Carnitas tacos are a beloved Mexican classic known for their succulent, slow-cooked pork filling, topped with zesty red onion and vibrant salsa verde. This dish is a delightful combination of tender meat, crisp vegetables, and bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply craving a taste of Mexico, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Best of all, it’s easy to make in a slow cooker, allowing you to savor the rich flavors with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the world of carnitas tacos.
Ingredients
For the Carnitas:
- 3-4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
For the Red Onion Topping:
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Salsa Verde:
- 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, stems removed (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the Carnitas:
- In a large bowl, combine the chunks of pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken or vegetable broth over the pork mixture. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the marinade.
- Transfer the pork and marinade to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
2. Make the Red Onion Topping:
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion with fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This will give the onions a bright and zesty flavor.
3. Prepare the Salsa Verde:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos, jalapeño peppers, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until you have a smooth and vibrant salsa verde.
4. Assemble the Carnitas Tacos:
- Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or on a griddle until they are warm and slightly toasted.
- Place a generous portion of the shredded carnitas on each tortilla.
- Top the carnitas with the marinated red onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Drizzle the vibrant salsa verde over the tacos to add a burst of flavor.
- Serve your homemade carnitas tacos immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges for an extra zing.
Enjoy this tender, flavorful pork, zesty onions, and vibrant salsa verde combine to create a mouthwatering explosion of tastes and textures that’s perfect for any occasion. So, fire up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy an authentic Mexican experience right at home!
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