Carnitas Taco

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lard
  • 2 1/2 pounds pork butt, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Chile de Arbol Salsa, recipe follows
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 pound Italian Roma tomatoes
  • 3/4 pound tomatillos, husked and washed
  • 1 cup (30 - 40) Arbol chiles
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro, leaves only, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium white onion, chopped
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan melt lard over moderate heat.
  2. Add pork, salt and pepper and simmer until tender.
  3. Cook about an hour, being careful not to crisp the meat.
  4. Remove pork and set aside until cool.
  5. Shred the meat by hand or with tines of a fork.
  6. Remove and discard any remaining fat.
  7. Transfer to a medium saucepan, add the Arbol salsa and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently.
  8. Serve or assemble within a toasted corn tortilla to make taco.
  9. Carnitas can stay refrigerated for up to five days before assembling within a taco.
  10. Preheat broiler.
  11. Place tomatoes and tomatillos on a baking sheet.
  12. Broil, turning occasionally until charred all over, 10 to 12 minutes.
  13. Transfer to a saucepan.
  14. Add the remaining ingredients.
  15. Bring to a boil and cook until onions are soft, 12 to 15 minutes.
  16. Transfer to a food processor or blender.
  17. Puree and then strain.
  18. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
  19. Arbol salsa can be stored in the refrigerator 3 to 5 days, or frozen for weeks.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

558 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.5g 35% DV
Total Fat 38g 49% DV
Carbs 44.6g 16% DV
Fiber 10.2g 36% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 10098.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 1615.5mg 34% DV
Cholesterol 50.5mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 92mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 143.7mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 474.3mg 36% DV
Iron 14.4mg 80% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

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