightly charred.
  2. Fill each tortilla with crispy carnitas.
  3. Top with fresh Pico de Gallo and fresh cilantro.
  4. Drizzle with Trader Joe’s Salsa Autenticaand serve warm!

Enjoy your Carnitas Tacos with an ice-cold drink!

Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it. 

If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my fast, simple and good pork page.

Carnitas Tacos