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Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe

Carnitas Street Tacos Recipe - Quick Delicious Meals

Oh, tacos! They are the unassuming hero of many meals. Today, I'm whisking you away on a flavorful journey to the streets where carnitas reign supreme. Imagine a sunny day, the scent of sizzling pork wafting through the air, and the vibrant scenes of busy vendors. 
This is where you'll find carnitas street tacos, a favorite street food in Mexico that warms the soul and satisfies the hunger.
In this post, we’ll explore the essence of these delightful tacos, the ingredients you need, and how to make them work for you. You’re in for a tasty ride!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Preparation:
  • 2½ Cups Rich Chicken Stock
  • 2 Sweet Oranges Juice
  • 2 Juicy Limes Juice
  • 6 lbs. Pork Shoulder or Boston Butt, preferably boneless and trimmed of excess fat
  • ½ teaspoon Sea Salt per pound of meat for dry brining
  • 1 Yellow Onion, quartered
  • 6-8 Cloves of Fresh Garlic, peeled and slightly crushed
  • 3 Bay Leaves
  • 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika optional, for a subtle smoky depth
Pork Rub:
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar adds slight caramelization during cooking
  • 1 Tablespoon Ancho Chili Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Mexican Oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon Cumin Seeds, toasted and freshly ground
  • ½ Tablespoon Coriander Seeds, toasted and ground
  • ½ Tablespoon Black Peppercorns, toasted and ground
Taco Assembly:
  • Carnitas Meat, shredded
  • 16 Tortillas of your choice double batch of Homemade Corn Tortillas, Beef Tallow Tortillas, or high-quality store-bought tortillas
  • Lime Wedges for garnish
  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Red Onion, finely minced instead of yellow for a sharper kick
  • Spicy Red Taqueria Salsa
  • Mexican Crema
  • Pickled Jalapeños or Radishes optional, for a tangy crunch

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pork
  1. Start by cutting the pork into large chunks. Dry brine with sea salt, allowing the flavor to penetrate. This enhances its natural taste.
Step 2: Make the Pork Rub
  1. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, ancho chili powder, oregano, toasted cumin, toasted coriander, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the cubed pork, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
Step 3: Blend the Liquids
  1. In a large pot, combine chicken stock, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, and bay leaves. Bring this to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Cook Your Pork
  1. Submerge the seasoned pork into the liquid. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 4 to 6 hours. You want it to be fork-tender. Check it occasionally, adding more stock if too much evaporates.
Step 5: Shred the Pork
  1. Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Shred the pork using two forks. It should fall apart easily.
Step 6: Crisp Up the Meat (Optional)
  1. If you enjoy a crispy texture, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn!
Step 7: Assemble the Tacos
  1. Warm up your tortillas. Scoop some of the shredded carnitas onto each tortilla. Add toppings like cilantro, red onion, and a sprinkle of lime juice. Don’t forget a dollop of spicy salsa!

Notes

  • Use Quality Meat: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, high-quality pork. The more marbled the meat, the more tender it becomes.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust spices in the rub. Add more chili powder for heat or additional herbs for complexity.
  • Don’t Rush the Cooking: Slow cooking is key. Rushing this step can lead to tough meat. Give it time!
  • Make Ahead: These tacos can be made in advance. The flavors intensify as they sit.
  • Garnish Generously: Fresh toppings elevate the dish. Use a mix of flavors and textures for a personalized touch.