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Carnitas Tacos

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Carnitas Tacos
  • Prep 50 min
  • Total 60 min
  • Ingredients 20
  • Servings 6
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When I was only 15 years old, my parents owned a small taquería. My job on the weekends was to help my dad prepare a big batch of fresh pico de gallo. Carnitas were my absolute favorite of all the tacos that we prepared. This is a quick stovetop version of the tacos I loved so much.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lbs boneless country style pork ribs, sliced into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 tomatillos, diced
  • 4 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 serrano peppers, minced
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon crushed oregano
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 large orange
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup pork lard or vegetable shortening
  • 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick
  • 2 avocados, mashed or diced
  • 12 corn tortillas or 24 for double tortilla tacos

Directions

  • 1
    In a large heavy pot, add the pork and season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Add 1 cup of water. Cover the pot, leaving it slightly open on one side. Bring to a rapid boil at heat just above medium for about 20 minutes or until all the water dissolves. Do not disturb the meat while it is steaming.
  • 2
    In a medium bowl, combine the tomatillos, tomatoes, white onion, garlic, serrano peppers, cilantro, olive oil, oregano, juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Stir well to combine, taste for salt. Cover and set aside.
  • 3
    In a cup, combine the fresh orange juice and juice from 1/2 lemon. As soon as the water has evaporated from the carnitas, add the juice mixture in and let that cook down as well.
  • 4
    As soon as all the juice has evaporated, remove the lid add the lard and cinnamon stick. Cook the pork until nicely browned in most spots, turning as needed. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon onto a plate lined with paper towels. Cool slightly before chopping the meat and transferring to a serving dish with a lid.
  • 5
    In a small bowl, combine the avocados, juice of remaining lemon and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well and taste for salt. Heat tortillas on a large griddle or comal and keep warm in tortilla warmer or wrapped in tin foil paper. Serve tacos garnished with fresh salsa and avocado.

Expert Tips

  • tip 1
    Guacamole can be made a few hours before serving. Cover with plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole to keep all the air out. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information

1032.9 Calories, 78.1g Total Fat, 46.7g Protein, 38.0g Total Carbohydrate, 6.7g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
1032.9
Total Fat
78.1g
120%
Saturated Fat
25.6g
128%
Cholesterol
180.1mg
60%
Sodium
1100.6mg
46%
Potassium
1321.3mg
38%
Total Carbohydrate
38.0g
13%
Dietary Fiber
10.5g
42%
Sugars
6.7g
Protein
46.7g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin C
67.50%
68%
Calcium
13.40%
13%
Iron
19.70%
20%
Exchanges:
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

  • When I was only 15 years old, my parents owned a small taquería. My job on the weekends was to help my dad prepare a big batch of fresh pico de gallo. Carnitas were my absolute favorite of all the tacos that we prepared. This is a quick stovetop version of the tacos I loved so much.
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