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Close-up of delicious carnitas tacos, garnished and ready to eat

Weeknight Crispy Carnitas Tacos

These Weeknight Crispy Carnitas Tacos feature tender pork shoulder, slow-cooked to perfection, then crisped up and served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for a delightful and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 tacos
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Baking sheet (optional)
  • Cast-iron skillet (optional)

Ingredients
  

Pork Carnitas

  • 3-4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 orange halved
  • 1 small onion quartered
  • 4 garlic smashed
  • 2 bay leaves (optional)

For Serving

  • Corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup white onion finely diced
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • Salsa verde or roja to taste

Instructions
 

Pork Preparation

  • Cut the pork shoulder into 2-inch cubes and season well with salt and black pepper.
  • Sear the pork in batches in a large, heavy-bottomed pot with lard or oil until browned, then set aside.

Slow Cooking

  • Return the seared pork to the pot, add water or broth to cover partially, then add the orange, onion, garlic, and bay leaves.
  • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours until very tender.

Crisping the Carnitas

  • Remove the pork from the pot and discard the aromatics; simmer the cooking liquid to reduce slightly.
  • Shred the pork with forks, then crisp it in the Dutch oven or a cast-iron skillet with a little lard until browned and caramelized, drizzling with reduced liquid for extra crispiness.

Assembly

  • Warm tortillas in a dry skillet, over a flame, or in the microwave, then fill each with crispy carnitas.
  • Garnish with cilantro, diced white onion, lime juice, and salsa, then serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, do not skip the searing step as it adds significant flavor. You can prepare the carnitas ahead of time and crisp them just before serving. Adjust spiciness with your favorite salsa. Leftover carnitas are delicious in burritos, quesadillas, or on salads.