Authentic Mexican Carnitas Tacos with Fresh Toppings
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of authentic Mexican Carnitas Tacos. This recipe features slow-roasted pork shoulder that's marinated in a traditional blend of spices, herbs, and Coca-Cola for a delightful sweetness. Once perfectly tender, the pork is shredded and served in warm corn tortillas, accompanied by fresh toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, and zesty salsas. Each taco promises an explosion of flavor, making it the perfect dish for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
8 medium (peeled)
White onion
1/2 medium (roughly chopped)
Mexican oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Kosher salt
5 teaspoons
Boneless pork shoulder
5 lbs (cut into 2-inch chunks)
Dried bay leaf
1
Coca-Cola
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a blender, combine the peeled garlic cloves, roughly chopped white onion, dried Mexican oregano, dried thyme, kosher salt, and 1/2 cup of water. Blend until the mixture is fairly smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
In a 6-quart dutch oven or deep baking dish, combine the 2-inch chunks of boneless pork shoulder, along with the dried bay leaf. Pour the blended marinade and 1 cup of Coca-Cola over the meat. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
4
Cover the pot tightly with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Allow the pork to slow roast for about 2 hours, or until it is very tender. Note that the sides of the pot may appear dark; this is perfectly normal.
5
After 2 hours, uncover the pot and return it to the oven. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, tossing the pork every 10 minutes and scraping the bottom and sides of the pot to achieve a nice caramelization. You want the pork to be slightly crispy on the outside and golden brown.
6
Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and coarsely shred it using two forks.
7
For optimal flavor, prepare the carnitas up to three days in advance and reheat before serving.
8
Serve the shredded carnitas alongside 24 warm corn tortillas and lime wedges. Add your favorite toppings such as chopped white onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh green salsa, jalapeño and pineapple salsa, or pico de gallo with a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cut of meat used in this carnitas recipe?
The recipe uses 5 lbs of boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks.
What is the secret ingredient used for sweetness and caramelization?
Coca-Cola is the secret ingredient, with 1 cup used in the marinade to provide sweetness and help with browning.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated and set to 450°F (232°C).
How long does the pork need to roast covered?
The pork should be slow-roasted in a tightly covered pot for about 2 hours until it is very tender.
What happens after the initial 2 hours of roasting?
The pot is uncovered and returned to the oven for an additional 30 minutes to achieve caramelization.
How often should I toss the pork during the final browning stage?
During the final 30 minutes, you should toss the pork every 10 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of the pot.
What herbs are included in the traditional marinade?
The marinade includes 1 tablespoon of dried Mexican oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is it normal for the sides of the pot to turn dark during cooking?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for the sides of the pot to appear dark during the slow-roasting process.
Can I prepare these carnitas ahead of time?
Yes, for optimal flavor, you can prepare the carnitas up to three days in advance and simply reheat them before serving.
How many tortillas does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to be served alongside 24 warm corn tortillas.
How should the pork be prepared before serving?
Once cooked, the pork should be removed from the oven and coarsely shredded using two forks.
What ingredients go into the blender for the marinade?
The blender mixture consists of 8 peeled garlic cloves, 1/2 medium white onion, Mexican oregano, dried thyme, kosher salt, and 1/2 cup of water.
What type of salt is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 5 teaspoons of kosher salt.
What should I serve as toppings for the tacos?
Recommended toppings include chopped white onion, fresh chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and various salsas.
Which salsas pair well with these carnitas?
Fresh green salsa, jalapeño and pineapple salsa, or pico de gallo with lemon zest are all excellent choices.
Do I need to add water to the cooking pot?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is used in the blended marinade which is poured over the meat.
What size of Dutch oven is suggested?
A 6-quart Dutch oven or a deep baking dish is recommended for this quantity of meat.
Is the onion used in the marinade or as a topping?
White onion is used for both: 1/2 onion is blended into the marinade, and additional chopped onion is used as a fresh topping.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 medium peeled garlic cloves.
What role does the bay leaf play?
One dried bay leaf is added to the pot with the meat and marinade to infuse the pork with subtle herbal flavor during roasting.
What is the goal of scraping the bottom of the pot during the last 30 minutes?
Scraping the pot helps incorporate the caramelized bits back into the meat, ensuring a golden brown and slightly crispy texture.
Are the tortillas corn or flour?
To keep the recipe authentic, 24 warm corn tortillas are used.
Is the pork shoulder boneless or bone-in?
The recipe specifies using boneless pork shoulder.
What is the total estimated roasting time?
The total roasting time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Does the marinade need to be smooth?
Yes, the recipe suggests blending the garlic, onion, and spices until the mixture is fairly smooth.
Should the meat be marinated overnight?
The recipe indicates you can toss the meat in the marinade and cook immediately, though prepping ahead is an option for serving.
What flavor profile does the Coca-Cola contribute?
It provides a delightful sweetness and aids in the deep caramelization of the pork.
Is this dish suitable for large groups?
Yes, with 5 lbs of meat and 24 tortillas, it is described as perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
How should the limes be prepared?
Limes should be cut into wedges and served on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
Can I add lemon zest to my tacos?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding a sprinkle of lemon zest specifically to the pico de gallo topping.