Why You’ll Love this Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos Recipe
When you try this slow-cooked carnitas tacos recipe, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The tender, juicy pork practically melts in your mouth, bursting with flavor from simple spices.
I love how effortlessly it comes together in the slow cooker, letting me focus on other tasks while it cooks. Plus, the aroma that fills my home is simply irresistible!
When I serve these tacos with fresh avocado, cilantro, and vibrant tomatillo salsa, I can’t help but smile at the joy it brings to my family and friends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos
When it comes to making slow-cooked carnitas tacos, having the right ingredients is key to capturing that mouth-watering flavor that makes everyone come back for seconds. Thankfully, you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or obscure spices to whip up this dish. Most of what you’ll need is likely already in your pantry or easily found at your local grocery store.
So, let’s explore the lineup of ingredients that will help you create these delicious tacos that are just begging to be devoured.
- 2 lbs country-style pork ribs, cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces (or pork shoulder)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
- 1/2 large onion, cut into 4 pieces
- 1 avocado, halved, pitted, sliced
- Fresh cilantro stems
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Corn tortillas
- Tomatillo salsa (roasted)
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients a bit more. First off, the pork is the star of the show; use the best quality you can find, because it really does make a difference.
If you’d like to use pork shoulder instead of country-style ribs, go for it. It’s a great choice too, as it’s super tender when cooked low and slow.
Don’t skip on the fresh cilantro; it adds a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the richness of the pork.
And hey, if you’re not a fan of red bell pepper, feel free to swap it out for something else you love. Cooking should be fun, right?
Just remember, the more you enjoy the process, the more delicious the outcome will be.
How to Make Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos
Making slow-cooked carnitas tacos is easier than you might think. First off, grab 2 lbs of country-style pork ribs (or pork shoulder if you’re feeling fancy). Cut them into 1-1/2 inch pieces, and toss those into a bowl with 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
Give it a good mix, so every piece of pork gets coated in that flavorful seasoning. It’s like giving your meat a spa day, and who doesn’t love a little pampering?
Next, place a half of a large onion, cut into four pieces, right on top of the seasoned pork in your slow cooker. Now, cover that beauty up and let it work its magic on low for about 6 hours. Seriously, just let it sit there. You can kick back, relax, and maybe even binge-watch your favorite show.
Once the meat is tender and falling apart, it’s time for some action. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the pork to a cutting board. You can discard the onion pieces—sorry, onion, you’d a good run.
Now, shred the pork with your fingers or a fork. It’s a little messy, but that’s half the fun. Transfer your glorious carnitas to a platter, and now for the fun part—garnishing! Slice up an avocado, grab some fresh cilantro stems, and slice a red bell pepper if that’s your jam.
Now, let’s get those corn tortillas warmed up. Wrap them in a damp kitchen towel and pop them into the microwave for about a minute. This step is essential for achieving that warm, soft goodness that will cradle your carnitas perfectly.
Once everything is ready, serve the tender carnitas alongside the warm tortillas and a generous helping of tomatillo salsa. Just imagine taking that first bite. Juicy, flavorful pork, fresh toppings, and a warm tortilla—it’s pure taco bliss.
Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your slow-cooked carnitas tacos, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to contemplate.
Instead of pork, try chicken thighs or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option. You can swap out the spices too; add chipotle for a smoky kick or cumin for warmth.
If you’re not a fan of corn tortillas, flour tortillas work well, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice.
For toppings, experiment with pickled onions, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime.
Get creative and make these tacos your own!
What to Serve with Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos
To elevate your slow-cooked carnitas tacos, consider pairing them with a variety of sides that complement their rich flavors.
I love serving them with a fresh pico de gallo; the bright tomatoes and cilantro add a revitalizing crunch. A zesty lime wedge enhances the tacos’ taste, too.
For something hearty, try a side of Mexican street corn or a light cucumber salad. If you’re in the mood for something warm, refried beans or a spicy black bean dip work wonders.
Don’t forget some tortilla chips for snacking while you enjoy those delicious carnitas tacos!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing slow-cooked carnitas tacos, I find that a few extra tips can really enhance the overall experience.
First, don’t skip the broiling step after shredding the pork; it adds a delicious crispiness. I also love to mix in some lime juice for a fresh zing.
If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought salsa, but homemade is worth it when you can!
Finally, warm your tortillas just before serving to keep them pliable.
Trust me, these small tweaks make a significant difference in flavor and presentation, turning a simple meal into something truly special. Enjoy!