Slow Cooker Carnitas Street Tacos
Try this Slow Cooker Carnitas Street Tacos recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Carnitas Street Tacos recipe.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- carnitas
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 tbsp. cumin
- pickled onions
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- tortillas (i used a corn-flour blend)
- 1 lime, cut
- 4-6 lbs. pork shoulder slightly trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tbsp. garlic salt
- 2 tsp. brown sugar
- 2 oranges, sliced in half
- 1 lime, sliced in half
- 1 red onion halved and thinly sliced
- 1/8 - 1/4 upsugar
- Carbohydrate 6.27043375093712 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.09227625 g
- Fiber 0.270600002557039 g
- Protein 0.26213 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0405075 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cup (185g)
- Sodium 1821.0664036851 mg
- Sugar 5.99983374838008 g
- Trans Fat 0.028105 g
- Calories 41 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine garlic salt, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, cumin, ground coriander, brown sugar, and sweet paprika.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork.
- Place pork in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Squeeze the juice from the oranges and limes over the pork.
- Place rinds pulp side down in slow cooker over the meat.
- Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours, or until pork is tender and falling off the bone.
- Use a fork to pull away from bone and discard it.
- Preheat oven broiler.
- Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and arrange pork in a single layer.
- Taste the pork for saltiness. You may want to sprinkle some additional salt on top.
- Place underneath broiler until tips of pork are browned and slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add sliced onions to a medium bowl.
- Pour enough boiling water over them to fully cover and count to 10.
- Drain onions and place in jar or bowl.
- Heat vinegar, lime juice, ½ cup sugar, chili flakes and salt in small saucepan over medium heat until sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes.
- Taste for sweetness and add more sugar as needed.
- Pour vinegar mixture over onions.
- Allow to stand at room temperature, until fully cooled.
- Cover and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
- Place carnitas in tortillas and serve topped with sliced avocado and cilantro.
- Pass around extra limes for garnish.
My Weeknight Wonder: Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school drop-offs, client meetings, and the ever-present demands of family life, the kitchen often takes a backseat. But this doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or quality time with loved ones around the dinner table. That's where my trusty slow cooker comes in. It's become my secret weapon for creating flavorful meals without sacrificing precious hours of my day.
This week, I decided on slow cooker carnitas tacos, a recipe I've perfected over time, balancing simplicity with rich, authentic flavors. The beauty of this dish lies in its ease of preparation. It involves minimal hands-on time, leaving me free to tackle other responsibilities while the magic unfolds in the slow cooker. The pork braises beautifully, becoming incredibly tender and easily shreddable. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld seamlessly, creating a depth and richness that's simply unmatched. The vibrant, zesty flavors of the carnitas are perfectly complemented by the crunchy freshness of the pickled onions and the creamy richness of the avocado. All of this comes together in a warm, soft tortilla shell, creating a masterpiece that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to create.
The beauty of this recipe extends beyond its simplicity; it’s incredibly versatile. I often adjust the spices to suit my current cravings. Sometimes I add a touch of chipotle powder for a smoky kick, other times I'll experiment with different types of vinegar in the pickled onions for a unique twist. The customizable nature of the recipe makes it a perfect canvas for culinary exploration. My kids love it as much as I do and it's become a staple in our weekly meal rotation.
Beyond the taste, there's an element of satisfaction that comes with creating a delicious meal from scratch, especially when you're short on time. It's a small victory in a busy day, a reminder that taking care of myself and my family through nourishing meals isn't a luxury but a necessity. The aroma of the slow-cooked pork filling our kitchen is an invitation to relax, connect, and enjoy a meal together – a simple pleasure that makes all the difference.
The leftovers are equally amazing, making it a perfect meal-prep option. I often repurpose the carnitas into salads, burritos, or even as a filling for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless, proving that even the simplest recipes can become the foundation of culinary creativity. The slow cooker carnitas tacos aren't just a meal; it's a testament to the power of efficient cooking and the joy of sharing delicious food with those you love.
This recipe is more than just a quick weeknight dinner; it's a reflection of my personal commitment to balancing a fulfilling career with a healthy home life. It shows that creating delicious and wholesome meals is achievable, even on the busiest of days. It's about embracing the art of efficient cooking, finding joy in the simple pleasures, and sharing the love through food. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember the slow cooker carnitas tacos. They're a reminder that delicious, satisfying meals are within reach, even when time is of the essence. It's a taste of home, a moment of peace, and a delicious reward for a busy day well-lived.
