Pulled Pork (Carnitas) Tacos are a flavorful and savory Mexican dish featuring tender, slow-cooked pork that’s shredded and typically served in soft corn tortillas. The pork is seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked until it’s juicy and easy to pull apart. These tacos are often topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 oranges, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced onions
- Lime wedges
Appliances and Special Utensils Needed:
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Tongs
- Forks (for shredding the pork)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork:
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Slow Cook the Pork:
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker.
- Add the quartered onion and smashed garlic cloves around the pork.
- Pour the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Instant Pot Method:
- Use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to sear the pork on all sides until browned.
- Add the onion, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
- Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release.
- Shred the Pork:
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker or Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Crisp the Pork (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add some of the shredded pork to the skillet in a single layer and cook without stirring for a few minutes until the edges become crispy.
- Flip and crisp the other side if desired.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the shredded pork.
- Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve immediately with additional lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your Pulled Pork (Carnitas) Tacos with your favorite toppings and sides!