Copycat Carnitas Taco Truck Tailgate Dinner

Allergens

Gluten, Soy, Dairy (Avocado Crema contains dairy)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1
• inch cubes
• 3 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 recipe Quick Pickled Onions (see instructions)
• 1 recipe Avocado Crema (see instructions)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the pork shoulder cubes, orange juice, lime juice, white vinegar, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the pork evenly with the seasonings. Cover the pot and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill the pork cubes directly over the flame until browned and slightly charred on all sides, about 5 minutes total.
3. Reduce the grill heat to low and transfer the seared pork to the cooler side of the grate. Cover the grill and let the pork cook slowly for about 1 hour or until tender and easily shredded with a fork. Occasionally check and turn the pork pieces, basting them with their own rendered fat.
4. While the pork is cooking, prepare the Quick Pickled Onions and Avocado Crema recipes (see below).
5. Remove the cooked pork from the grill and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the grill for 2 3 minutes to absorb any remaining flavors.
6. Assemble your tacos by filling each corn tortilla with shredded carnitas, pickled onions, a dollop of avocado crema, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately.
7. Prep: 15 mins Cook: 1 hour 10 mins Total: 1 hour 25 mins

Chef’s Insight

Don't be afraid to experiment with additional spices or flavors to make this recipe your own!

Notes

Adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or fewer chili flakes to taste.