Sweet & Spicy Carnitas Tacos
After moving to Arizona and immersing myself in the local culture, I had the pleasure of working with an amazing older Hispanic gentleman who introduced me to the richness of traditional family recipes. His wife’s unique take on carnitas, featuring unexpected ingredients, inspired this flavorful taco creation. The secret surprise blending sweet cola and creamy condensed milk brings an incredible depth to the pork, making its flavors sing. These Sweet & Spicy Carnitas Tacos are perfect for a casual lunch or a party. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and will definitely impress your friends and family, no matter where you're from!
N/A
Servings
340
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Shoulder
4-5 lb (trimmed of excess fat)
Cola
12 ounces (standard soda)
Sweetened Condensed Milk
10 ounces (canned)
Cinnamon Sticks
2 large (fresh)
Cumin Seed
1 tablespoon (whole)
Kosher Salt
2 tablespoons (to taste)
Peppercorn
1 tablespoon (whole)
Garlic
1 head (cut in half through the middle)
Corn Tortillas
2 (fresh and warm)
Shredded Pork
1/4 cup (from above recipe)
Tomatoes
1 tablespoon (diced)
Red Onion
1 tablespoon (diced)
Cilantro
1 tablespoon (roughly chopped)
Serrano Pepper
1 teaspoon (minced)
Lime
1/4 (wedged)
Sour Cream
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Cheese
1 tablespoon (shredded, to taste)
Salsa / Hot Sauce
2 tablespoons (your favorite type)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the carnitas. Place the pork shoulder in a large pot and add the cola, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon sticks, cumin seeds, kosher salt, whole peppercorns, and halved garlic heads. Pour enough water into the pot to completely cover the pork.
2
Cover the pot with a lid and bring the contents to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shredded.
3
Once the pork is cooked, carefully drain the pot, discarding the solid ingredients such as garlic, cinnamon, and peppercorns. Shred the pork using two forks, mixing in any remaining juices for added flavor.
4
Now, it's time to assemble the tacos. Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet or directly over the flame if you're feeling adventurous.
5
Place a generous amount of shredded carnitas into each warmed tortilla. Top with diced tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, minced serrano pepper, a squeeze of lime, and finish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese. Add salsa or hot sauce according to your preference.
6
Enjoy your delightful Sweet & Spicy Carnitas Tacos with friends and family!
Nutrition Information
16.5g
Fat
37g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in these tacos?
The recipe uses 4-5 lbs of pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat.
What are the secret sweet ingredients in the carnitas?
The secret ingredients are 12 ounces of cola and 10 ounces of sweetened condensed milk.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
The pork should simmer for approximately 3-4 hours until it is fork-tender.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The meat is seasoned with cinnamon sticks, whole cumin seeds, kosher salt, and whole peppercorns.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
Use one head of garlic, cut in half through the middle.
Do I need to cover the pot while cooking?
Yes, cover the pot with a lid after bringing it to a vigorous boil.
What should I do with the solid ingredients like garlic and cinnamon after cooking?
Once the pork is cooked and drained, you should discard the garlic, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns.
How should the pork be shredded?
The pork is shredded using two forks, mixing in any remaining juices for extra flavor.
What type of tortillas are recommended?
The recipe calls for fresh and warm corn tortillas.
How many calories are in one serving of these tacos?
There are 340 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 16.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these tacos?
There are 37g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
Which pepper is used to add spice to the tacos?
The recipe uses minced serrano pepper for a spicy kick.
What are the recommended vegetable toppings?
Diced tomatoes, diced red onions, and roughly chopped cilantro are recommended.
How do I warm the tortillas?
Warm them on a skillet or directly over a flame for an adventurous touch.
Can I add dairy to these tacos?
Yes, you can add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
How much liquid is needed to cook the pork?
In addition to the cola and condensed milk, pour enough water to completely cover the pork.
Is the cumin ground or whole?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of whole cumin seeds.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, or to taste.
How is the lime prepared?
The lime is cut into wedges to be squeezed over the tacos.
What type of cola should be used?
The recipe suggests 12 ounces of standard soda.
Can I use hot sauce with these tacos?
Yes, you can add your favorite type of salsa or hot sauce according to your preference.
What is the origin of the recipe inspiration?
The recipe was inspired by traditional Hispanic family recipes in Arizona.
How much condensed milk is used?
The recipe requires 10 ounces of canned sweetened condensed milk.
Should the pork be boiled the whole time?
No, bring it to a boil first, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
What kind of cheese should I use?
You can use any shredded cheese you prefer, to taste.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 large fresh cinnamon sticks.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 18 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, these tacos are described as perfect for a casual lunch or a party.