Introduction
Indulge in the savory goodness of Slow Cooked Carnitas Tacos, a delightful dish featuring tender and flavorful pork cooked to perfection. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a great option for a casual dinner or taco night at home.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Slow Cooked Carnitas Tacos is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become incredibly tender and infused with all the seasonings, resulting in a mouthwatering taco filling that everyone will love.
How to Make Slow Cooked Carnitas Tacos
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs or pork shoulder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
- ½ large onion, cut into 4 pieces
- 1 large avocado, halved, pitted, and sliced
- Fresh cilantro
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 8 medium tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 cup green chile salsa
Directions:
- Toss the pork in the slow cooker with salt, pepper, and oregano. Place onion pieces on top of the pork. Cook on low for about 6 hours until tender and falling apart.
- Shred the cooked pork and transfer to a platter. Serve with avocado slices, cilantro, and red bell peppers.
- Warm the tortillas in a damp kitchen towel in the microwave for 1 minute. Serve the carnitas with warm tortillas and green salsa.
How to Serve Slow Cooked Carnitas Tacos
Serve the Slow Cooked Carnitas Tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. You can also set out additional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges for a customizable taco experience.
How to Store Slow Cooked Carnitas Tacos
Store any leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Tips to Make Slow Cooked Carnitas Tacos
- For added flavor, sear the seasoned pork in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Use pork with some marbling for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Customize the seasoning to your preference by adding garlic powder, cumin, or chili powder.
Variation
For a spicy kick, add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the slow cooker along with the pork. You can also experiment with different salsa variations, such as pineapple salsa or mango salsa, for a tropical twist.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of pork for carnitas? Yes, you can use pork butt or pork loin for this recipe.
- Is it necessary to cook the pork on low for 6 hours? Slow cooking allows the pork to become tender and juicy, but you can adjust the cooking time based on your preference.
- Can I freeze the cooked carnitas? Yes, you can freeze the cooked carnitas in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
