Carnitas Street Tacos

Allergens

Pork, Gluten (from corn tortillas), Dairy (optional Cotija cheese)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1
• inch cubes
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 12 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup pickled red onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the pork cubes, orange juice, lime juice, salt, cumin, black pepper, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano, cinnamon, ground cloves, and ancho chili powder. Toss until the pork is well coated with the seasonings.
2. Transfer the marinated pork to a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Add chicken broth and cook on low for 6 8 hours in a slow cooker or on high pressure for 45 minutes in a pressure cooker, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
3. Using two forks, shred the pork into small pieces and return it to the slow cooker or pressure cooker to absorb the remaining juices.
4. Heat a large non stick skillet over medium high heat. Add half of the shredded pork in a single layer and cook until crispy and browned, about 2 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining pork.
5. Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet for 10 15 seconds per side.
6. Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of crispy carnitas, pickled red onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime onto each tortilla. Top with crumbled Cotija cheese, if desired.

Chef’s Insight

To intensify the flavors, cook the pork with a homemade broth made from simmering orange and lime peels in water for 20 minutes before straining and using it to replace half of the chicken broth.

Notes

Carnitas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.