Carnitas Tacos
Tender, juicy, slow-cooked pork shoulder, crisped to perfection and served in warm corn tortillas with classic toppings. A beloved Mexican street food classic that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 180 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Sear the Pork
- b.Pat the pork shoulder chunks dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
- c.Heat the lard in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- d.Carefully place the pork chunks in the pot in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Work in batches if necessary.
- e.Sear the pork for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until a deep golden-brown crust forms on all sides.
- f.Remove the seared pork and set aside on a plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Braise the Pork
- b.Return all the seared pork to the pot.
- c.Add the halved onion, smashed garlic cloves, Mexican oregano, ground cumin, and bay leaf.
- d.Squeeze the juice from the orange halves directly into the pot, then add the squeezed orange rinds as well.
- e.Pour in the chicken broth and optional milk. The liquid should come about halfway up the pork.
- f.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Check for Tenderness
- b.After 2.5 hours, check the pork. It should be incredibly tender and easily pull apart with a fork. If it's still tough, cover and continue cooking, checking every 20-30 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shred and Crisp the Carnitas
- b.Preheat your broiler to high. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pork to a large, rimmed baking sheet. Discard the onion, orange rinds, and bay leaf from the pot.
- c.Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Spread it evenly across the baking sheet.
- d.Ladle about 1/2 cup of the remaining cooking liquid over the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful.
- e.Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the edges of the pork are browned and crispy.
- f.For even crispier results, you can pan-fry the shredded pork in batches in a hot skillet with a little of its own rendered fat until desired crispiness is achieved.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.While the pork is crisping, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet, over a gas flame for a slight char, or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave.
- c.Fill each warm tortilla with a generous amount of the crispy carnitas.
- d.Top with a sprinkle of finely diced white onion and fresh cilantro.
- e.Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use lard. It has a high smoke point and adds a unique richness that's characteristic of traditional carnitas.
- 2Don't skip the browning step! Searing the pork creates the Maillard reaction, which builds a deep, savory flavor base.
- 3The final crisping under the broiler or in a pan is what separates good carnitas from great carnitas. Don't overcrowd the pan to ensure maximum crispiness.
- 4Save the leftover cooking liquid (and the rendered fat that rises to the top). The liquid is a flavorful base for soups, and the fat can be used for cooking beans or frying eggs.
- 5For a subtle sweetness and caramelization, you can add half a can of Mexican Coca-Cola (made with cane sugar) to the pot during the braising step.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spice Level
Add a dried ancho or guajillo chile to the braising liquid for a deeper, smokier flavor with a hint of spice.
ToppingsToppings
Customize your tacos with other toppings like crumbled cotija cheese, pickled red onions, sliced radishes, or your favorite salsa.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
This recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker. Sear the pork first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Crisp the meat as directed in the final step.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Pork is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue, which is crucial for overall strength and health.
Rich in B Vitamins
This dish is a good source of B vitamins, particularly niacin (B3) and vitamin B6, which are vital for converting food into energy and supporting brain function.
Provides Key Minerals
Pork shoulder offers essential minerals like zinc, which supports the immune system, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, is the ideal choice. Its high fat content ensures the meat stays incredibly moist and flavorful during the long, slow cooking process.