The Secret To Making Pork Carnitas For Tacos: A Step-by-step Guide
What To Know
- Transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes, or until the edges are crispy.
- It takes approximately 2 hours to cook the pork properly, but you’ll want to keep an eye on it and stir it regularly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- The final step is to let the carnitas cool in the pot, which helps the flavors develop and allows the pork to absorb any residual juices….
Pork carnitas are a classic Mexican dish, and with this recipe, you can make them at home. First, you’ll need to chop your pork into bite-sized pieces. Then, toss the pork in some salt, pepper, and cumin. Heat some oil in a pan, and cook the pork until it is browned on all sides. Then, add in some chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeno. Cook until the onions are soft, and the pork is cooked through. Finally, add some water or stock to the pan, and simmer until the liquid has reduced and the pork is tender. Serve the pork on warm tortillas, with salsa, guacamole, and any other toppings you like.
How To Make Pork Carnitas For Tacos
Ingredients
1 pork shoulder (bone-in)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 yellow onions
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup lime juice (from about 4 limes)
12 corn tortillas (6-inch)
1 head of cabbage (thinly sliced)
2 cups cilantro leaves
1 cup sour cream
1 lime (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, and oil. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
2. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add the pork and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the onions. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the chicken broth, lime juice, and pork with any accumulated juices.
5. Bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork, about 3 hours.
6. Transfer the pork to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
7. Return the pork to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced enough to coat the pork, about 10 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, heat the tortillas according to package instructions.
9. To assemble the tacos, divide the pork among the tortillas. Top with the cabbage, cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges.
Enjoy!
What Are The Ingredients Needed To Make Pork Carnitas For Tacos?
- 1. Pork shoulder or butt
- 2. Salt and pepper
- 3. Bay leaves
- 4. Garlic cloves
How Do You Prepare Pork Carnitas For Tacos?
Pork carnitas are a popular taco filling made of slow-cooked pork shoulder. To prepare pork carnitas for tacos, begin by seasoning the pork with salt, pepper, and spices such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Then, brown the pork in a skillet over high heat until it is crispy.
Next, transfer the pork to a slow cooker and add enough liquid (such as water or chicken broth) to cover it. Cook the pork on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until it is fork-tender.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Transfer the shredded pork to a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes, or until the edges are crispy.
Finally, fill the tortillas with the pork carnitas and top with your favorite toppings, such as cilantro, onions, salsa, and avocado. Enjoy!
How Long Does It Take To Make Pork Carnitas For Tacos?
The pork carnitas recipe for tacos is delicious, straightforward and simple, and it’s a staple in Mexican cuisine. It requires preparation and cooking time, but the wait is worth it.
Step one is to brine the pork in saltwater to tenderize it and ensure it’s moist and delicious. This takes anywhere from 3-8 hours, depending on your recipe and the size of the pork.
Next, the pork is seared and cooked in lard or oil. This stage is crucial, as it gives the carnitas their characteristic crispy crust. It takes approximately 2 hours to cook the pork properly, but you’ll want to keep an eye on it and stir it regularly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
The final step is to let the carnitas cool in the pot, which helps the flavors develop and allows the pork to absorb any residual juices or seasonings.
Overall, carnitas take around 7-8 hours to prepare and cook, but the actual hands-on time is minimal. It’s mostly waiting around and allowing the pork to simmer to perfection. The result is tender, juicy meat with a rich, slightly spicy flavor, perfect for filling tacos or burritos.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Pork Carnitas For Tacos?
Pork carnitas are a popular taco filling and for good reason. They’re delicious, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. But did you know that pork carnitas are also good for you?
Pork is a great source of protein, and it’s also a good source of iron and zinc. Carnitas, in particular, are a good source of B vitamins, which are important for energy production and metabolism.
In addition, pork carnitas are a good source of healthy fats. Pork is a naturally low-fat meat, and the carnitas are traditionally cooked in lard. Lard is a type of saturated fat, but it’s a healthier fat than trans fats and other types of saturated fats.
Pork carnitas are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. And, of course, pork carnitas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
So, if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious taco filling, pork carnitas are a great option. They’re easy to make, and they’re packed with nutrients. So go ahead and give them a try!
What Is The Difference Between Pork Carnitas And Pulled Pork?
Pork carnitas and pulled pork are both popular Mexican dishes, but they are made from different parts of the pig. Pork carnitas are made from the pork shoulder, while pulled pork is made from the pork butt.
Pork carnitas are typically cooked in a slow cooker or oven, and they are seasoned with a variety of spices, such as cumin, oregano, and chili powder. They tend to be crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.
Pulled pork is cooked in a similar manner to pork carnitas, but it is typically seasoned with a more traditional barbecue sauce. It is shredded and served on a bun or with a side of coleslaw.
Both pork carnitas and pulled pork are delicious and hearty dishes, but they differ in flavor and texture. Pork carnitas have a slightly richer flavor, while pulled pork is a bit sweeter. Pork carnitas also have a crispy texture, while pulled pork is more tender.
Takeaways
With these tips, you’ll be a master carnitas chef in no time! So gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and get ready to create some delicious pork carnitas for your tacos. Enjoy!