This dish is a classic, brimming with flavor, tradition, and the perfect blend of spices and textures that make any meal special.

If you want to learn how to prepare the best Mexican carnitas recipe, keep reading and discover how to make your tacos absolutely irresistible.

What are Mexican Carnitas?

Mexican carnitas are a slow-cooked pork dish, prepared until the meat is tender and juicy with a slightly crispy edge.

Originating in the state of Michoacán, carnitas are an iconic dish in Mexican cuisine, where the secret lies in patience and the right ingredients.

Carnitas are typically served in corn tortillas and paired with toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, salsa, and lime, creating the perfect carnitas tacos.

But the best part about this dish is its versatility: you can enjoy carnitas on tostadas, in burritos, or even as a filling for tamales.

Ingredients for the Carnitas Recipe

Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. For delicious Mexican carnitas, you’ll need:

For the carnitas:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of pork (ideally a mix of leg, loin, and belly for a variety of textures).
• 1 cup of pork lard.
• 1 cup of fresh orange juice.
• 1 cup of milk.
• 5 garlic cloves.
• 1 onion, chopped into large pieces.
• 1 bay leaf.
• 1 tablespoon of salt.
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.
• 1 teaspoon of cumin.
• Black pepper to taste.

For the tacos:

• Fresh corn tortillas.
• Finely chopped onion.
• Fresh cilantro.
• Salsa to taste (red, green, or even avocado salsa).
• Lime halves.

How to Make Carnitas Tacos Step by Step

1. Prepare the meat

Cut the pork into medium-sized pieces. It’s not necessary for them to be uniform, as the different textures are key to authentic Mexican carnitas.

Make sure to include fatty pieces, as this enhances the flavor and prevents the meat from drying out during cooking.

2. Cook slowly

In a large pot (preferably cast iron or one with a thick base), melt the pork lard over medium heat.

Add the pork pieces along with the orange juice, milk, garlic, onion, bay leaf, salt, oregano, and cumin.

Stir well and cook on low heat. The secret to perfect Mexican carnitas is patience, so let the pork cook slowly for about 2-3 hours.

Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick and to allow all the flavors to meld.

3. Crisp the carnitas

Once the pork is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, raise the heat slightly to brown the pieces. This step is essential to achieve the signature crispy texture of carnitas.

4. Warm the tortillas

While the carnitas are finishing, heat the corn tortillas on a griddle or skillet. Make sure they’re soft and slightly toasted.

5. Assemble the tacos

Place a generous portion of carnitas on each tortilla. Add chopped onion, fresh cilantro, and a touch of salsa to taste. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing directly onto the tacos.

Tips for Perfect Carnitas Tacos

• Choose quality meat: A good mix of fatty and lean cuts makes all the difference. Pork belly and leg are excellent choices.
• Customize your salsas: While red and green salsas are traditional, feel free to experiment with flavors like mango salsa or habanero chili salsa.
• Add extra toppings: Serve your carnitas tacos with sliced radishes, grilled nopales, or even guacamole for an extra flavor boost.
• Make extra: Carnitas are great for reheating, so prepare a large batch. You can use leftovers the next day for other dishes, like enchiladas or quesadillas.

Now you’re ready to enjoy some delicious tacos, but if you want to prepare carnitas tacos the truly Mexican way, we recommend making your own tortillas at home.

Don’t have time or want to enjoy a different kind of dinner? Remember!At Taquería de Birra, we’ve been experts in tacos and Mexican cuisine since 1989. Come savor quality tacos, or order for pickup or delivery from our locations at C/ Don Pedro, 11 or Plaza de las Comendadoras, 2.