Carnitas Tacos
A traditional Mexican dish of slow-cooked pork, shredded and fried until crispy, served in a taco shell with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- ●1 (2 lbs) Pork shoulder, bonelessYou can also use pork belly or pork jowl for a different flavor.
- ●1/4 cup Lard or vegetable oilYou can also use bacon drippings for added flavor.
- ●1 medium Onion, choppedYou can add more onions if you like a stronger flavor.
- ●2 cloves Garlic, mincedYou can add more garlic if you like a stronger flavor.
- ●2 tablespoons Orange, juicedYou can use lime juice as a substitute if you prefer.
- ●1 teaspoon CuminYou can add more cumin if you like a stronger flavor.
- ●8-10 Taco shellsYou can use store-bought or homemade taco shells.
- ●1 cup Shredded cheese, optionalYou can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese.
- ●1 cup Salsa, optionalYou can use store-bought or homemade salsa.
- ●1/4 cup Cilantro, choppedYou can use parsley as a substitute if you prefer.
- ●4 Lime wedgesYou can use lemon wedges as a substitute if you prefer.
Instructions
- 1
1. Heat the lard or oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- 2
2. Add the onion and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- 4
4. Add the pork shoulder and cook until it's browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- 5
5. Add the orange juice, cumin, and 1 cup of water to the pot. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- 6
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the pork for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until it's tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- 7
7. Remove the pork from the pot and shred it with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid and discard the solids.
- 8
8. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 9
9. Add the shredded pork to the skillet and cook until it's crispy and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- 10
10. Warm the taco shells according to the package instructions.
- 11
11. Assemble the tacos by spooning the carnitas onto a warmed taco shell, followed by your desired toppings.