Pork Carnitas Tacos Recipe

Pork shoulder: The main protein, providing rich and tender meat when slow-cooked.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pork.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.

Cumin: Gives a warm, earthy flavor to the dish.

Oregano: Adds a hint of herbal freshness.

Orange juice: Freshly squeezed, it adds a citrusy sweetness and helps tenderize the pork.

Garlic cloves: Minced, they infuse the pork with a robust, aromatic flavor.

Onion: Chopped, it adds sweetness and depth to the dish.

Tortillas: The vessel for your tacos, providing a soft and slightly charred base.

Cilantro: Chopped, it adds a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Salsa: Adds a zesty, spicy kick to the tacos.

When preparing pork shoulder for carnitas, make sure to cut the meat into evenly sized chunks. This ensures that the pork cooks uniformly and becomes tender at the same rate. Additionally, when shredding the pork, use two forks to pull the meat apart gently, which helps maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming mushy. For an extra layer of flavor, after shredding, you can return the pork to the dutch oven and broil it for a few minutes to achieve crispy edges.

• pork shoulder - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs have a similar texture and fat content, making them a good alternative for slow-cooked dishes like carnitas.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat profile but a slightly different flavor, which can still complement the dish.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, citrusy flavor that can mimic the earthiness of cumin.

• oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a similar herbaceous quality and can be used in the same quantity as oregano.

• freshly squeezed orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice provides a similar acidity and sweetness that can complement the flavors of the carnitas.

• minced garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used as a direct substitute for onions.

• tortillas - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps can be a low-carb alternative to tortillas while still providing a vessel for the carnitas.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley has a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for cilantro in most recipes.

• salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo offers a similar combination of tomatoes, onions, and peppers, providing a fresh and tangy topping for the tacos.

• Allow the pork carnitas to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.

• Transfer the shredded pork into an airtight container. If you have a lot of leftovers, consider dividing them into smaller portions for easier reheating.

• Store the pork carnitas in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

• For longer storage, place the pork carnitas in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the containers or bags with the date to keep track of their storage time. The pork carnitas can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to use, thaw the pork carnitas in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the meat.

• Reheat the pork carnitas in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of orange juice or chicken broth to keep the meat moist and enhance the flavor.

• Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until they are pliable and slightly charred. This step is crucial for the best taco experience.

• Assemble your tacos with the reheated pork carnitas, fresh cilantro, and your favorite salsa. Enjoy the same delicious taste as when freshly made!

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shredded pork in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For a crispy finish, uncover the dish for the last 5 minutes.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, add the shredded pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method: Place the shredded pork in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pork is heated evenly.

• Tortilla Reheating: To reheat the tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Alternatively, you can heat them individually in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable.

• Assembling Leftover Tacos: Once the shredded pork and tortillas are reheated, assemble the tacos by placing the pork on each tortilla. Top with fresh cilantro and salsa to bring back the vibrant flavors.

• Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for slow-cooking the pork to tender perfection.

• Oven: Used to maintain a consistent temperature of 300°F (150°C) for slow-cooking the pork.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.

• Citrus juicer: Handy for extracting fresh orange juice to add a burst of flavor to the pork.

• Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the onion and other ingredients.

• Chef's knife: A versatile knife for chopping the onion and cutting the pork shoulder into chunks.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the pork chunks and turning them if needed.

• Forks: Used for shredding the cooked pork into bite-sized pieces.

• Skillet: Ideal for heating the tortillas until they are warm and slightly charred.

• Gas stove: Can be used to heat the tortillas directly over a flame for a charred effect.

• Serving platter: Perfect for arranging the assembled tacos before serving.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the chopped cilantro and salsa before topping the tacos.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Chop the onion and garlic the night before to save time on cooking day.

Use a slow cooker: Instead of the oven, use a slow cooker to cook the pork shoulder overnight or while you're at work.

Preheat tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel to save time.

Batch cook: Make extra carnitas and freeze portions for future meals.

Ready-made salsa: Use store-bought salsa to cut down on prep time.