Crispy Carnitas Tacos: Authentic Mexican Delight

Tacos de CarnitasPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Tacos de Carnitas are a Mexican favorite, featuring tender, juicy pork that’s slow-cooked until it’s perfectly seasoned and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Get the Recipe Details: Tacos de Carnitas Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless, cut into large chunks)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 orange, juiced (keep the halves)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup lard or vegetable oil
• Warm corn tortillas for serving

Toppings:

• Diced white onion
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Salsa verde or roja
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, combine the pork chunks, onion, garlic, orange juice and halves, lime juice, salt, cumin, black pepper, oregano, and bay leaves. Add just enough water to cover the meat.
2. Cook the Pork: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
3. Crisp the Pork: Once the pork is tender, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the lard or vegetable oil to the pot, stirring to coat the pork in the fat. Continue cooking until the pork is crispy and browned on the outside, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any excess fat. Return the shredded pork to the pot and toss it in the remaining cooking fat for extra flavor.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a flame. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of carnitas.
6. Add Toppings: Top the carnitas with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and your choice of salsa. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Conclusion:

Tacos de Carnitas are a delicious and authentic Mexican dish that’s full of rich, savory flavors. The slow-cooked pork is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it the perfect filling for warm tortillas. Paired with fresh toppings and a squeeze of lime, these tacos are a true celebration of traditional Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends and family or savoring them on your own, Tacos de Carnitas are sure to become a favorite go-to meal. Enjoy this flavorful dish with all the classic toppings for an unforgettable taco experience!