Seriously Delicious Carnitas Tacos

Recipe Introduction: Let's Taco 'Bout Tacos de Carnitas !

Ever had one of those days where only a mountain of crispy pork tacos will do? Honestly, me too. Today, we are diving headfirst into tacos de carnitas , the ultimate Mexican comfort food.

Get ready, because this isn't just any taco recipe; it's a flavour explosion.

What Are We Even Talking About?

Carnitas , meaning "little meats," hail from Michoacán, Mexico. They are traditionally made by slow cooking pork in lard until it's fall apart tender.

This authentic carnitas recipe takes time but is so worth it. It's a medium difficulty recipe, taking about 3.5-4. 5 hours total and yields 6-8 servings of pure taco heaven.

Why You Need This in Your Life

Homemade carnitas are surprisingly nutritious. Pork is a great source of protein and these shredded pork tacos make any occasion special.

Seriously, these tacos are the business because they're juicy, crispy, and bursting with flavour.

Get Your Gear Ready, Amigo!

Before we dive in, make sure you have everything you need. You'll need pork shoulder, oranges, onions, garlic, and a few key spices.

Don't forget the tortillas and all your favorite toppings for these carnitas street tacos . Now, let's get cooking!

Alright, let’s get this tacos de carnitas show on the road! These are a classic. Even your nan can make 'em. I'm your culinary wingman! We're making seriously delicious carnitas tacos .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

Time to gather the troops! We need the right ingredients. This ensures a fantastic carnitas taco recipe experience.

Main Ingredients

• Pork Shoulder: 3 lbs (1.36 kg) , cut into 2 inch chunks. Look for good marbling. It is crucial for flavour.
• Orange: 1 large, quartered. Fresh is best, honestly.
• Onion: 1 large, quartered. Yellow or white works fine.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, smashed. Don’t be shy, smash 'em good!
• Bay Leaves: 2. These add a subtle depth.
• Dried Oregano: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Mexican oregano is the real deal.
• Ground Cumin: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Adds warmth.
• Kosher Salt: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Season generously.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) . Freshly ground is amazing.
• Water: 4 cups (950 ml) . Enough to almost cover the pork.
• Lard or Vegetable Oil: 2 cups (475 ml) . For browning! Lard gives that authentic flavour.

For the tacos themselves, grab some corn tortillas. About 24 should do. Then all your favorite toppings. Onions, cilantro, salsa, limes... the works! These crispy pork tacos are begging for them.

Seasoning Notes: The Spice is Right!

Oregano and cumin are your backbone here. This authentic carnitas recipe leans on these two. A little warmth from the cumin is really nice.

Don't skip the orange, it adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. For a bit of heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes.

You know what? experiment! If you want Mexican food recipes with pork , this is a winner.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Dutch Oven: Or a heavy bottomed pot. This is essential.
• Slotted Spoon: For retrieving the pork.
• Skillet: For crisping!
• Two Forks: For shredding the pork.
• Tortilla Warmer: Not essential, but nice to have. Keeps those tortillas lovely and warm.

Honestly, you don’t need fancy gadgets. A good pot and a bit of elbow grease will get you far. Thinking about using other cuts than pork shoulder? Consider that the best carnitas comes from pork shoulder, but pork loin is a leaner option.

I once tried using a slow cooker. It worked alright, but the crisping step in the pan is what makes it.

Now that you have the basics, you can have a homemade carnitas experience whenever you like! And that's how Mexican pulled pork recipe is done!

Let's Make Some Seriously Delicious Carnitas Tacos

Alright, let's get this show on the road! Tacos de carnitas a classic for a reason. Think of me as your culinary wingwoman.

We’re going to break this down so even your nan who only makes a cracking Sunday roast can nail it.

Because let's face it, life's too short for mediocre tacos.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Carnitas Mise en Place

First things first, get organized. Chop up your onion and quarter your orange. Smash those garlic cloves don’t be shy.

This is called mise en place . It's a fancy French term for "everything in its place". Honestly, it just makes cooking less stressful! This Carnitas Taco Recipe won't make itself, you know?

The step-by-step to Authentic Carnitas Recipe

1. (Optional but Encouraged): Heat 2 cups of lard or oil in your Dutch oven. Brown the pork shoulder chunks in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan! This is key to getting that delicious flavour. I’m telling you from experience skipping this step is a tragedy.
2. Return the pork to the pot. Add those orange quarters, onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in 4 cups of water (or broth) to almost cover the pork. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 3- 4 hours . The pork should be fork tender.
4. Remove the pork. Shred it with two forks, discarding any excess fat. Don’t throw away that gorgeous braising liquid.
5. Now for the crispy part. You've got choices! Option A: Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet. Drizzle with some of that braising liquid and broil for 5- 10 minutes . Watch it like a hawk! You want crispy, not burnt! Option B: Fry the shredded pork in a skillet with a bit of that reserved lard/oil until golden brown.
6. Warm those tortillas. A dry skillet works a treat.
7. Load up your tortillas with the crispy pork tacos and your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for Best Carnitas

• Don't skip the searing! It adds a ton of flavour.
• Low and slow is key. Resist the urge to crank up the heat. It will be worth it for Mexican Food Recipes With Pork
• Taste and adjust. Seasoning is your friend! You might need a bit more salt to make the Mexican Pulled Pork Recipe to sing!. I once forgot to salt my tacos de carnitas and it was a total disaster. Never again!

These Homemade Carnitas are a total crowd pleaser. Serve them up for a fiesta, a Carnitas Street Tacos night, or just a regular Tuesday.

You really can’t go wrong with these Shredded Pork Tacos

Recipe Notes for Killer Tacos de Carnitas

Alright, you're about to embark on a journey to Authentic Carnitas Recipe bliss. Here are a few extra bits to make your Carnitas Taco Recipe experience smoother than a freshly poured margarita.

Honestly, this is where we separate the okay tacos from the Oh my gosh! tacos. Trust me.

Level-Up Your Serving Game

Presentation matters, you know? For plating, think rustic. Pile those Crispy Pork Tacos high on a wooden board. Garnish with plenty of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

For sides? Mexican Street Corn Salad is a winner, as is classic pico de gallo. Thirsty? A cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo seals the deal! I remember one time I forgot the cilantro.

It just wasn't the same. Don't be like me.

Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate your Homemade Carnitas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For freezing, let the shredded pork cool completely, then portion it out into freezer bags.

It'll keep for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of the reserved braising liquid to keep it moist.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Safety first: ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C).

Remixing Your Tacos

Wanna shake things up? For a dietary spin, use leaner pork cuts and load up on veggie toppings for lighter Shredded Pork Tacos .

For a seasonal twist, in autumn, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the braising liquid. It adds a warming depth, perfect for those chilly nights.

Honestly? Play around, experiment, see what works for you !

Nutrition Nuggets

Each serving of the Carnitas alone clocks in at about 450 calories. You're getting a whopping 35g of protein, 30g of fat, and just 5g of carbs.

Pork is a great source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. Just remember, that's without the tortillas and toppings, so factor those in!

So there you have it! Everything you need to make the Best Carnitas this side of the border! Go forth, cook, and enjoy! I know you got this, the Pork Tacos Recipe is not that difficult.

You'll impress your friends with these amazing Mexican Food Recipes With Pork and maybe even create a new family tradition with these Carnitas Street Tacos , but don't tell them how easy the Mexican Pulled Pork Recipe is, let them think it was a struggle!