Pork Carnitas Tacos are a hit every.single.time. Lightly toasted corn shells are filled with crispy and flavorful homemade pork carnitas, cotija cheese, onions, lots of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Yields about 6 servings (4 tacos per person).
This your sign to make Pork Carnitas Tacos.
The pork cooks low and slow in your slow cooker with dried herbs, spices, onions, jalapeño and citrus. Right before serving, simply shred and fry in a skillet. Then you make tacos! Crispy corn shells, crispy shredded pork and lots of fresh toppings like onion, cilantro and fresh lime juice.
Besides delicious and flavorful, I personally file these pork carnitas tacos under easy dinner recipes. And also, dinners my whole family loves.🤩
To Make These Pork Carnitas Tacos You Will Need:
- pork carnitas – Use my homemade slow cooker pork carnitas recipe!
- corn tortillas – I like yellow corn, but white also works.
- onions – Use raw white onions or pickled red onions (or both!).
- cilantro – Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
- cotjia cheese – Or substitute with queso fresca or crumbled feta.
- lime juice – Adds acidity and bright citrusy flavor.
optional toppings:
- avocado – Diced or slice, or use guacamole.
- sliced jalapeños – Use raw or pickled.
- hot sauce – I like a green hot sauce for these, but use your favorite.
- shredded lettuce – Not really authentic, but adds a refreshing crunch.
Make the Pork Carnitas:
Start by making the pork carnitas. For these tacos (or for all things carnitas) I always make my go-to slow cooker pork carnitas recipe. However, I will confess that I have made these tacos with Trader Joes pre-made carnitas – and they were good and easy. With that said, homemade is always better.😉
Once shredded, add the pork to a large 12-inch nonstick skillet and heat over medium-high. Let the pork cook until golden and crispy, then toss and repeat.
So freaking amazing.
Meanwhile, toast a bunch of corn tortillas. Sometimes I use 2 per taco and sometimes I don’t – it just depends. If you want a sturdier taco, double them up – just make sure to buy enough to do this. To toast the tortillas, I heat a dry skillet over medium to medium-high and once hot, cook a few seconds on each side until slightly golden in spots. They should still be soft but slightly more firm. As I go, I keep them warm on a plate wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
Make The Tacos:
Grab one or two toasted corn shells and top with pork carnitas, cilantro, cotija and onions – I do both pickled (if I have them) and raw white onion. I also add a squeeze of lime to each taco and some jalapeños for a spicy kick.
I mean… so simple right?
Enjoy! And if you give this Pork Carnitas Tacos recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Pork Carnitas Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 recipe pork carnitas
- 4 ounces cotija cheese, or use queso fresco or feta
- 1 medium white onion
- 1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
- lime wedges
Optional Toppings:
- jalapeño , raw or pickled
- hot sauce
- lettuce, shredded
- avocado, or guacamole
Instructions
- Once the pork carnitas are cooked (this can be made a day in advance), shred and add the pork to a large 12-inch nonstick skillet and heat over medium-high. Let the pork cook until golden and crispy, then toss and repeat.
- Meanwhile, toast a bunch of corn tortillas. To toast the tortillas, I heat a dry skillet over medium to medium-high and once hot, cook a few seconds on each side until slightly golden in spots. They should still be soft but slightly more firm. As I go, I keep them warm on a plate wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.Sometimes I use 2 per taco and sometimes I don’t – it just depends. If you want a sturdier taco, double them up – just make sure to buy enough to do this.
- Grab one or two toasted corn shells and top with pork carnitas, cilantro, cotija and onions – I do both pickled (if I have them) and raw white onion. I also add a squeeze of lime to each taco and some jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Notes
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I love the pickled red onion in these, and pork carnitas are always welcome, thank you