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Juicy and Flavorful Pork Carnitas Tacos Recipe

Introduction:


Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth with these mouthwatering pork carnitas tacos. With a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, this recipe will surely be a crowd-pleaser. The tender pork carnitas are packed with flavor, and when topped with fresh toppings, they make the perfect taco.


A close-up photo of a pork carnitas taco topped with salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
Spice up your Taco Tuesday with these delicious Pork Carnitas Tacos!

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tsp. ground cumin

  • 1 tsp. chili powder

  • 1 tsp. dried oregano

  • 1 tsp. salt

  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper

  • 1/2 cup orange juice

  • 1/4 cup lime juice

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

  • 12-15 corn tortillas

  • Toppings: chopped cilantro, diced onion, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, and lime wedges

Equipment/Tools Needed:

  • Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot

  • Tongs

  • Cutting board

  • Chef's knife

  • Measuring cups and spoons

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Servings: 6-8


Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 397

  • Fat: 22g

  • Carbohydrates: 21g

  • Protein: 28g

Note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate only and may vary based on the exact ingredients used and serving size. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for dietary decisions.


Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

  2. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.

  3. Add pork shoulder chunks and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.

  4. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir well.

  5. Pour in orange juice and lime juice, and stir to combine.

  6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven.

  7. Cook for 2-3 hours or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.

  8. Remove the pot from the oven and use tongs to shred the pork.

  9. Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until warm and pliable.

  10. Assemble the tacos by placing shredded pork on each tortilla and adding desired toppings.

  11. Squeeze lime wedges over the top and serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Marinate the pork in the orange juice and lime juice mixture for even more flavor for a few hours before cooking.

  • You can use a slow cooker instead of an oven to make this recipe even easier. Simply cook the pork on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.

  • Make a double batch of pork carnitas and freeze the leftovers for later use in burritos, salads, or nachos.

Variations:

  • Swap out the pork for chicken or beef for a different flavor.

  • Use soft flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a different texture.

  • Make a vegan version by using jackfruit instead of pork.

Conclusion:


These pork carnitas tacos will surely become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. The tender and flavorful meat pairs perfectly with the crisp toppings and warm tortillas. Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings or try the meat in different dishes. As always, we love to hear your feedback and see your creations, so please share in the comments below. Happy cooking!


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