Ultimate Chipotle-Style Carnitas Tacos
Elevate your taco night with these Ultimate Chipotle-Style Carnitas Tacos. This mouthwatering recipe brings the bold flavors of Chipotle directly to your kitchen with impossibly tender, juicy pork shoulder seasoned with a symphony of herbs and spices. Slow-cooked to perfection in a savory broth, the carnitas are easy to shred and bursting with flavor. Load them into crispy taco shells and top with your choice of fresh ingredients for a fiesta that's sure to impress your family and friends.
6
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork shoulder, boneless
5-6 lbs (Trim excess fat as necessary)
Water
2 cups (None)
Fresh thyme sprigs
6 (None)
Juniper berries
5 (None)
Bay leaves
3 (None)
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons (None)
Whole black peppercorn
1 teaspoon (None)
Taco shells
12 (Heat according to manufacturer's directions)
Instructions
1
Prepare a spice bundle using a square of cheesecloth. Place the thyme sprigs, juniper berries, bay leaves, and black peppercorns in the center of the cloth, then gather the edges and secure tightly with kitchen twine.
2
Place the pork shoulder in the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour in the 2 cups of water and add the spice bundle along with the kosher salt.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4
Once the pork is cooked, use a large slotted spoon or tongs to transfer it to a bowl. Reserve the cooking liquid for later. Let the pork rest for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
5
Shred the pork using two forks or tongs, discarding any excess fat. Taste the cooking liquid; if it's too salty, dilute it with hot water.
6
Moisten the shredded carnitas with 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid, saving the rest for serving.
7
Prepare your taco shells according to the manufacturer's instructions, and gather your choice of toppings.
8
Assemble the tacos by filling each taco shell generously with the Chipotle-style carnitas followed by your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
5g
Carbs
14g
Protein
0.8g
Fiber
0.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Chipotle-Style Carnitas Tacos?
These are Mexican-style tacos made with tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with a blend of thyme, juniper berries, and bay leaves, inspired by the flavors of Chipotle.
What cut of meat is best for this carnitas recipe?
A 5-6 lb boneless pork shoulder is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness.
How long does it take to cook the pork in a slow cooker?
The pork should be cooked on the low setting for 10 to 12 hours until it easily shreds with a fork.
What ingredients are used in the spice bundle?
The spice bundle contains 6 fresh thyme sprigs, 5 juniper berries, 3 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns.
How do I make the spice bundle?
Place the herbs and spices in a square of cheesecloth, gather the edges, and secure it tightly with kitchen twine.
How much water is added to the slow cooker?
Add 2 cups of water to the bottom of the slow cooker along with the pork and seasonings.
Should I trim the fat off the pork shoulder?
Yes, you should trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder as necessary before cooking.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves 6 people.
How many taco shells are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 taco shells.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of these carnitas tacos?
There are 14 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 14 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in these tacos?
Yes, there is approximately 0.8 grams of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the carnitas?
The recipe is very low in sugar, containing only 0.3 grams per serving.
How much kosher salt is used for the pork?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of kosher salt.
What should I do after the pork is finished cooking?
Transfer the pork to a bowl, cover with foil, and let it rest for about 10 minutes before shredding.
How do I shred the carnitas?
You can use two forks or tongs to shred the tender pork, discarding any remaining excess fat.
What do I do with the cooking liquid?
Reserve the cooking liquid; use 1 cup to moisten the shredded meat and save the rest for serving.
What if the cooking liquid tastes too salty?
If the reserved cooking liquid is too salty, you can dilute it with a bit of hot water.
How should I prepare the taco shells?
Heat the taco shells according to the manufacturer's directions before assembling the tacos.
Can I add toppings to these tacos?
Yes, you can top the carnitas with your choice of fresh ingredients such as salsa, onions, or cilantro.
What is the specific preparation for the juniper berries?
The 5 juniper berries are placed whole into the spice bundle for flavor infusion.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried thyme?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 fresh thyme sprigs.
Is the pork shoulder bone-in or boneless?
This recipe uses a boneless pork shoulder.
How many bay leaves are required?
You will need 3 bay leaves for the spice bundle.
What tools are used to transfer the meat?
A large slotted spoon or tongs are best for transferring the cooked pork from the slow cooker.
Is the sodium content listed for this recipe?
The specific sodium content is not provided in the nutritional data, though 2 tablespoons of salt are used.
What cuisine category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as Mexican cuisine.
Can I cook the pork on a high setting?
The instructions specify cooking on low for 10 to 12 hours for optimal tenderness.