These Carnitas Tacos are packed with flavor and so easy to make using juicy, tender slow-cooked pork. Serve it on warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings, and you've got a taco night favorite everyone will love.
This is my favorite way to serve carnitas! Since the meat doesn't need much attention while it cooks, I like to use that time to make all of our favorite taco toppings. Around here, that usually means a big bowl of pico de gallo, crumbly queso fresco, and plenty of fresh lime wedges.
And if you've never tried my Carnitas Nachos, they're another must-make way to enjoy this flavorful pork.
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How To Make Carnitas Tacos
Making Carnitas Tacos is done in three easy steps. First, you'll want to prepare the pork using my slow-cooked carnitas method. While the meat cooks, take a few minutes to whip up your toppings. Once everything is ready, warm the tortillas and layer up your tacos with all your favorite flavors.
STEP 1
Cut the pork into 2" pieces and season all over with salt and pepper. Heat a large dutch oven or pot over medium high heat. Add in the olive oil and begin browning the meat, working in batches if needed.
STEP 2
Once all of the meat is browned, add in the onion and garlic. Cover the meat halfway with water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1 ½ hours.
STEP 3
After 1 ½ hours, remove the lid and continue simmering (uncovered) on low for 1 hour or until the meat is tender and the liquid has evaporated. The fat rendered from the meat should be left in the pot.
STEP 4
Remove the pork and shred. Add it back to the pot and turn the heat to medium. If there isn't enough rendered fat, add oil as needed. Crisp the pork to your desired texture.
💭 Quick Tips
- Use a smaller pot for cooking the pork. The smaller the pot, the less water which means the water will evaporate faster and the pork will cook in its own fat. Which means better flavor!
- Warm each tortilla for 30 to 45 seconds per side in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stack them in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while assembling the tacos.
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If you tried this Carnitas Tacos recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟star rating and let me know how it went in the comment section below!
📖 Recipe
Carnitas Tacos
Ingredients
For Pork
- 3 pounds pork butt cut into 2" pieces
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ large onion large diced
- 6 cloves garlic crushed
- As Needed water
Tacos
- 12 soft corn tortillas or flour tortillas
- As Needed fresh salsa like pico de gallo *see notes
- As Needed guacamole *see notes
- As Needed cheese like crumbled queso fresco or cotija
- As Needed chopped cilantro
- As Needed lime wedges
Instructions
Carnitas
- Season the meat with the salt and pepper. Heat a large dutch oven or pot over medium high heat. Add in the olive oil and begin browning the meat, working in batches if needed. Do not over crowd the pan, the meat will steam instead of brown.
- Once all of the meat is browned add in the onion and garlic. Cover the meat ½ way with water. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 ½ hours.
- After 1 ½ hours remove the lid and continue simmering (uncovered) on low for 1 hour or until the meat is tender and the liquid has evaporated. The fat that has rendered from the meat should be left.
- Remove the pork and shred. Add back to the pot and turn the heat to medium. If there is not enough rendered fat left in the pot, you can add in oil as needed.
- Crisp up the pork until it reaches your desired crispness.
- Continue stirring the mixture every so often until ready to use.
Warming Up the Tortillas
- In a small non-stick pan over medium heat begin warming up the tortillas. Cook each tortilla for 30 to 45 seconds on each side. Just long enough to make the tortillas pliable. Place them in a damp towel to keep warm.
Notes
A Few Great Toppings for Carnitas Tacos
Get creative with the toppings for these tacos. Whip together your favorite salsa or dice some fresh onions. Carnitas tacos are great vehicles for flavorful toppings.
- Guacamole is a must for carnitas tacos for me.
- Fresh salsa is perfect for these tacos.
- Pico De Gallo is a great fresh salsa for carnitas tacos.
- Fresh diced onions
- Sliced Avocado
- Tomatillo Salsa
- Quick pickled onions, an absolute must try on tacos. If you have never tried quick pickled onions on tacos, I highly recommend that you do!
- Chopped cilantro is also a must for carnitas tacos, well all tacos really.
- Lime wedges to add fresh lime juice to the tacos. Also a favorite of mine!
- Cheeses- Crumbled Queso Fresco and Cotija are my favorite cheeses to put on carnitas tacos. Other cheeses like shredded cheddar and monterey jack are great options.
Soft corn tortillas are my go-to for carnitas tacos. Flour tortillas are also a great option.
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