How to Make Zesty Carnitas Tacos - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, and one of the most beloved dishes is the zesty carnitas taco. This delicious and satisfying meal is a staple in many Mexican households, and it's easy to see why. The combination of tender, juicy pork, zesty marinade, and fresh toppings creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress your taste buds.

What makes carnitas tacos stand out is the cooking process. The pork is traditionally slow-cooked until it'...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (2 pound) boneless pork shoulder roast
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ⅓ cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 2 (5.3 ounce) containers plain fat-free Greek yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pinch chili powder (Optional)
  • 16 (6 inch) soft yellow corn tortillas
  • 4 leaves green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup very thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 cup pico de gallo (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 16 tacos

  • Make carnitas: Trim fat from pork. Cut pork into 2- to 3-inch pieces; transfer to a 4-quart slow cooker. Stir in onion, orange juice, cumin, salt, oregano, and cayenne.
  • Cover and cook on Low 8 to 10 hours or High 4 to 5 hours.
  • Transfer pork to a large bowl; shred using 2 forks. Add enough cooking liquid from slow cooker to moisten.
  • Make lime crema: Add 2 tablespoons lime juice to a small bowl. Stir in yogurt and salt. Dust with chili powder.
  • Make tacos: Serve pork in tortillas with shredded cabbage, red onion, and pico de gallo. Garnish with crema and lime zest.
  • Nutrition

    338 cal.

    • Total Fat: 16g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 53mg
    • Sodium: 761mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 33g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 18g
    • Vitamin C: 17mg
    • Calcium: 89mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 470mg