Delicious Carnitas Tacos Recipe
Carnitas Tacos made from pork shoulder that is braised then fried crispy. Carnitas makes the ultimate taco.
Servings 12 servings
Calories 529kcal
Cost $22
Ingredients
- 3 tbs olive oil divided
- 5 lbs boneless pork shoulder trimmed and cut into 2” chunks
- 12 oz bacon sliced, cut in half
- 2 each bay leaves
- 2 teaspoon Mexican oregano dried
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chopped dried chile de árbol
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until just softened (about 3 minutes). Add the pork shoulder and lightly brown on all sides (about 10 minutes).
- Add water (about 3 cups) until the pork pieces are half submerged. Add the oregano, cumin black pepper, salt and dried chiles. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and place in the oven until tender (about 2 hours). Stir every 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the pot from the oven and transfer some of the pork shoulder to a cutting board with tongs or a slotted spoon. Chop the pork and discard the bacon.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add enough chopped pork to cover the bottom of the pan to a depth of about ½”. Press down with a spatula or weight it down with a cast-iron grill press. Cook until crisp and lightly browned (about 5 minutes) Turn over half way through cooking.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 8oz | Calories: 529kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 538mg | Potassium: 736mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 111IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 2mg