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Delicious Carnitas Tacos

Carnitas Tacos made from pork shoulder that is braised then fried crispy. Carnitas makes the ultimate taco.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12 servings
Calories 529 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbs olive oil divided
  • 5 lbs boneless pork shoulder trimmed and cut into 2” chunks
  • 12 oz bacon sliced, cut in half
  • 2 each bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoon Mexican oregano dried
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chopped dried chile de árbol

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until just softened (about 3 minutes). Add the pork shoulder and lightly brown on all sides (about 10 minutes).
  • Add water (about 3 cups) until the pork pieces are half submerged. Add the oregano, cumin black pepper, salt and dried chiles. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and place in the oven until tender (about 2 hours). Stir every 30 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the pot from the oven and transfer some of the pork shoulder to a cutting board with tongs or a slotted spoon. Chop the pork and discard the bacon.
  • Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add enough chopped pork to cover the bottom of the pan to a depth of about ½”. Press down with a spatula or weight it down with a cast-iron grill press. Cook until crisp and lightly browned (about 5 minutes) Turn over half way through cooking.

Video

Notes

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Nutrition

Serving: 8ozCalories: 529kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 43gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 538mgPotassium: 736mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 111IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg
Keyword carnitas, tacos
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