Tacos de carnitas
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, hearty portions, and vibrant colors. One of the most popular dishes in Mexican cuisine is tacos de carnitas. This dish is made with succulent pork that has been cooked slowly until tender and juicy. The meat is then seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in a robust and flavorful dish.
Carnitas, which translates to “little meats,” is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the state of Michoacán. It is made with pork that has been slow-cooked in its own fat until crispy and caramelized. The meat is then shredded and served with various toppings and condiments, such as onions, cilantro, lime, and salsa. The combination of crispy and tender meat with fresh and zesty toppings makes tacos de carnitas a truly irresistible dish.
Many Mexican families have their own special recipe for carnitas, and the preparation method can vary depending on the region. Some cooks prefer to cook the meat in a large copper or cast-iron pot, while others use a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Some recipes call for marinating the meat in a flavorful mixture of spices and herbs before cooking, while others rely solely on the natural flavors of the pork.
Regardless of the preparation method, the key to creating delicious tacos de carnitas is to use high-quality pork and to cook it slowly and patiently until it is tender and flavorful. The pork is typically seasoned with a simple blend of spices, such as cumin, oregano, garlic, and chili powder. Some recipes also call for the addition of bay leaves, cinnamon, or orange juice, which adds a delicious tangy sweetness to the finished dish.
Once the pork is cooked, it is traditionally served with warm tortillas and a variety of toppings and condiments. Some popular toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro, grated cheese, and sliced avocado. Salsa and hot sauce are also commonly served on the side, allowing diners to customize their tacos to their liking.
Tacos de carnitas are a perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner or feed a hungry crowd. They are easy to prepare, and the leftovers can be reheated and enjoyed for days to come. Plus, the bold and robust flavors of this dish are sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
In this recipe, we will show you how to create your own delicious tacos de carnitas in the comfort of your own home using simple, easy-to-find ingredients. With a little bit of patience and a lot of love, you too can master this classic Mexican dish and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of pork shoulder
- 1 onion, quartered
- 5 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Corn tortillas
- Cilantro, chopped
- Onion, diced
- Lime wedges
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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Cut your pork shoulder into 2-inch chunks, discarding any excess fat.
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Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot along with the onion, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to combine.
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Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the preheated oven.
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Cook the pork for 3-4 hours, or until it is very tender and falling apart.
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While the pork is cooking, prepare your toppings. Chop up cilantro, dice some onion and slice some lime wedges.
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Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then use a fork to shred the pork.
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Heat up your corn tortillas in the oven or in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, flipping them occasionally to make sure they heat up on both sides.
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Assemble the tacos by placing some of the shredded pork on a tortilla, along with some cilantro, onion, and salsa. Squeeze some lime juice over the top and add a few dashes of hot sauce if you like.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!