Tacos de Carnitas

Introduction

Tacos de Carnitas are a classic Mexican dish that is loved all around the world. This dish is known for its tender and juicy pork, fresh toppings, and zesty salsa verde. Tacos de Carnitas are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party, or a fun family meal. With this easy recipe, you can make delicious Tacos de Carnitas at home in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 kg pork shoulder
• 2 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• salsa verde
• 1 avocado, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 160°C.

2. Cut pork shoulder into large chunks and place in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven.

3. Add water, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the pork.

4. Cover the pot and place in the oven. Cook for 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart.

5. Remove the pot from the oven and use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to a large plate or cutting board. Shred the pork with two forks and discard any excess fat.

6. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Warm the corn tortillas in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.

7. To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the shredded pork in each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Drizzle with salsa verde and add sliced avocado on top.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Tacos de Carnitas!

Variations

• Vegetarian: You can make vegetarian tacos de carnitas by substituting the pork with diced mushrooms or jackfruit. Simply sauté the mushrooms or jackfruit with the same spices used in the original recipe and cook until tender.
• Vegan: To make these tacos vegan, simply omit the meat and use the same spices to season diced vegetables like sweet potato, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Chicken: If you prefer chicken, you can use chicken thighs instead of pork shoulder. Follow the same recipe but reduce the cooking time to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Beef: You can make beef tacos de carnitas by using beef chuck roast instead of pork shoulder. Follow the same recipe but increase the cooking time to 3 hours.

Conclusion

Tacos de Carnitas are a delicious and easy dish that you can make at home for a fun and flavorful meal. With this easy recipe, you can make juicy and tender pork carnitas with fresh toppings and zesty salsa verde. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party, or a fun family meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy your delicious Tacos de Carnitas!

FAQ

What are Tacos de Carnitas?

Tacos de Carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of small corn tortillas filled with slow-cooked pork, onions, and cilantro.

What cut of pork is best for Carnitas?

The best cut of pork for Carnitas is pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

How do I make Carnitas?

To make Carnitas, you will need to marinate pork shoulder or pork butt in citrus juice and spices, then slow-cook it until it is tender and crispy. Once cooked, shred the pork and serve it on small corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and salsa.

Can I use a slow cooker to make Carnitas?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make Carnitas. Simply marinate the pork as instructed, then place it in the slow cooker with the marinade and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Once cooked, shred the pork and broil it in the oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp it up.

Can I make Carnitas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Carnitas ahead of time. Simply cook the pork as instructed, then store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. When ready to serve, reheat the pork in a skillet or in the oven until it is heated through.

What toppings are good on Tacos de Carnitas?

Traditional toppings for Tacos de Carnitas include diced onions, chopped cilantro, salsa, and lime wedges. You can also add avocado, cheese, or hot sauce to customize your tacos.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While corn tortillas are traditional for Tacos de Carnitas, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that flour tortillas have a different flavor and texture than corn tortillas, so your tacos may taste different.

How do I store leftover Carnitas?

To store leftover Carnitas, let the pork cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the pork for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different type of meat for Tacos?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat for Tacos if you prefer. Chicken, beef, or tofu are all good options. Simply season and cook the meat as desired, then serve it on small tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Are Tacos de Carnitas spicy?

Tacos de Carnitas can be spicy, depending on the type of salsa or hot sauce you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less spicy toppings or omit them altogether.