Crispy Pork Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe

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crispy pork tacos

This crispy pork carnitas street tacos recipe and I go way back. This was one of the original recipes I learned to cook when I was 15, while working my first job at a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. Pork carnitas tacos are made differently from all of the other tacos. They are always topped with raw onion, cilantro, and mild verde salsa.  All of the other tacos come with your choice of whatever salsa you want, lettuce and tomato. Carnitas is the only taco that is specific in this way.  Authentic pork carnitas always come with just these three simple ingredients which complement the slow-roasted pork the best.  

When I make tacos, I always strive to make my special homemade tortillas. They are only 2 ingredients, naturally gluten-free, easy to make, and the best consistency. They are worth the extra time over using store-bought and elevate the tacos to a whole new level. 

Cooking carnitas is a long and slow process but the rewards are divine! I reheated the leftover carnitas over the fire to add a smoky element but you can reheat inside in a skillet. Read on to learn how to make this crispy pork carnitas street tacos recipe.  A video tutorial and step-by-step instructions live below.

Authentic pork street tacos

Ingredients:

• Slow-cooked pork carnitas
• Tortilla shells (my favorite homemade 2 ingredient gluten-free tortilla recipe)
• Verde salsa (my recipe here)
• Raw diced white onion
• Chopped cilantro
• Wedges of lime
• Salt for finishing

How to make pork carnitas tacos:

1. Heat the carnitas with a little oil and salt and allow for it to stay still long enough to get deep brown and crispy on some parts.
2. Heat up your tortillas either quickly in a hot pan or in the oven. You can coat them in a little water to steam them so they get a little more softer and chewy.
3. Assemble the tacos with the pork carnitas, verde salsa, raw diced onion, chipped cilantro and squeeze of lime.

Carnitas recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs (1.4-1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tsp whole cumin
• 1 tsp whole coriander
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 tbsp cooking oil (such as vegetable oil or lard)

Instructions:

1. Season the pork: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork chunks, chopped onion, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the seasonings. Cover the bowl and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally, overnight for the best flavor.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
3. Brown the pork: In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated pork chunks (discard the bay leaf). Brown the pork on all sides, working in batches if necessary. This step helps develop the flavors and texture of the carnitas.
4. Slow cook the pork: Once the pork is browned, lower the heat to medium-low, and cover the pot. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and let the pork cook slowly for about 2.5 to 3 hours. During this time, the pork will become tender and begin to caramelize.
5. Shred and crisp the pork: Remove the pot from the oven, and using two forks, shred the pork into smaller pieces. You can also break up larger chunks with a spoon. Place the pot back in the oven, and continue cooking the shredded pork for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the edges become crispy. If you prefer extra crispy carnitas, you can also broil them in the oven for a few minutes, but be sure to keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

@mole.in.the.wall

carnitas tacos

♬ original sound – Molé

Notes:

Traditional carnitas tacos toppings: diced white onion, chopped fresh cilantro, mild verde salsa (green tomatillo) and a squeeze of lime. Sometimes, cheese and sour cream.

Carnitas tacos cooking method: Slow and long in the oven, instructions above.

Pork street tacos recipe slow cooker method: Cook in your crock pot on Med-Low all day, 8 hours.

Pork carnitas taco shells: I recommend making homemade tortillas because bring make the experience

What is the best meat to use for carnitas? Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is the best cut of meat to use.

What to serve with carnitas tacos: Besides the classic toppings of diced white onion, cilantro, mild verde salsa and lime, rice and beans are traditional sides to pair with.

Smoked pulled pork street tacos recipe: If you do not have a smoker, you can simply reheat the meat over an open fire in a cast iron skillet with a little oil.

what is traditional carnitas?

Traditional carnitas is a popular Mexican dish made from pork that is cooked slowly until tender and crispy. The word “carnitas” translates to “little meats” in Spanish, which refers to the small, tender chunks of pork that result from the cooking process.

The preparation of traditional carnitas typically involves simmering or braising pork in its own fat or lard, along with various seasonings and aromatics. The most common cuts of pork used for carnitas are the shoulder, also known as pork butt or pork shoulder, as well as the pork loin. The meat is usually seasoned with ingredients such as garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, and sometimes citrus juices like orange or lime, which give the dish its distinct flavor.

The cooking process is what sets carnitas apart from other pork dishes. Traditionally, the pork is simmered slowly in a large pot or cauldron over low heat until it becomes tender and begins to caramelize. The pork is then shredded into smaller pieces and returned to the pot to crisp up and achieve a deliciously crispy exterior. This process creates a wonderful contrast of textures, with juicy and flavorful meat on the inside and crispy edges on the outside.

Carnitas are often served with tortillas and accompanied by various toppings and condiments such as green salsa, diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and sometimes cheese or sour cream. This versatile dish can be enjoyed in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or simply on its own with a side of rice and beans.

Carnitas have become popular worldwide due to their rich flavor and the unique blend of textures, making them a favorite for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts. While traditional carnitas are made with pork, you can also find variations using other meats like beef or chicken.

Enjoy this carnitas tacos recipe. If you like these tacos you will also love: crispy chicken tacos, barbacoa tacos, smoked chicken tacos.

tags: Crispy Pork Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe