Crispy Carnitas Tacos Recipes

CRISPY PORK CARNITAS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
• Remove fat from pork; cut pork meat into 2-inch cubes and roughly chop fat.
• Mix pork, garlic, olive oil, orange peel, orange juice, salt, bay leaves, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and 5-spice powder together in a bowl until pork is coated completely. Transfer mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place baking dish on a baking sheet and cover baking dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until pork is fork-tender, about 3 1/2 hours.
• Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
• Transfer meat to a colander set over a bowl. Remove garlic, bay leaves, and orange peels from baking dish and pour accumulated juices from the baking dish over meat in colander into the bowl. Return meat to the baking dish and drizzle accumulated juices over each piece of meat.
• Cook meat under the preheated broiler for 3 minutes. Drizzle more accumulated juices over meat and continue broiling until crispy, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer pork to a serving plate and drizzle more accumulated juices over the top.

CARNITAS RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Pat the pork butt dry with a paper towel. Use a large, sharp knife to trim away excess fat. Cut the pork butt into 1" thick slices. Then, cut each slice into 1" cubes.
• Transfer the pork to a 4-5 quart enameled cast iron Dutch oven. Add all of the dry spices, and massage them onto the pork with your hands.
• Add the orange juice, lime juice, and a 1/2 cup water to the Dutch oven and stir to combine. Add the bay leaves, cover, and transfer to the oven.
• Cook for 2 hours. Remove from the oven, and turn on the broiler on high. Have ready a rimmed sheet pan lined with nonstick aluminum foil.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to the prepared sheet pan. Using the tines of a fork, gently press down on the pork to ever-so-slightly break it apart.
• Place the pork under the broiler, and watch closely so that it does not burn. As soon as the pork begins to tinge with dark brown hues and crisps up on the edges, remove it from the oven. Depending on your broiler, this could take anywhere from 1- 4 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
• Place the Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-high heat and allow to come to a simmer. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the cooking liquid and allow to simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Either add the pork back to the Dutch oven and stir or brush the sauce lightly over the carnitas. Serve with tortillas and your favorite taco toppings and enjoy!

ZESTY CARNITAS TACOS

Steps:

• 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, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, oregano, and cayenne.
• Cover and cook on Low 8 to 10 hours, or on High 4 to 5 hours. Transfer pork to a large bowl; shred using 2 forks. Add enough cooking liquid from slow cooker to moisten.
• Lime Crema: Add 2 tablespoons lime juice to a small bowl. Stir in yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Dust with chili powder.
• Tacos: Serve pork in tortillas with cabbage, red onion, and pico de gallo (if using). Garnish with crema and lime zest.

CARNITAS TACOS

Steps:

• Cut roast in half; place in a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle with taco seasoning. Pour tomatoes over top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender., Remove meat from slow cooker; shred with 2 forks. Skim fat from cooking juices. Return meat to slow cooker; heat through. Using a slotted spoon, place 1/2 cup on each tortilla; top with cheese. Serve with sour cream if desired.

COPYCAT CHIPOTLE CARNITAS CRISPY TACOS

Steps:

• Using a square of cheesecloth, make a spice bundle: Place thyme springs, juniper berries, bay leaves, and black peppercorns in the center of the cloth and secure with kitchen twine.
• In a slow cooker set to low , arrange pork roast in the bottom. Add water, spice bundle, and salt.
• Cover and set for 10 hours. It may take 12 hours, carnitas will be ready when pork is easily shreddible with a fork.
• Using a large slotted spoon or a pair of tongs, transfer pork to a large bowl (save cooking liquid for later). Allow pork to rest, covered, for about 10 minutes.
• Heat taco shells according to manufacturer's directions, and prepare toppings of your choice.
• Shred pork using two forks or tongs, discarding excess fat. Taste cooking liquid. (if it is too salty, thin the cooking liquid with hot water). Moisten carnitas with 1 cup of cooking liquid, reserving the rest for later use.
• Assemble tacos:.
• Fill Taco shells with Copycat Chipotle Carnitas, and desired toppings.

CRISPY CARNITAS TACOS

Steps:

• In large pot, cover pork with water. Add seasonings and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours or until meat is very tender and begins to fall apart. Remove meat from liquid and coarsely shred pork discarding any fat.
• Quickly dip corn tortillas in hot oil just long enough to soften. Place 1 to 2 T of shredded carnitas across the center of softened tortilla. Fold tortilla over and secure with metal clip or with toothpicks. Repeat process until all tacos have been prepared.
• Heat 3/4 inch of oil in a heavy swallow skillet 370 degrees. Place 2 to 3 tacos in oil. Brown on one side and turn over and repeat on the other. Remove taco to absorbent paper and remove clip or toothpicks. Separate shell slightly and insert shredded lettuce, tomato, and top with cheese.
• Serve immediately with refried beans, rice, and table condiments of your choice.