Sizzling Smoky Carnitas Tacos

Sizzling Smoky Carnitas Tacos

A mouthwatering recipe for Sizzling Smoky Carnitas Tacos inspired by street food favorites, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

🕒 Prep: 15 mins - Cook: 2 hours - Total: 2 hours 15 mins
🍽 Servings: 4
🔥 Difficulty: Advanced
🌎 Cuisine: Mexican, Street Food

Allergens

Dairy (queso fresco), Gluten (corn tortillas)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
  • 3 cups smoky chili sauce
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup fresh salsa verde
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
  • lime crema
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine pork shoulder, smoky chili sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours or until pork is tender and pulls apart easily.
  2. Remove pork from pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded pork to the pot with sauce and stir well. Keep warm.
  3. In a dry pan over medium high heat, quickly char corn tortillas on both sides. Assemble tacos by placing a generous portion of carnitas in each tortilla, then top with fresh salsa verde, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of cilantro lime crema.
  4. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

Chef’s Insight

For extra smokiness, try using a blend of ancho and chipotle chili powders in the sauce.

Notes

The smoky chili sauce can be homemade or store-bought. Choose a rich, smoky variety for best results.

Cultural or Historical Background

Carnitas tacos have their roots in the Mexican state of Michoacán, where pork is slowly cooked with spices to create tender, flavorful meat.