Delicious Pork Carnitas Street Tacos (Slow Cooker Recipe)

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delectable dish? Look no further! These mouthwatering Pork Carnitas Street Tacos are an absolute treat for your senses. The best part? You can effortlessly whip them up in your slow cooker. And to add a delightful twist, we’ll pop the carnitas under the broiler at the end to give them a crispy golden finish. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist!

The Art of Slow Cooking

If you’re familiar with my blog, you know that I adore slow cooker recipes. They are a game-changer, allowing you to prep ahead and come home to a fully cooked, flavorful meal. Gone are the days of the regular crockpot roast. It’s time to rediscover the magic of the crockpot and explore new culinary adventures. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

Flavorful and Crispy Carnitas

Now, let’s dive into the star of our show – the Slow Cooker Carnitas. These succulent bites are bursting with flavor, perfectly tender, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Unlike the Americanized version, these street tacos focus on the essence of the meat. Forget about the cheese, sour cream, and salsa – it’s all about the glorious meat!

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What You’ll Need 🛒

Let’s gather our ingredients before we embark on this gastronomic journey:

  • Pork Shoulder (Bone-in or boneless, slightly trimmed)
  • Spices (Garlic salt, cumin, oregano, brown sugar, basil, coriander, chili powder, paprika, or swap in taco seasoning)
  • Fresh oranges and limes
  • Tortillas and your choice of toppings

Pork Carnitas

Let’s Get Cooking 📋

Follow these simple steps to create your masterpiece:

  1. Combine the spices in a small bowl.
  2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork.
  3. Place the pork in the slow cooker and squeeze the lime and orange juice over it.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or high for 5-6 hours until the pork is tender.
  5. Shred the meat using forks.
  6. Preheat your oven broiler. Arrange the pulled pork in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  7. Taste the pork for saltiness and sprinkle additional salt if desired.
  8. Place the shredded pork under the broiler until the tips are browned and slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
  9. Now, it’s time to enjoy the succulent carnitas! Load them into flour or corn tortillas and top them with your favorite toppings.

How to Achieve Crispy Carnitas? ✔️

To achieve that coveted crispy texture, simply pop the slow cooker carnitas under the broiler with a sprinkle of salt. Keep a watchful eye on them, ensuring they don’t burn or become overly browned. The result? Irresistibly crispy and perfectly caramelized goodness!

Toppings to Elevate Your Tacos 🌮

While I personally prefer simple garnishes like cilantro, onions, and cotija cheese, you can unleash your creativity with a variety of toppings. Consider options like pineapple salsa, salsa taquera, guacamole, quick-pickled onions, pico de gallo, cilantro lime crema, chipotle crema, and vinegar slaw. The choice is yours!

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Storing and Freezing Tips 🕕

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months. Pro tip: portion the cooked pork into individual freezer bags and freeze them flat for easy access later.

Perfect Pairings 🍷

Now, let’s talk about the perfect accompaniments for your pork street tacos. An authentic Mexican dish like this calls for an ice-cold beer. Opt for a classic Corona or any light Mexican beer that tickles your fancy. If you’re in the mood for wine, a bold Tempranillo beautifully complements the spices in the meat. And let’s not forget the margaritas – try one of these tantalizing recipes!

Delicious Sides to Complete the Feast 🍽

To round out your meal, consider serving these pork street tacos with flavorful companions like Instant Pot Refried Beans, Mexican Black Beans, Mexican Street Corn Salad, Oven Roasted Carrots (Elote Style), Vinegar Slaw, or Instant Pot Mexican Rice. The possibilities are endless!

More Taco Bliss 🌮

If you’re craving more taco goodness, I have you covered! Check out these tantalizing options: Taco Zucchini Boats, Korean Tacos with Bulgogi Beef, Slow Cooker Carnitas (yes, a different variation!), Instant Pot Cuban Mojo Pork, Sweet Potato Tacos with Chipotle Crema, and Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema. Tacos are life, amigos!

Slow Cooker Magic 🌟

If you’re smitten by the slow cooker bug like me, let me dazzle you with a few more recipes to add to your repertoire. Indulge in the succulent delights of Slow Cooker Pork Chops, Bolognese Sauce, Salsa Chicken, Butter Chicken, and Glazed Corned Beef and Cabbage. Discover the wonders of slow cooking with these favorites and more!

Further reading:  Teriyaki Pork Chops: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Share Your Culinary Triumph! 📸

I’m thrilled to be part of your culinary journey! If you give this pork street tacos recipe a whirl, I’d be forever grateful if you could leave a star review. And remember, don’t forget to snap a picture of your masterpiece and share it with me on Instagram. Use the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tag me @platingsandpairings. Let’s celebrate our gastronomic triumphs together!

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, make sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook. And if you have a sweet tooth, explore these delectable 25+ Mexican Desserts. For a quicker version of this recipe, my Instant Pot Carnitas recipe awaits your culinary prowess.

This article was originally published in 2015 but has been updated in 2023 to provide you with fresh and exciting information. The pork street tacos recipe has evolved, ensuring an even more delightful experience.

Hungry yet? Don’t wait any longer – grab your slow cooker and embark on a flavor-packed adventure with these irresistible Pork Carnitas Street Tacos!